Holiday Bonus

Holiday bonus is a cash payment made by state to retirees subject to Türkiye’s social security system and certain other right beneficiaries prior to Ramadan and Sacrifice holidays. The primary objective of this practice is to support retirees in meeting increased expenses during holiday periods, enhance quality of life within the framework of the social state concept, and stimulate economic activity in the domestic market.

The holiday bonus scheme was first implemented in 2018. Established under Article 23 of Law No. 7143 Law, this regulation mandates biannual bonus payments to retirees covered by the Social Security Institution (SGK), recipients of widow’s and orphan’s pensions, disabled individuals, war veterans, families of martyrs, and certain other social assistance beneficiaries. This initiative holds significance as the first regular and direct holiday payment made to retirees in the history of the Republic of Türkiye.

The holiday bonus was first introduced in 2018, with a payment of 1,000 TL for each of the Ramadan and Eid al-Adha holidays, totaling 2,000 TL for the year. This amount remained unchanged in 2019, 2020, and 2021.

In 2022, a limited increase was implemented, raising the per-holiday payment to 1,100 TL and the annual total to 2,200 TL. By 2023, the bonus was initially announced at 2,000 TL but later increased to 3,000 TL, with the additional 1,000 TL difference deposited into beneficiaries’ accounts on a separate date. As a result, the annual total payment reached 6,000 TL.

In 2024, the practice continued, with payments of 3,000 TL for each of the Ramadan and Eid al-Adha holidays, totaling 6,000 TL annually. For 2025, the Eid al-Fitr bonus has been set at 4,000 TL.

The holiday bonus covers a wide range of groups receiving income or pensions under the SGK system, including:

• SSK, Bağ-Kur, and Pension Fund retirees

• Disability retirees

• Recipients of widow’s and orphan’s pensions

• Recipients of permanent incapacity income

• Families of martyrs and war veterans

• Individuals receiving the 65-year-old pension (subject to conditions)

In cases where Death pension is shared proportionally under such as, the bonus amount is distributed according to each beneficiary’s share.

Holiday bonus payments are typically made one to ten days before each holiday. Based on the last digit of the recipient’s Turkish ID number, payments are automatically deposited into their bank accounts by the SGK. Payment dates are publicly announced through the SGK’s official website and press announcements. Payments are made directly and without interruption, and no application is required.

The holiday bonus is viewed not only as individual support but also as a cyclical stimulus mechanism within the economic system. Due to retirees’ high propensity to spend, these payments generate increased demand in sectors such as retail, food, clothing, and transportation. This situation is regarded as a key factor in supporting domestic consumption during holiday periods.

Socially, the bonus enables retirees to give pocket money to grandchildren and strengthens familial bonds during the holidays, producing profound emotional effects. Therefore, the bonus is an initiative that nurtures both economic and social affiliation sentiment.