The long-awaited EYT (early retirement) reform, which affects millions in Turkey, has reached a critical stage. Although it passed the Parliament General Assembly and was expected to become law, its enactment was delayed after parliamentary work was suspended following the major earthquake centered in Kahramanmaraş.
Following the recent developments, the Social Security Institution (SGK) issued a new decision. The force majeure status that had been declared for Kahramanmaraş after the earthquake will now also apply to Elazığ for people with EYT premium debts. With a total of 11 provinces declared disaster zones, a range of relief measures and conveniences are being introduced for earthquake victims living in the affected region.
EXTENSION GRANTED FOR EYT DEBT PAYMENTS
Following the devastating earthquakes that caused significant loss of life and damage in Adana, Adıyaman, Diyarbakır, Gaziantep, Şanlıurfa, Kilis, Malatya, Kahramanmaraş, Hatay, Osmaniye and Elazığ, authorities have begun to announce consecutive support measures. After the declaration of force majeure, the SGK introduced various conveniences. Among these measures, the deadline for those seeking to make EYT premium repayments has been extended.
While recovery efforts continue in the aftermath of the earthquakes, public institutions and many other organizations have started to provide special concessions for the provinces under force majeure.
ANOTHER PROVINCE ADDED
According to the SGK announcement, Elazığ has also been included under force majeure in accordance with the relevant article of the Social Insurances and General Health Insurance Law for the period between 6 February and 31 July 2023. Details were outlined in the announcement dated 9 February 2023 regarding the postponement of payment deadlines for premium debts and the deadlines for providing information, documents and declarations to the institution.
The statement clarified that Elazığ is now officially counted among the provinces affected by the disaster, and that the same relief measures will apply to Elazığ. After the quake that significantly impacted 11 provinces, recovery efforts continue and many residents remain in difficult circumstances as aftershocks persist. SGK and other institutions are offering support primarily focused on postponing debts and providing payment flexibility to ease the burden on affected citizens.