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The EYT (Early Retirement Age) law, which came into effect in 2023, has further highlighted inequalities in Turkey’s retirement system. According to this regulation, workers insured before September 8, 1999, under the Social Security Institution (SSK), can retire without an age requirement after completing 5,000 to 5,975 premium days and 20 years of insurance for women and 25 years for men.
However, conditions differ for those who were insured between September 8, 1999, and April 30, 2008. This group is required to complete 7,000 premium days and can only retire at 58 for women and 60 for men. For individuals who became insured after April 30, 2008, the system mandates 7,200 premium days for workers and 9,000 premium days for civil servants and tradesmen, with the retirement age depending on the completion date of these conditions.
Growing Demand for Gradual Retirement
According to a report by Habertürk, employees affected by a sudden increase in retirement age due to just one day’s difference are calling for a gradual retirement system. Before the EYT regulation, the waiting period for retirement was only two years, but the new system increased it by up to 18 years, sparking backlash among workers.
The Retirement Justice Association (EMAD-DER) is advocating for a gradual retirement plan, suggesting that those who started working before December 31, 2000, should retire at 43 for women and 45 for men, with the retirement age increasing by one year annually. According to their proposal, those who started working in 2008 should retire at 51 for women and 53 for men. Additionally, they propose that the required premium days start at 6,400 and gradually increase by 75 days per year, rather than the current 7,000-day requirement.
Retirement Age Increases Every Two Years
For individuals who started working after April 30, 2008, the gradual retirement system remains in place. Under this framework, women who complete 7,200 or 9,000 premium days by December 31, 2035, can retire at 58, while men can retire at 60. However, for those who fulfill the requirement after this date, the retirement age will increase every two years.
Currently, many active workers cannot retire until 65, even if they have worked continuously. Men who started working after January 1, 2019, and women who started after January 1, 2023, will have to work until 65 to qualify for retirement, even if they are in the public or private sector. Similarly, men who became insured after January 1, 2024, will also be subject to the 65-year retirement rule.
Parliament Discusses New Proposals
Several new legislative proposals have been submitted to Turkey’s Parliament to address inequalities in the retirement system. Most recently, CHP Karabük MP Cevdet Akçay proposed reducing the premium day requirement for civil servants and tradesmen from 9,000 to 7,200, aligning it with that of private-sector workers.
This proposal also suggests a gradual increase in retirement age based on premium days and starting date. If approved, those who started working between September 8, 1999, and December 31, 2000, could retire at 49 for women and 51 for men. This age limit would then gradually increase by one year annually, reaching 58 for women and 60 for men.
The debate over retirement conditions continues to spark controversy in Turkey, as affected workers seek a more equitable and gradual transition to retirement.
