Retirees look to Eid al-Adha: How much will the bonus be? Expectations for a raise remain unmet

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.