Discrepancy in pension application years sparks debate

The Ombudsman Institution (KDK) has prepared a report examining the pension disparities that have emerged between retirement applications made in 2024 and 2025. The report, titled "Disparities in Worker Pension Salaries Based on Application Date," was presented to the public at an event held at the institution.

In his speech during the presentation of the report, Chief Ombudsman Mehmet Akarca emphasized that salary differences have emerged among insured workers who meet all legal requirements except for their retirement application dates. Akarca stated that this situation creates uncertainty for citizens planning their retirement and raises questions about the predictability of the system.

Akarca noted that they have identified the technical reasons for the fluctuations in pension salaries, stating, "The emergence of a salary difference of approximately 30 percent depending on the application date between 2024 and 2025 poses a problem in terms of fairness. Retirement is an important turning point that comes after a long working life, and such uncertainties create economic and emotional anxiety," he said.

Akarca stated that the social security system should operate not only through technical calculations but also in accordance with the principles of justice and equality. He said that insured individuals who want to avoid the differences between retirement applications may apply for retirement even when they would not normally do so, and that the risk of informal employment increases.

The report includes recommendations for resolving the salary disparities and preventing similar situations from recurring in the future. Akarca said, "The existence of a clear, simple, and precise legal regulation ensuring that pension salaries are not lower than those granted in the previous year is essential."

At the event, Ombudsman Abdullah Cengiz Makas gave a presentation on the report. The program was also attended by AKP Samsun Deputy Ersan Aksu, IYI Party Bursa Deputy Yüksel Selçuk Türkoğlu, General President of the Federation of Retirees and Workers Associations Gönül Boran Özüpak, and President of the Turkey Retirees Association Kazım Ergün.

News Source: 12punto