In Turkey, the 2008 social security reform has major significance for retirement rules. Because of this reform, retirement regulations differ depending on whether a person’s insurance entry date was before or after 9 September 1999. In addition, people who first entered insurance between 1999 and 2008 are subject to a separate set of rules. Those whose insurance entries fall into these three distinct periods face different requirements for the number of premium days and the retirement age. This can create confusion for many. The rules and timelines are summarized below:
Before 1999
Generally, the retirement conditions for those who entered the system before 9 September 1999 are more favorable than later rules. Individuals with insurance entry prior to that date may benefit from an option to retire with 3,600 days of contributions and can retire early at age 58. For those who entered insurance on or after 9 September 1999, the conditions differ. Another important distinction applies to people whose insurance entry occurred between 9 September 1999 and 9 September 2008.
1999–2008 Period
Those who were first covered by insurance between 9 September 1999 and 30 April 2008 are entitled to retire after paying 7,000 days of premiums; however, the retirement ages differ by gender. For women the reference age is 58 and for men it is 60. In other words, a person who became insured on or after 10 September 1999 can qualify for retirement as follows: women who have 25 years of insurance and have paid 4,500 days of premiums may retire at age 58, while men with 25 years of insurance and 4,500 paid days may retire at age 60.
After 2008
For those who first entered insurance coverage on or after 1 May 2008, the required number of contribution days for retirement is 7,200. Retirement is possible once the required days are completed and the corresponding age condition in that year is met. For example, if women complete 7,200 days by 31 December 2035, they would be eligible to retire at age 58; if men complete 7,200 days by that date, they would be eligible to retire at age 60.