Bad news for retirees: Increase in the lowest pension may be delayed

While expectations for an increase in the lowest pension continue, it has been announced that the regulation will begin to be discussed in the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) on January 15, 2026.

If the proposal is enacted, the current lowest pension of 16 thousand 881 liras will rise to 20 thousand liras with an 18.47 percent increase.

However, it is emphasized that the committee and general assembly stages in parliament, as well as the presidential approval and publication in the Official Gazette, may not be completed in a short time.

It is also stated that the technical preparations of the Social Security Institution (SGK) could delay the increase process. For this reason, retirees will receive the current amount in January, and the 3 thousand 119 lira difference is expected to be deposited in a lump sum after the regulation comes into effect.

ON WHICH DAYS WILL PENSIONS BE DEPOSITED?

Social Insurance Institution (SSK) retirees receive their pensions every month according to the last digit of their allocation numbers.

Payments for those ending in 9 will begin on January 17, while those ending in 7 will be paid on the 18th, 5 on the 19th, 3 on the 20th, 1 on the 21st, 8 on the 22nd, 6 on the 23rd, 4 on the 24th, 2 on the 25th, and payments for those ending in 0 will be made on the 26th.

For Bağ-Kur retirees, the last two digits of the allocation number are checked. Those ending in 5, 7, 9 will receive their pensions on the 25th; those ending in 3 and 1 on the 26th; those ending in 4, 6, 8 on the 27th; and those ending in 0, 2 will receive them on the 28th.

WHAT HAPPENS IF THE INCREASED PENSION IS NOT READY BY JANUARY 17?

If the legal regulation is not completed by January 17, 2026, retirees will continue to receive their January pensions without the increase applied. Once the legislation and approval processes are concluded and the regulation comes into effect, the difference in salary will be deposited into the accounts of the beneficiaries in a lump sum.