Turkey Updates Death Pension Benefits for Widows and Orphans to 2026 Rates

Turkey’s social security system provides death (widow/orphan) pensions to the surviving spouse, children, and parents of a deceased insured person. Eligibility requires at least 1,800 days of contributions or a minimum of five years of insurance with 900 days of contributions. The surviving spouse receives 75% of the pension if unemployed and without personal income, or 50% if employed or already retired. Children are entitled to benefits until age 20 in high school, up to 25 in university (or 18 if not in education) for boys, and without age limit for unmarried girls, provided they are not employed. Disabled children receive benefits regardless of age or gender if they have at least a 60% loss of working capacity.

Parents can receive benefits if the deceased’s net income falls below the minimum wage. For parents under 65, the “remaining share” rule applies; for those 65 and older, the income test is waived. The July 2026 minimum monthly amounts are: widowed spouse (non‑working) 17,664 TL, widowed spouse (working/retired) 11,776 TL, each child 5,888 TL, each parent 5,888 TL. Benefits cease if a child gains employment, a daughter marries, or the widowed spouse remarries. Retroactive claims are limited to the five‑year period preceding the application, with any older entitlement lapsing.