Update on Turkey’s Pension Reforms
The Turkish parliament has revised the minimum pension for retirees, increasing it to 14,469 liras (approximately $530).
In a unanimous decision, Turkey’s parliament has updated the minimum pension law. The new minimum pension reflects an increase of 12,500 liras, up from the previous rate of 12,500 liras (about $458), marking a critical adjustment amidst rising living costs.
This amendment was initially expected to occur in November 2024. However, the government’s prior decision not to implement a change sparked widespread protests, particularly among pensioners advocating for better financial support.
On December 7, 2025, Turkish Labor and Social Insurance Minister Vidat Ishcan announced the new minimum wage for pensioners affiliated with the Social Insurance Institution and the Social Insurance of the Republic of Turkey (BAG-Kur).
The recent adjustment resulted in a 15.75 percent increase, establishing the new minimum pension rate at 14,469 liras. Prior to this amendment, the two institutions’ pensioners had been receiving a minimum salary of 12,500 liras since July 2024.
As of 2024, Turkey’s pension system supports 15,851,244 individuals. Detailed statistics indicate that of these, 10,523,105 pensioners are covered by the Social Insurance Institute (SSK), while an additional 2,523,105 are insured by the Republic’s Social Insurance Institute (BAG-Kur). Furthermore, 2,478,471 pensioners belong to a distinct pension fund.
