Social Security in Turkey
The Social Security in Turkey only partially covers requires covering material and financial benefits of statutory contributions-health, unemployment and pension insurance. Gaps in the system are filled with tax-financed grants. There is no general social welfare or long-term care insurance. The even collection of contributions is problematic due to the high proportion of illegal work. In particular in the area of elderly care, the system has enormous room for improvement.
Before 1946
In principle, the obligation to support the needy ( zekat ) was based on Islamic social teaching. At the time of the Ottoman Empire there were support measures in the sense of a religious-philanthropic understanding of alms in individual cases. Guilds (ahi) , guilds (lonca) and private foundations ( vakıf ) created rudimentary care , the latter under state control since 1826. In the early 19th century, mutual aid associations were established for civil servants. The first state hospitals, poor houses and orphanages were built after 1850. The army pension fund was founded in 1866, civil servants' pensions have existed since 1881. In 1921, the mine workers in the Ereğli region organized their retirement benefits. In 1925 a law on a weekend day off was passed. Rudimentary labor protection conditions for women and children followed in 1931. The first real labor protection law was passed in 1936.
As in all agrarian societies, social security generally fell to the (extended) family associations or the village communities. State social insurance is only possible if sufficient distributable surpluses are achieved within the framework of capitalist development and the resistance of the possessing, mostly oligarchically organized, class can be eliminated. This level of social development was achieved in Turkey in 1946. The principle of the welfare state was incorporated into the new constitution in 1961.
1946 to 1999
Statutory old-age pensions have existed since 1949, pensions for incapacity for work and widow's pensions since 1957. After 1964, employees of some banking and insurance companies founded private funds. A non-contributory old-age basic pension for the needy has existed since 1976. For health insurance benefits, insured persons were tied to institutions or contractual partners of their provider until 2007. The social rate in 1999 was very low at 14% of GDP.
Social Insurance Institution for Employees
The Workers Insurance Institute (İşçi Sigortaları Kurumu) was established in 1946 (Law No. 4792). At first, farm workers and those employed in shipping and aviation were not included. The introduction of the disability and survivors' pensions for employees in the private sector took place in 1957. With the Social Insurance Act No. 506 of July 17, 1964, the labor insurance institution was renamed “Social Insurance Institution” ( Sosyal Sigortalar Kurumu , SSK). There was no minimum age for retirement. This could be done at any time, provided the minimum contribution period of 25 years (7,000 days, 4,000 for partial pension) was met. Numerous early retirements were an escape from unemployment, they are a heavy burden on the system today. Permanent farm workers have been recorded since 1984, but were not entitled to continued wages. Seasonal workers and family workers in agriculture have only been protected since 1992.
In 2005 the SSK had 5.65 million contributors (35% of the workforce). This contrasted with 4.3 million pensioners and 29.4 million co-insured persons in the health insurance.
Civil servants
The various civil servants' pension funds were combined to form the Pension Fund of the Republic of Turkey (Türkiye Cumhuriyeti Emekli Sandığı) in 1949 (Law No. 5434). The pension contribution was 16%, the medical expenses (free choice of doctor) were financed from taxes. There were also one-off payments for special occasions and family allowances ( Aile Yardımı ). In 2005 there were 2.4 million active civil servants (11% of the workforce), 2.6 million retirees and 5.6 million co-insured persons. A full pension of around 75% of the average salary was given after 25 years of service (minimum age 60), plus 1% for each additional year of service.
Social Insurance Institution for the Self-Employed
The Social Insurance Institution for the Self-Employed ( Turkish Esnaf ve Sanatkârlar ve Diğer Bağımsız Çalışanlar Sosyal Sigortalar Kurumu, Bağ-Kur ) was founded in 1971 (Law No. 1479). The contributions were significantly higher than in the SSK, but only entitle them to similar benefits, but not in the case of maternity or occupational accidents. The self-employed set their own contributions, which today leads to below-average pension payments. Voluntary pension insurance is possible. Employees and housewives made use of this possibility, particularly in the informal urban sector. Only a few agricultural workers took advantage of this offer. Farmers have only been able to join since 1983. Pensions were possible from a minimum age of 62 (♂) / 60 (♀) and 9,000 contribution days (5000 for partial pensions). In 2005 2.3 million self-employed and one million farmers paid contributions. There were 1.6 million retirees and 11 million co-insured family members.
Institute for social services and child protection
The semi-state " Institute for Social Services and Child Protection " ( Sosyal Hizmetler ve Çocuk Esirgeme Kurumu , SHÇEK) has been providing low, tax-financed benefits for the disabled, senior citizens and children since 1983. They manage, often together with the municipalities, public old people's homes, orphanages, rehabilitation centers and day-care centers. The forerunner organization, the Kinderschutzbund, had existed since 1923.
Other, municipal welfare services
Means testing of applicants is carried out at the local level, which creates potential for abuse. There is no enforceable claim to benefits. Through the semi-state "Foundations for Social Welfare and Mutual Support" ( Sosyal Yardım ve Dayanışma Vakıfları; SYDV), z. B. also the entitlement to the "green card" or "65er pension" determined. The "Fund for the Promotion of Social Aid and Solidarity" ( Sosyal Yardımlaşma ve Dayanışmaya Teşvik Fonu; SYDTF) finances itself among other things. a. from tolls and lotteries. He is responsible for the basic security of the very poor and distributes his funds through the more than 900 “Associations and foundations for social aid and solidarity” ( Sosyal Yardımlaşma ve Dayanışma Vakıflari; SYDV). Mainly benefits in kind (clothing, heating) or one-off grants are given. Islamic charities play no role in the Kemalist state.
Health insurance
General health insurance, under the umbrella of the aforementioned organizations, was introduced in 1950, and statutory maternity protection has existed since 1946.
For nationwide medical care there have been "health centers" (sağlık evleri) with trained nurses since 1963 . Usually three of them are subordinate to a "health unit" (sağlık ocağı) under the direction of a doctor. Regional centers have a “group hospital ” ( grup hastaneleri ) for routine operations. These stations are often understaffed, especially in rural regions. There are also specialist clinics and a paid private sector. In 2000, twelve percent of doctors worked exclusively in private practices, and sixty percent treated private and statutory patients. The “health units” also have tasks of public health care (vaccinations, family planning, etc.).
"Green card"
The “green card” (yeşil kart) introduced in 1992 enabled people in need who had less than a third of the gross minimum wage (82% of users had an income below the legal poverty line in 2009) to stay in hospital free of charge. The range of services was expanded in 2004, which tripled per capita expenditure, although the number of beneficiaries was halved. Care was provided by the state polyclinics, which provide the only basic medical care, especially in rural regions, and whose services are accordingly in high demand. The total cost of this tax-funded program in 2009 was 6 ‰ of GDP . At the time, 14% of the population had a card.
Social security agreement
The German-Turkish social security agreement of April 30, 1964 exists with the Federal Republic of Germany ( Federal Law Gazette 1965 II p. 1169 ).
Social housing
The housing authority Toplu Konut İdaresi (TOKİ), founded in 1984, coordinates social housing construction .
Redesign 1999–2008
The first reorganization measures began in 1999. In 2005, the social security deficit reached 4.5% of GDP. The “reforms” of social security ( sağlikta dönüşüm ) were implemented by the ruling AKP party , as a condition for a loan granted by the IMF 2001/2, in line with the neo-liberal ideology of this institution. They aimed only to a limited extent at improving services (“flexibilization”), but at administrative efficiency and reducing costs at the expense of the insured. Health is viewed as a tradable “commodity.” For employees in the state health sector, this led to an erosion of labor law standards. There was a massive deterioration in occupational health protection and prevention. Private supplementary pensions ( Bireysel Emeklilik ) have been propagated since 2001, the separate supplementary pensions for soldiers and primary school teachers introduced in the 1960s still exist.
Administrative reform
In 1999 it was decided to merge Bağ-Kur and SSK to form the “Social Security Institute” ( Sosyal Güvenlik Kurumu , SGK) and to standardize the benefits, with the pension administration being outsourced as the “General Directorate of Social Insurance” ( Sosyal Sigortalar Genel Müdürlüğü ). This led to an improvement for the self-employed. The ES was only connected in 2007, the small banks in 2008, civil servants are now charged with social security contributions (9% AN, 11% AG). The hospitals belonging to the SSK have been subordinate to the Ministry of Health since 2005. The different databases of the three insurance funds are now processed uniformly by BILKOM .
Since 2012 all Turkish citizens should theoretically be included in the health insurance that was merged in 2008, but many continue to fall through the social network.
unemployment
Unemployment insurance (işsizlik sigortası) was first introduced by Law No. 4447 of August 25, 1999 and was integrated into the general social security administration in 2006. Young workers who have never been employed have no entitlement and are a burden on their families. After unemployment benefits have expired, there is no further help for healthy long-term unemployed.
Pensions
The conditions for drawing a pension have been tightened at the expense of the insured. Contributions for employees consist of 9% AN, 11% AG, self-employed 20% of their income according to their own information. 25% of the total contribution income is financed as a subsidy from tax revenues. The retirement age for old-age pensions is 60 for men and 58 for women; this is to be increased to 65 years by 2046. Contributions must have been paid at least 7,200 days (9,000 for civil servants and the self-employed). For insured persons who paid contributions before October 1, 2008, simplified conditions apply in exceptional cases (3,600 contribution days over 15 years). Disability pensions are available from a disability of 60%, provided that at least 1,800 contribution days have been paid over ten years from 50 years. Widow's (50%, 75% if child and unemployed) and orphan's pensions (25%) are available after 900 contribution days (1,800 for civil servants and the self-employed) over five years. Children receive this up to their 18th birthday, longer if they attend school or university and for uninsured, unmarried daughters. If the minimum contribution periods are not met, there is a severance payment in the event of an occupational accident.
Health insurance and maternity leave
Health care expenditure rose from US $ 55 per capita in 1980 to US $ 105 (2.91% of GDP) in 2000 to 5.13% (US $ 305) in 2009. The reorganization of social administration brought free choice of doctor for all insured persons from June 16 2007. The additional payments in the state health centers were abolished on July 1, 2007. A “family doctor model” should relieve the state polyclinics, “standardized service packages” reduce costs. Due to the slow payment processing by the cash register, numerous pharmacies, laboratories etc. require cash payments for medication and examinations. Employees pay 5% of the contributions (only for medical services), the employer's contribution is 1–6½% for continued wage payments and 7½% of the total wages for benefits in kind, whereby there are contribution assessment ceilings. For the self-employed, 12½% (medical including accidents at work) is due, plus 1–6½% for entitlement to continued wage payments. 25% of the contributions collected are granted as a subsidy from tax revenues. Benefits require 90 contribution days, for benefits under maternity leave 120 days. Long-term care insurance still does not exist, needy and disabled people are dependent on the low level of municipal welfare (in kind) benefits or have to be looked after by the family, who do not receive any state subsidies such as tax breaks.
Services
The amount of pension benefits is increased in January and July according to the cost of living index. Adjustments to health insurance are based on the minimum wage.
- Unemployment benefit, 50% of the average wage for 180 days, provided that at least 600 days of contributions have been paid in the last three years. The payment period is extended for more than 900 or 1200 contribution days. Contributions 1% AN, 2% AG, 1% tax revenue. Once the entitlement has expired, there is no further support. Sickness and maternity benefits can be drawn at the same time.
- Accidents at work. The cash benefits correspond to those of continued wage payments, but without waiting days. AÜ pensions are granted proportionally with 25–70% disability. If you are in need of care or have a severe disability, you will receive a full pension based on the acquired old-age pension.
- Child benefit, previously only paid to civil servants, is now paid to all employees, at around € 10 per month it is low.
- Health insurance. All contributors and their family members who are co-insured free of charge receive uniform benefits in kind and in cash. Uninsured Turkish nationals, homeless people, foreigners, asylum seekers and foreign students with a residence permit are only entitled to benefits in kind (as a replacement for the “Green Card”, which was abolished by 2012). Continued payment of wages in the event of illness, after two waiting days, is 50% of the wage for inpatients, 66% for those at home and is granted for ten (in special cases 90) days after the end of the employment relationship.
- Maternity allowance of 66% is available for eight weeks before and after birth. In the case of multiple births, it is extended by two weeks.
- Pensions: The average pension level for employees is just above the statutory minimum wage, for the self-employed it is significantly lower, as they often have little paid in due to the possibility of setting their own contributions. For some years now, the amount of the contribution has been determined based on the income tax paid . In a few cases the pensions reach twice the minimum wage. As part of the reorganization, the method of calculation was greatly impaired at the expense of the insured. For pensions after accidents at work, there is 2% of the income per contribution year, for people in need of care 100% of the old-age pension.
- Death grants are paid as a lump sum.
literature
- Cüneyd Dinç: the welfare state as a product of a state elite. Turkey in a southern European comparison. VS Verlag für Sozialwissenschaften, Wiesbaden 2009, ISBN 978-3-531-16714-5 (also dissertation, University of Mannheim 2008).
- Stefan Hibbeler: Healthcare in Turkey. Friedrich Ebert Foundation, Istanbul 2003 ( fes-tuerkei.org PDF; 754 kB).
Web links
References and comments
- ↑ For example Georg Jacob: Turkish bread cards from the 16th century. In: World Economic Archive. Volume 7, 1916, pp. 192-194.
- ↑ Law No. 3008 of June 8, 1936, Official Gazette No. 3330 of June 15, 1936.
- ↑ Law No. 4792 of July 9, 1945, Official Gazette No. 6058 of July 16, 1945.
- ↑ Law No. 5434 of June 8, 1949, Official Gazette No. 7235 of June 17, 1949.
- ↑ Law No. 1479 of September 2, 1971, Official Gazette No. 13956 of September 14, 1971.
- ^ Oğuz Karadeniz: Social Security of Casual Agricultural Workers in Turkey. Contribution to the 5th International Research Conference on Social Security in Warsaw from March 5th to 7th, 2007, without page ( 193.134.194.37 ( page no longer available , search in web archives ) Info: The link was automatically marked as defective. Please check the link according to the instructions and then remove this note. PDF; 248 kB).
- ↑ Care density in the poorest regions 1 doctor per 1823 inhabitants. In the richer regions 1: 413. See Stefan Hibbeler: Healthcare in Turkey. Friedrich Ebert Foundation, Istanbul 2003, p. 5 f. ( fes-tuerkei.org PDF; 754 kB).
- ^ Oğuz Karadeniz: Extension of Health Services Coverage for Needy in Turkey: From Social Assistances to General Health Insurance. Contribution to the 6th International Political and Research Conference on Social Security in Luxembourg from September 29 to October 1, 2010, no page ( 193.134.194.37 ( page no longer available , search in web archives ) Info: The link was automatically marked as broken. Please check the link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. PDF; 350 kB).
- ↑ Stefan Hibbeler: Healthcare in Turkey. Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, Istanbul 2003, p. 3 ( fes-tuerkei.org PDF; 754 kB).
- ↑ Stefan Hibbeler: Healthcare in Turkey. Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, Istanbul 2003, p. 14. ( fes-tuerkei.org PDF; 754 kB).
