7 in 10 Retirees in Türkiye Return to Work Amid Soaring Living Costs
poverty line
Türkiye’s cost-of-living crisis is forcing millions of retirees back into the workforce. According to the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK), as of June 2025, out of 12.2 million retirees, 8.6 million are either working or actively seeking jobs. This means 70.8% of retirees—7 out of every 10—are engaged in the labor market despite receiving pensions.
An analysis by Naki Bakır in Dünya newspaper highlights how the erosion of purchasing power in pensions has left retirees with little choice but to return to work.
Rising Number of Retirees, Rising Workforce Participation
Data from the Social Security Institution (SGK) shows that the number of people receiving old-age pensions has reached 12,196,336. However, TÜİK’s second-quarter labor statistics reveal that only 3.56 million retirees remain outside the workforce.
This indicates that the vast majority are compelled to supplement their income through active work, painting a stark picture of economic vulnerability among pensioners.
Why Retirees Keep Working
Bakır points to the declining purchasing power of pensions as the key driver behind this trend. Even with monthly benefits, many retirees cannot meet basic expenses. To survive:
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Some work formally and pay a Social Security Support Contribution (SGDP).
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Others remain in the labor force informally, without social security coverage.
The introduction of the Retirement Age Regulation (EYT) further accelerated this trend, with the number of retirees paying SGDP now reaching 2.2 million.
Broader Implications
The reality that a majority of retirees must keep working reflects deep structural challenges in Türkiye’s social security system and broader economy. Rising food prices, rent, and healthcare costs make it increasingly difficult for those on fixed incomes to survive without additional earnings.
Unless pensions are adjusted to match the cost of living, experts warn that the number of retirees staying in or re-entering the workforce will continue to rise.