Turkey disability retirement system changes spark widespread grievances

Changes to Turkey’s disability retirement system, implemented through Law No. 7538 on January 15, 2025, have led to widespread grievances among citizens. Under the previous 45-year-old system, retirement eligibility was determined by disability percentage reports issued by hospitals using World Health Organization standards.

The new legislation shifts the decision-making authority to the Social Security Institution (SGK) via a new disability list, effectively overriding hospital-issued reports. Nazlı Tetik, President of the Disabled Retirement Solidarity Association, stated that hospital reports are being “completely ignored” and criticized the lack of a transition period, comparing the sudden change to a rule change in the final minute of a football match.

Individual cases highlight the impact of these changes. Muhammet Oğuz, a 40-year-old cancer survivor with a 96 percent disability report, reported being denied retirement benefits despite his medical condition and inability to work. He noted that his attempts to appeal through the SGK and the Presidency Communication Center (CİMER) have gone unanswered.