Turkey's SGK to Deduct Past Premium Debts from Retirees' Pensions

The Social Security Institution (SGK) has issued a circular outlining how past premium debts will be collected directly from retirees' pension payments. The regulation covers unpaid contributions for general health insurance, optional and collective insurance, agricultural insurance, Bağ‑Kur, and public‑employee premiums. Deductions apply to retirees, as well as to widows and orphans receiving survivor benefits, without the need for a court order or the pensioner's consent.

The amount that can be taken from a pension is capped at 10 % of the individual benefit, ensuring that the total deduction does not exceed a quarter of the pension overall. When a pensioner receives multiple benefits, each is assessed separately, and any debt of a deceased spouse is also deducted from the survivor's allowance. An appeal procedure has been established, and the locations for filing objections have been disclosed.

The detailed rules aim to recover millions of euros in overdue contributions while protecting pensioners from excessive loss of income.