Final days for holiday bonus applications for retirees

Holiday bonuses are paid to SSK, Bağ-Kur, and Emekli Sandığı retirees, as well as to beneficiaries receiving survivor's pensions, based on their share ratio. Bonuses are deposited into accounts twice a year in addition to retirement pensions. Following the 15.75 percent salary increase in 2024, the amount of the bonus remains a subject of curiosity.

Minister of Labor and Social Security Vedat Işıkhan stated that work on the retiree holiday bonus is ongoing, though no clear figure has been announced yet. AKP Group Chairman Abdullah Güler stated that there is no work on this matter at the moment. Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz indicated that the issue would not be on the agenda of the Economic Coordination Council.

HOW MUCH WILL THE 2025 HOLIDAY BONUS BE?

SGK expert Yılmaz estimated that the 2025 holiday bonus could be between 3,500 TL and 4,000 TL based on inflation rates. If the 2025 target inflation is 24 percent, the current 3,000 TL bonus could rise to 3,720 TL.

When calculated based on the 15.75 percent inflation rate for the second half of 2024, the bonus amount could be 3,472.5 TL. When the annual inflation rate of 44.38 percent is taken into account, the bonus could reach levels of 4,331.40 TL.

In addition to retirees, holiday bonuses are also paid to groups such as relatives of martyrs, veterans, civilians affected by terrorism, and champion athletes. Those who apply for retirement in March will not be able to benefit from this year's Ramadan Feast bonus. Yılmaz reminded that applications must be made by February 28.

This year, the Ramadan Feast will be celebrated on March 30, and retirees will receive their bonuses between March 23 and 24. With the 50 percent increase made last year, the bonus had been raised to 3,000 TL.