Claims of a 'Welfare Package' for retirees! What does the regulation cover?

Although AKP Chairman and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan declared 2024 the 'Year of Retirees,' millions of retirees condemned to poverty-level wages have been left disappointed.

Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz made statements regarding the 16 million retirees during a live broadcast he attended yesterday.

Speaking about the regulation concerning retirees in addition to the pension increase in July, Yılmaz responded to the question, "What kind of regulation and work can be done regarding retirees?" as follows;

"As you know, an increase was made for our retirees for 6 months. This increase, which reached up to 50 percent, was valid for 6 months and was made for a 6-month period. Naturally, these evaluations will be made for our retirees after 6 months, just as they are for civil servants. Therefore, the necessary adjustments will certainly be addressed and made there. On the other hand, our Ministry of Labor has some ongoing work and preparations regarding retirees that touch upon daily life. When those are completed, our Ministry of Labor will share them with the public."

Following Yılmaz's statements, while the details of the regulation to be made for retirees were being wondered about, it was claimed that a 'Welfare Package' would be coming for retirees.

According to the report by the Sabah newspaper, which is known for its proximity to the government; the details of the work being done regarding retirees include measures to both increase their income and facilitate their daily lives. The Ministry of Labor continues its negotiations with both institutions and other ministries.

The main headings of the support to be provided within a certain calendar are as follows:

TRANSPORTATION SUPPORT

In addition to the public transportation offered by municipalities, work is being done to ensure that retirees can benefit from other means of transportation at a discount or for free. At this point, privileges will be granted to retirees for plane and train tickets. The Ministry of Transport will step in for this and complete its work.

COMMUNICATION SUPPORT

At this point, the introduction of special discounted tariffs for retirees through protocols to be made with GSM operators will come to the agenda. Thus, retirees will benefit from telephone and internet services more advantageously.

SHOPPING SUPPORT

A shopping card will be prepared for retirees whose income level is below a certain amount, with which they can meet their food and other basic needs. With the money to be loaded onto this card every month, the opportunity to shop at markets will be offered. The Ministry of Family and municipalities will undertake this support.

DISCOUNT ON MUNICIPAL SERVICES

Within this scope, many issues such as discounts on water bills, free or discounted public transportation, and privileged use of municipal facilities will be addressed through protocols to be made with local governments for retirees. Here, retirees will be able to benefit from all services offered by the municipality either at a discount or for free as a privilege.

ENERGY SUPPORT

Work is also being done on discounting natural gas and electricity bills for all retirees, especially those with low pensions. With the protocol to be made with the Ministry of Energy on this matter, measures to reduce these expenses of retirees may be put into effect. The energy support applied per person to households will also be expanded for retirees.

RENT SUPPORT

Rent subsidies for retirees, especially in metropolitan cities, have also come to the agenda. Starting with low-income retirees, a certain amount of rent support will be provided to retirees. Local governments will also step in on this matter. This support amount will be higher in metropolitan cities. Thus, a portion of the retirees' rent will be covered.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT

Within this scope, privileges will be granted to retirees in banking services through protocols to be made with banks. Private banks, especially public banks, will also be involved. Issues such as access to credit, low-interest opportunities, free banking services, and increasing promotion amounts will be in effect.

VACATION SUPPORT

Public institution facilities will open their doors for retirees who cannot find the opportunity to go on vacation. Thus, retirees will have the opportunity to stay and vacation in public facilities in the region they want. In addition, with protocols to be made with tourism companies, discounted vacation opportunities in holiday resorts will be offered to retirees with special campaigns.

WELFARE SHARE AND BASE SALARY

The flat-rate supports in the base salary applied for retirees will be redetermined for the upcoming period. This increase is also expected to be made before July. In addition, a flat-rate increase for the base salary regulation and a change in the pension calculation system are among the issues being worked on at the table.