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How to Remove a Block on Your Pension Payments

A pension is a type of income paid by the Social Security Institution (SGK) and is often the primary means of livelihood for retirees. In some cases, however, banks or enforcement offices may place a hold (block) on a pension payment.

How can a block on a pension be removed? Which steps should be followed to lift the block? How can you apply via e-Government (e-Devlet) or through your bank? Below we explain the step-by-step process for removing a block placed on a pension.

Why Is a Block Placed on a Pension?

Common reasons a pension may be blocked include the following:

1. Blocks Due to Bank Loans and Debts

  • If a retiree has taken a loan from the bank where their pension is paid, or has unpaid credit card debt, the bank may place an automatic hold on the pension.
  • Although pension income is generally protected from seizure by law, if the retiree consented at contract signing to deductions from the pension, the bank may make deductions accordingly.

2. Blocks Due to Enforcement Proceedings

  • Even though SGK pensions are typically considered non-seizable income, a creditor can sometimes obtain a court order that results in a block on the pension.
  • Enforcement can only be applied to a pension under certain legal conditions.

3. Tax and Public Debt

  • Tax debts, SGK premium debts and other public obligations such as alimony can lead to a block on pension payments.
  • Alimony debts, in particular, can be deducted directly from the pension.

4. Blocks Due to Inactive Accounts

  • If a pension account remains inactive for a long time, the bank may place a hold as a security measure.
  • To remove this type of block it is usually sufficient to visit a branch and complete identity verification.

How to Remove a Block on a Pension

There are different methods to remove a block depending on its cause. Follow the steps below according to why the block was placed.

1. Applying to Remove a Block via e-Government (e-Devlet)

SGK allows applications through e-Government to request removal of blocks that were placed due to inactive accounts or incorrect deductions.

Step-by-Step e-Government Application Process:

  1. Log in to the e-Government portal.
  2. In the search bar, enter “Application for Refund of Inactive or Blocked Pension”.
  3. Click the “New Application” section on the page that opens.
  4. Create your application, specifying the reason for the block.
  5. Track the outcome of your application from the “Application Tracking” section.

Note: This method applies only to blocks placed by SGK in error. If the block was placed by a bank or an enforcement office, you must contact the relevant institution directly.

2. Removing a Block Through the Bank

If the block is related to a loan or credit card debt at the bank, you should contact your bank directly.

What to Do to Remove a Bank Block:

  • Call customer service to learn the reason for the block.
  • If authority to remove the block rests with a branch, go to the branch and submit a written petition.
  • If your entire pension is being withheld, present the bank with a statement that SGK pensions are protected from seizure and request that deductions be limited to the legal maximum of 25% where applicable.

3. Applying to the Enforcement Office to Lift a Block

If a block was placed through enforcement proceedings, you can file a petition with the relevant enforcement office to request its removal.

How to Remove an Enforcement Block

  1. Visit the enforcement office to learn the reason for the block.
  2. If you want to object, submit an “Application to Lift Enforcement Seizure” to the office.
  3. If the block was placed in error, the enforcement office can contact SGK to correct the situation.
  4. If you cannot resolve the issue directly, consider obtaining legal assistance.

Note: SGK pensions can be fully attached only for alimony and certain tax debts. For most other debts, the legal maximum deduction is 25% of the pension.

Legal Rights and Remedies Regarding Pension Blocks

In general, seizure of SGK pension payments is prohibited, but exceptions exist in limited circumstances.

1. In What Situations Can a Pension Be Seized or Blocked?

  • Tax debts and public receivables, such as outstanding SGK premium debts
  • Alimony debts
  • Cases where a retiree agreed in a loan contract to deductions from their pension

2. How to Prevent a Pension Seizure

  • If your pension is being unlawfully withheld, you can file complaints with SGK and banking regulatory authorities.
  • If an enforcement order exists, you can take the matter to an enforcement court to request removal of the block.
  • Carefully review any loan agreements to see whether you consented to pension deductions.

What to Do to Remove a Block on a Pension

  1. First, determine the reason for the block.
  2. Contact the bank, SGK or the enforcement office to report the issue and request removal.
  3. If necessary, pursue legal avenues to object to the block.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pension Blocks

1. My pension has been blocked—how can I get it removed?

  • Identify which institution placed the block.
  • If SGK placed the block in error, apply via e-Government.
  • If the block was placed by a bank, visit the relevant branch and submit a written objection.
  • If the block results from enforcement proceedings, file an objection at the enforcement office.

2. Can my entire pension be seized?

  • Full seizure is possible for alimony debts.
  • For other debts, the maximum permitted deduction is generally 25% of the pension.

3. What legal options are available when a pension is blocked?

  • You can object to SGK, the bank or the enforcement office.
  • You may also obtain legal assistance and bring the case to an enforcement or civil court if needed.