“The Rules of Retirement Have Changed,” Warns SGK Expert
Wages in Turkey
Social Security Specialist İsa Karakaş has issued a stark warning to Turkish citizens navigating the country’s complex retirement system: “The old formulas no longer apply — the rules have changed.” Writing in Türkiye newspaper, Karakaş urged workers to rely on verified information rather than hearsay, emphasizing that early and accurate planning is “the greatest insurance of your life.”
“One Day Can Cost You 17 Years”
Recalling the EYT (Early Retirement Regulation), Karakaş noted that even a single day’s delay in one’s first insurance registration could lead to massive differences in retirement age:
“As you’ve seen in the EYT regulation, millions of people are retiring 17 to 24 years later just because they started work one day late.”
Karakaş — who has written extensively on social security and spent more than 25 years as a Chief Social Security Inspector (SGK Başmüfettişi) — said thousands have already benefited from strategic planning, helping their children and relatives avoid the 65-year retirement trap.
“The Biggest Trap? False Advice.”
According to Karakaş, Turkey’s social security system is already labyrinthine, and misinformation makes it even harder to navigate:
“The SGK’s regulations are complex enough. When you add advice based on rumors or social media, the result is a disaster.”
He urged citizens to consult official SGK sources or seek guidance from qualified SGK personnel:
“Get your information directly from SGK’s official statements or experienced professionals. Planning without correct data is like walking blindfolded in a maze.”
The Four Golden Rules of Retirement
Karakaş highlighted four key factors that determine when and how comfortably one can retire:
-
Age Limit — The Most Critical Factor
The earlier your insurance entry, the more flexible your age condition becomes. -
Premium Days — The More, the Better
The total number of days you’ve paid premiums directly affects eligibility and benefits. -
Duration of Insured Work — How Long You’ve Been Paying In
Longevity in the system builds a stronger retirement foundation. -
Premium Base Earnings — Higher Contributions, Higher Pension
A higher declared income base during your working life means higher monthly pensions later.
The Real Magic: Your First Work Day
Karakaş stressed that the “magic” of early retirement lies in your first insurance entry date.
“The earlier you started paying premiums, the greater your advantage.”
He provided a striking example:
“A woman who paid just one day of Social Security (SSK) premium on March 29, 1984, can retire with 5,000 days of contributions — with no age condition at all.”
In contrast, individuals who began working later face much stricter requirements under modern laws.
Why SSK Is the Most Advantageous System
Karakaş pointed out that among Turkey’s three main social security categories — 4A (SSK), 4B (Bağ-Kur), and 4C (Emekli Sandığı) — the 4A/SSK system still provides the earliest retirement opportunities, as it generally requires fewer contribution days than the others.
“In 4A insurance, you can retire earlier compared to Bağ-Kur or Emekli Sandığı, provided your first registration date is early enough,” he explained.
Final Advice: Start Now, Don’t Guess
Karakaş concluded by urging citizens — especially young professionals — to plan their retirement today, not decades later:
“Parents, the greatest legacy you can leave your children is not property or savings, but a solid retirement roadmap. Start early. Don’t rely on guesses. Know your first registration date, your contribution base, and your premium count. These will define your future.”
