If you meet the application requirements for the İBB “Severe Winter Support Package”, you can benefit from the assistance provided. Colder weather in winter increases household needs. Expenses that are manageable in other seasons rise due to the need for heating fuel and warmer clothing. Those who meet the İBB severe winter support package application requirements receive help to cover these needs.
İBB, the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, sets criteria for those who wish to receive these aids. These criteria ensure that assistance reaches those who genuinely need it. After evaluations, it is determined whether applicants truly require support. These checks can be performed through documentation review or by in-person household inspections.
The number of people assisted and the amount of aid may change each year. The number of people in need and the country’s current economic situation influence these decisions. The severe winter support package is a relatively new application introduced by İBB.
Payments are loaded as a balance into the Istanbulkart account. This allows recipients to continue receiving social supports they are entitled to while also benefiting from the severe winter package.
What Is the Severe Winter Support Package?
The severe winter support package is a form of assistance provided during the coldest months. Municipalities in each city help residents with limited financial means using their own resources and public donations. These supports are delivered with attention to individual needs and levels of hardship.
Occasionally, municipalities provide additional or non-standard supports beyond regular aid programs. The severe winter support package is one such measure. Living becomes more difficult for many during winter months. Natural gas bills and, for those using stoves, coal expenses are among the most significant costs.
Natural gas bills tend to rise each year. If you meet the required criteria, you can apply for the İBB severe winter support package. Initially, Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality planned to assist 76,400 people with this package; that number may grow in following years.
Recipients are selected from people who have previously applied for social assistance. Priority is given to those already eligible for social support and who use the social support card, focusing on those in greatest need.
İstanbul Metropolitan Municipality provides assistance only to residents living within Istanbul. Students who are registered as residing in Istanbul may also qualify for appropriate supports.
You cannot receive winter aid without applying. Applications are accepted during specific periods, so following announcements is important to avoid missing deadlines.
Who Is Eligible for the Severe Winter Support Package?
Eligibility for the severe winter support package is limited to social support Istanbulkart users. Among cardholders, those with the lowest incomes are identified after financial evaluations. Payments to selected recipients are made through the card.
Those who wish to benefit from the severe winter package should apply for social support immediately. Applications can be submitted via İBB’s social assistance portal at sosyalyardim.ibb.gov.tr.
During the application you will be asked to provide certain information. Using these details and SGK (social security) records, a preliminary screening is conducted. Applicants who pass the initial screening are then asked to submit documents. A household inspection is also carried out to ensure aid reaches those who truly qualify. All process details and requests for documents are communicated to applicants via SMS.
How Much Is the İBB Severe Winter Support?
The İBB severe winter support amount has been set at 1,000 TRY. Those who meet the İBB severe winter support package application requirements receive 1,000 TRY. This amount may increase in future years. The winter support is transferred to the recipient’s Istanbulkart account.
The 1,000 TRY is loaded onto the social support card and can be used at contracted vendors. The social support card is accepted at many locations. Some of the places where the card can be used include:
- A101
- BİM
- CarrefourSA
- Migros
- Happy Center
- Şok
- Multinet Up
- İBB Social Facilities
- İBB Public Transport Vehicles
You can spend the balance provided by the severe winter package at the locations listed above, as well as at public bakeries and participating neighborhood grocers.
How to Apply for İBB Severe Winter Support
To apply for İBB severe winter support, visit sosyalyardim.ibb.gov.tr. Click the “Online Application” link on the site to begin.
After clicking the Online Application link, follow the on-screen instructions to proceed.
In the first stage of the application you will be asked for information shown in the form, such as application type, Covid-19 status, and date of birth. You will also need to enter your name and surname. After filling in the required fields, check the relevant boxes and click “Save and continue.”
After completing these steps, provide any additional requested information. Once your application is complete, wait for a message from İstanbul Metropolitan Municipality. The message will request certain documents, which you must submit to the municipality on the appointed date.
If you cannot deliver the documents on the scheduled date, you can bring them at another time; however, due to application volume, it is recommended to attend the scheduled appointment to avoid long waits.
In addition to document verification, İBB officials may visit your home as part of the application process. No exact visit date is provided in advance. If you are not at home when officials arrive, a follow-up household visit will be scheduled.
When Is the İBB Severe Winter Support Provided?
The İBB severe winter support is provided during the winter months. For 2023, payments were made in February. In February, the 1,000 TRY support amount was loaded to the cards of those selected, and the balance became available for immediate use.
After receiving the severe winter package, you may be eligible to receive similar support again in subsequent years. The timing of assistance can vary from year to year.
How to Check İBB Severe Winter Support Status?
You can check the status of your İBB severe winter support application at sosyalyardim.ibb.gov.tr. Click on “Application Inquiry” to proceed.
On the Application Inquiry screen you will be asked for your identification number, date of birth, and full name. Enter these details in the fields provided to view the current status of your application.
What Other Supports Does İBB Provide?
Other supports provided by İBB are offered both in kind and in cash. Assistance may include direct cash payments or distribution of items such as coal and food supplies. Main categories of support include:
- Reverse migration assistance: Helps people who struggle to continue living in Istanbul by providing financial support to facilitate their return to their hometowns.
- Cash supports: Provided to families who need social and economic assistance.
- Public milk support: Targeted at families with children aged 3–6, providing 2 liters of milk per week.
- Household goods support: Distribution of necessary household items to those in need.
- Support for young university students: Aimed at students living in Istanbul with their families or on their own.
- “So You Can Study” education support: For primary, middle and high school students to assist with educational needs.
You can also apply for İBB’s supports at social service centers or request help through municipal solution centers. If you meet the İBB severe winter support package application requirements, you can access aid more easily.