New models on the agenda for retiree holiday bonuses: 1-salary bonus option stands out

Millions of retirees are now awaiting changes to their holiday bonuses following the salary increases implemented at the beginning of the year. Various scenarios are being discussed behind the scenes regarding whether the current 4,000 lira bonus provided for each holiday will be increased. Statements made by economist Muhammet Bayram revealed that various alternatives for bonuses are on the table.

In his assessment during a television program, Bayram touched upon initiatives to increase the bonus to be given during the Ramadan and Eid al-Adha holidays, stating, "A 1-salary bonus for retirees is among the options."

Although no official decision has been made yet, expectations are reflecting an increase in the current 4,000 TL holiday bonus payment for retirees to 5,000 TL. If such a step is taken, a total of 10,000 TL in bonuses will have been paid annually for both holidays. However, it is noted that giving the bonus equally to all retirees also brings up debates about fairness.

Economist Bayram stated that the state is working on a fair distribution system in this regard, emphasizing that a different bonus formula is being considered, especially for low-income retirees who do not possess assets. "Instead of giving high holiday bonuses to everyone here, giving a 1-salary holiday bonus to people with low income and no wealth is among the options. This is not yet certain. Our state officials will decide on this. We have shared this with you as insider information," he said.

Bayram also added, "We have the Ramadan and Eid al-Adha holidays ahead of us. It is a matter of discussion to increase the retiree holiday bonuses from at least 5,000 liras each to 10,000 liras for the two holidays. However, there is a problem here. Those who receive high salaries and those who receive low salaries get the same bonus," he said.

"MEET RAMADAN NEEDS" PLAN

Another model being discussed behind the scenes is to provide a total of 1 month's salary as an additional bonus to retirees receiving the lowest salaries across the two holidays. Thus, it is aimed to enable the purchase of a small livestock animal, especially for Eid al-Adha, or to meet the needs of the month of Ramadan.

Consolidating social assistance under a single system and offering bonus support based on household income are also among the proposals on the agenda. In this context, it is stated that the state plans to increase direct support in cases where it is determined that household income is below the minimum wage.

In the new model aimed at ensuring income equality, while it is planned to give lower bonuses to those with high salaries, Bayram said the following on this subject: "There are people who get divorced just to receive a widow's or orphan's pension. There are those who have wealth but receive the lowest retirement pension. They should receive a holiday bonus, but they should receive less."

Bayram underlined that the state's primary goal is to protect the purchasing power of low-income citizens before the holiday, assessing, "Our state will supplement the income to the minimum wage if less than the minimum wage comes into a household. That is why those who receive high salaries will receive less retirement bonus. There are studies for those who receive low salaries to receive more."

Expectations are that the decision will become clear in the coming weeks. Retirees continue to closely follow the official announcements to come from the government.

News Source: 12punto