Poverty Soars: 34 Million Turks Requested State Aid Over Past Four Years

The scale of poverty in Turkey continues to deepen, with over 34 million citizens reaching out to the state for social assistance between 2020 and 2024. According to data revealed by Family and Social Services Minister Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş, applications to the government’s social support hotline “Alo 144” surged during this period, driven by a worsening economic crisis and the inability of many households to afford basic necessities.

Millions Relying on State Aid

The figures were disclosed in response to a parliamentary question by DEVA Party lawmaker İdris Şahin. According to Minister Göktaş, the annual number of requests for aid was as follows:

• 2020: 6,638,270

• 2021: 6,026,918

• 2022: 9,007,545

• 2023: 7,383,143

• 2024 (so far): 4,947,942

These numbers reflect the growing number of citizens seeking help for essentials like housing, food, and heating amid high inflation, stagnant wages, and deteriorating social safety nets.

Minister: “It’s Awareness, Not Poverty”

Despite the surge in aid applications, Minister Göktaş downplayed the connection to rising poverty. Speaking to Sözcü newspaper, she attributed the rise not to economic distress but to increased “awareness and consciousness” among citizens regarding available government assistance. She argued that the state has become more effective in reaching out to those in need.

However, critics argue this explanation ignores harsh realities on the ground.

The Expanding Map of Poverty

While no official figure quantifies the exact number of people living below the poverty line in Turkey, various independent sources paint a grim picture:

• Extreme Poverty: The Family and Social Services Ministry’s own 2024 report identifies at least 3.6 million households living in extreme poverty.

• Children in Poverty: According to the Ankara Chamber of Medicine, 5.4 million children are living below the poverty line.

• Total Poor Population: Data from Medyascope indicates that by 2023, 18.2 million people in Turkey were living in poverty.

• People Relying on Regular Aid: In 2024, the number of people dependent on regular government support reached 4.44 million, according to the Ankara Chamber of Medicine.

• Below Hunger Line: Perhaps most alarming, a report by independent news outlet Bianet estimates that 60% of the population—about 51.6 million people—live below the hunger threshold.

Political and Economic Fallout

The surge in state aid requests adds to mounting pressure on the AKP government over its handling of the economy. Soaring inflation, sharp interest rate hikes, and a weakening lira have drastically reduced purchasing power. Critics argue that the government’s “tight belt” economic policy, while attempting to reduce inflation, has left millions vulnerable without adequate social protection.

As Turkey heads toward 2026, when Finance Minister Mehmet Şimşek has promised a return to prosperity, these figures suggest that for many families, the struggle for survival continues—and the safety net is wearing thin.

Source: Sözcü, Medyascope, Bianet, Ankara Chamber of Medicine

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