SGK updates personnel rules and increases retiree audits

The Social Security Institution (SGK) has updated its regulations regarding personnel promotion and title changes. New rules allow for non-exam appointments to specific roles, such as Provincial Deputy Directors and Legal Counsel, provided candidates meet specific educational and service requirements. Additionally, the regulation clarifies exam processes, including the possibility of exams being conducted by institutions like ÖSYM.

Regarding retirement, experts warn that the amount of monthly pension is heavily influenced by the Prime Basis Earnings (PEK) reported to SGK. Reporting earnings at minimum wage levels or failing to include overtime, bonuses, and other benefits can significantly lower future pension amounts. SGK is also increasing its oversight, using technology to audit approximately 17 million retirees to detect irregularities, such as fraudulent disability pensions or improper survivor benefits, which may lead to the cancellation of pensions and demands for repayment.

In the banking sector, several banks are competing for retiree customers through promotion campaigns. Banks like Şekerbank, ING, and Yapı Kredi are offering total benefits of up to 35,000 TL, though these high amounts often require meeting additional conditions such as automatic bill payments, credit card usage, or insurance policies. Many of these current promotional offers are set to expire by September 30.