Path to retirement opens for housewives: Legislative proposal in the Turkish Parliament
The 40-article proposal submitted to the Turkish Parliament envisions counting domestic labor toward insurance periods, having premiums covered by the Treasury, and providing care support.
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A legislative proposal aiming to recognize unpaid care and domestic work within the social security system has been submitted to the Turkish Parliament. The proposal seeks to expand access to retirement and health insurance for housewives, enable caregivers to benefit from support services, and strengthen job security for those working in domestic services.
According to SGK Chief Expert İsa Karakaş, the proposal consists of 40 articles. The regulation envisions counting unpaid labor such as caregiving, cleaning, and similar tasks performed at home toward insurance periods, and having the retirement and health premiums of housewives covered by the Treasury. The option for individuals to increase their retirement pension by paying additional premiums is also among the topics included in the proposal.
The justification for the proposal emphasizes that domestic labor is not only a part of family life but also one of the invisible components of the economy. According to the 2025 Time Use Survey by TUIK, women spend an average of 4 hours and 3 minutes per day on housework and caregiving, while this duration is at the level of 58 minutes for men.
KEY PROVISIONS IN THE PROPOSAL
According to the regulation, years previously spent at home without insurance can be bought back and counted toward retirement. The proposal also includes provisions for domestic workers and their families to benefit from general health insurance without paying premiums.
The provision of psychological support, caregiving training, and legal counseling for caregivers is envisioned, as well as the provision of "respite care" services by the state. Granting those who provide continuous care at least 30 days of temporary care/leave per year is also one of the notable articles.
The proposal also contains provisions regarding those working for wages in domestic services. The requirement for a written contract for domestic work lasting longer than 30 days, protection against mobbing, violence, and harassment, occupational health and safety measures, and severance pay and leave rights are among the regulatory topics listed.
Assigning municipalities the duty to open daycares, nursing homes, and respite houses constitutes the social services pillar of the proposal. Furthermore, it is aimed that home care assistance will consider not only household income but also the burden of care, and that the insurance premiums of the caregiver will be paid by the Treasury.
Whether the proposal will be enacted will become clear following the commission and General Assembly process in the Turkish Parliament. If accepted, the regulation will represent a comprehensive change that expands the recognition of domestic labor within the social security system.