Erdoğan's intervention in holiday bonuses for retirees: Social Security expert provides figures

As the end of the month of Ramadan approaches, approximately 17 million retirees and beneficiaries are monitoring developments regarding the amount of the holiday bonus to be paid before the 2026 Ramadan Bayram. Chief Social Security Expert İsa Karakaş, known for his assessments in the field of social security, shared possible scenarios regarding the figures currently on the economic management's table.

The 2026 Ramadan Bayram will begin on Friday, March 20. With the holiday date approaching, retirees are seeking answers to questions about when the bonus will be announced and at what level it will be set. Relevant institutions are expected to complete their work in the coming days.

Chief Social Security Expert İsa Karakaş stated that, within the framework of current economic indicators and budget possibilities, the increase rate could take shape at the 25 percent level. Karakaş expressed that if the process proceeds in this manner, retirees will encounter an increase that "contains no surprises."

The holiday bonus practice was first implemented in 2018 at 1,000 TL. In the following years, the amount increased gradually. The bonus, which was 1,100 TL in 2021, rose to 2,000 TL in 2023, 3,000 TL in 2024, and 4,000 TL in 2025.

EXPECTED TO RISE TO 5,000 TL

If a 25 percent increase rate is taken as a basis, the 4,000 TL holiday bonus will rise to 5,000 TL. This possibility is considered the strongest scenario in political circles.

CLAIM: ERDOĞAN MAY STEP IN

Karakaş said that if AKP Chairman and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan becomes directly involved in the process, different figures could also come to the agenda. He stated that in this scenario, the 5,500 TL option stands out, and with a lower probability, the 6,000 TL level could also be discussed. The final amount is expected to be announced to the public after the economic management completes its work.

News Source: 12punto