Retirees look to Eid al-Adha: How much will the bonus be? Expectations for a raise remain unmet
Before this year's Eid al-Adha, more than 16 million retirees will receive a bonus of 4,000 TL. However, the amount differs for those receiving widow's, orphan's, or disability pensions. Expectations for an increase in the bonus have remained unmet. Here are the details...
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As Eid al-Adha approaches, one of the most curious topics for pensioners is the holiday bonus. Social Security Institution (SGK) expert İsa Karakaş shared all the details regarding the holiday bonuses in his column. According to Karakaş, no increase is expected in the Eid al-Adha bonus amount this year.
In 2025, the eve of Eid al-Adha falls on Thursday, June 5. The first day of the holiday will be Friday, June 6, and the last day will be Monday, June 9. In this context, the bonuses are expected to be paid out gradually starting from May 31.
IS AN INCREASE IN THE BONUS AMOUNT EXPECTED?
The holiday bonus, which was first given to pensioners in 2018 as 1,000 TL, has been increased irregularly over the years:
2018-2020: 1,000 TL
2021: 1,100 TL
2023: 2,000 TL
2024: 3,000 TL
Ramadan 2025: 4,000 TL
İsa Karakaş, based on insider information from Ankara, stated that there will be no new increase for Eid al-Adha. "Unfortunately, I can state very clearly that there will be no increase. I hope I am wrong," said Karakaş, drawing attention to the expectations of pensioners.
WHO WILL RECEIVE HOW MUCH?
The 4,000 TL bonus will not be paid equally to all pensioners. Here are the payment details provided by Karakaş:
SSK, BAĞ-KUR, and Emekli Sandığı pensioners: 4,000 TL full payment
Those receiving widow's and orphan's pensions: Payment according to the share ratio
Those receiving 25% orphan's pension: 1,000 TL
Those receiving 50% widow's pension: 2,000 TL
Those receiving disability income: Payment according to the degree of permanent disability
Beneficiaries of those who lost their lives due to a work accident or occupational disease: Payment with the same ratios
CRITICAL DATE: MAY 31
For those who want to benefit from the bonus but have not yet completed their retirement procedures, May 31 is an important threshold. According to Karakaş, those who submit their retirement application to the SGK by this date will also earn the right to receive the bonus.
WHO WILL RECEIVE THE BONUS?
Bonuses will only be given to those receiving a pension under the SGK. Accordingly, the following groups will not be able to benefit from the payment:
Those receiving the 65-year-old pension
Those receiving disability salary
Those retired from bank, chamber of industry and commerce, and TOBB funds
As in every year, holiday bonuses will be deposited into accounts before the holiday. Payments are expected to start in the week of May 27 and be completed by the holiday. The SGK will make the payments gradually according to the last digit of the pensioners' allocation number.
WHO WILL BE ABLE TO BENEFIT FROM THE BONUS?
In addition to SGK pensioners, some special groups will also benefit from the bonus right:
Relatives of martyrs
Veterans
Security guards
Champion athletes
These groups will also be able to benefit from the 4,000 TL bonus if they are covered by the SGK.