Receiving a deceased father’s pension on behalf of his children is a right guaranteed by the state to prevent hardship for minors and dependents left without support. This entitlement can be claimed only if specific conditions are met. These requirements apply both to the claimant (the orphaned child) and to the deceased father.
Below are the key conditions and rules that determine eligibility for a deceased father’s pension.
Conditions Required to Receive a Father’s Pension
The answer to “How to claim a deceased father’s pension?” depends on meeting certain prerequisites.
The main requirements to claim a deceased father’s pension are as follows:
- The deceased father must have had social security coverage and must have been registered and working under that social security scheme.
- Children who will claim the deceased father’s pension must not be civil servants themselves.
- Children under 18 years of age receive orphan’s pension without additional conditions. Daughters may claim their father’s pension regardless of age as long as they remain unmarried; marriage ends this entitlement. Divorced daughters can reapply for the orphan’s pension after finalizing the divorce. For sons, the upper age limit is extended while in education: up to 20 years during secondary education and up to 25 years during higher education.
Those who meet these requirements can apply to the Social Security Institution with the necessary documentation after the father’s death to request the pension.
What Are the Conditions to Claim a Deceased Parent’s Retirement Pension?
The details of “How to receive a deceased parent’s retirement pension?” vary depending on the claimant’s situation and the deceased parent’s status. To answer “How is a deceased father’s retirement pension claimed?” the following conditions are important:
- The deceased person must have been covered by the Social Security Institution and must have been working under that system.
- The deceased’s retirement pension is first allocated to the surviving spouse; only after the spouse’s entitlement is resolved can the children receive shares of the pension.
- The deceased does not necessarily need to have already retired for the children to claim orphan’s pension. Having paid at least 900 days of SSK contributions or 1800 days of Bağ-Kur contributions is sufficient for children to apply for orphan’s pension after the parent’s death.
When a Widowed Daughter Can Claim a Deceased Father’s Pension
A daughter who is unmarried at the time of her father’s death can claim orphan’s pension, provided the general conditions above are met. An unmarried daughter who is eligible will continue to receive the pension until she remarries. If she remarries, the entitlement ends; if she later divorces, she may reapply for the orphan’s pension.
A common question is how much a widowed daughter will receive from her deceased father’s pension. The amount depends on whether other beneficiaries exist. If she is the only entitled child or if there are no other entitled children, she will receive 50% of the deceased father’s pension. The actual amount of the father’s pension does not change this proportional rule: if eligibility conditions are met, the daughter receives half.
If the deceased’s spouse is still alive or another child has entitlement to the pension, the daughter’s share is reduced to 25% of the father’s pension. If the surviving spouse dies or another entitled child’s right ends, the share can increase back to 50% and the daughter would then receive half of the pension.
How to Apply for an Orphan’s Pension
The application process for an orphan’s pension varies according to the deceased person’s social security coverage. If the deceased was a Bağ-Kur or SSK member, an application should be made to the relevant Social Security Institution.
If the deceased was a civil servant, applications for orphan’s pension must be submitted to the Civil Servants’ Pension Fund Administration. Applicants in that category are typically required to apply in person.
When applying for orphan’s pension, applicants must submit specific documents. Typically required are the SGK pension application form and a copy of the applicant’s identity card. If the applicant is divorced, they should also include a declaration or documents proving separation or that they live apart from their former spouse.
Can an Orphan Receive Pensions from Both Parents?
Under the relevant social security law, it is possible for an eligible orphan to receive pensions from both parents. However, this is subject to conditions and may affect the amounts paid.
One key requirement is that each deceased parent must have paid social security contributions for a required minimum period. For Bağ-Kur insured parents, 1800 days of contributions is typically necessary for the child to claim from both parents. For SSK-insured parents the threshold is 900 days. A daughter claiming orphan’s pension from both parents must not own a house and must not be employed in a job that grants her a pension or otherwise already drawing a retirement pension.
Amounts When Receiving Orphan’s Pension from Both Parents
When a daughter qualifies to receive orphan’s pension from both parents, the calculation differs from single-parent cases. She generally receives the full amount of the higher-paying parent’s pension and half of the lower-paying parent’s pension.
If one of the deceased parents was a civil servant covered by the Emekli Sandığı (Pension Fund for Public Servants), the orphan may receive the full pensions from both parents.
The dates of the parents’ deaths are also relevant. If one parent died before October 1, 2008, the daughter typically receives the full amount of the higher pension and half of the lower. If both parents died before that date and had different insurance statuses, the orphan may receive full pensions from both.
Yetim Maaşı Sorgulamak İçin TIKLAYINIZ
If both parents were insured under SSK, the orphan daughter receives the full amount of the higher pension and half of the lower. If both were insured under Bağ-Kur, typically only one pension is paid as orphan’s pension.
Where to Get Detailed Information and How to Apply
Anyone planning to apply to the Social Security Institution for orphan’s pension from both parents should first confirm they meet all eligibility conditions. For detailed, case-specific information and guidance, applicants should visit their nearest Social Security Institution office. There, staff can perform the necessary checks, explain applicable rules, and help applicants complete all required documentation so they can file a complete and accurate claim.