Hundreds of Thousands of Workers in Türkiye: An Important Warning for Those with SGK Debts

Background on SGK and Social Security Debt

The SGK (Social Security Institution) is the official authority responsible for social insurance in Türkiye. It covers health insurance, retirement pensions, unemployment insurance, and other social security services.

“SGK debt” refers to unpaid or partially paid social security contributions—whether owed by the employer or the employee—or delays in payment.

Accumulated SGK debt can jeopardize a person’s social security rights, including access to healthcare services, retirement benefits, or compensation, if the debt is not settled or restructured.

Who Should Be Concerned?

According to a recent report:

Millions of workers in Türkiye—especially freelancers, self-employed individuals, and those who have temporarily stopped working—may be affected by SGK debts.

Unpaid contributions can prevent them from accessing public healthcare services, applying for retirement, or securing official employment.

Many families in low-income areas rely heavily on state-provided health coverage, meaning that SGK debt can result in losing essential health protection.

The warning particularly applies to:

• Freelancers and self-employed workers

• Individuals who have delayed paying their social security contributions

• Families relying on government health coverage

What Should a Citizen with SGK Debt Do?

1. Check your SGK account:
Log in to the SGK online system or visit an SGK branch to verify the amount of debt owed.
Confirm whether the debt is related to the employee’s share or the employer’s (some employers fail to pay the full amount).

2. Request an instalment plan:
SGK allows debt restructuring or instalment options in certain cases—especially for individuals with limited income.
Submit an official request to SGK for review or instalment arrangements.

3. Settle the debt before deadlines:
Paying the full amount or part of the debt before the end of the year—or before a specific deadline—can help maintain social security coverage.

4. Avoid entering into new official employment contracts before settling the debt:
Outstanding SGK debt may prevent you from securing official employment or receiving certain entitlements.

5. Consult your employer (if you are employed):
In many cases, unpaid SGK contributions result from the employer’s negligence rather than the employee’s.
You should request that your employer settle the contributions owed.

Why Is This Issue Important Now?

• Economic conditions in Türkiye: With rising inflation and unemployment, many workers have stopped working or experienced reduced income, leading to increased delays in SGK payments.

• Higher demand for healthcare services: During economic hardship, people rely more on state-funded healthcare—so SGK debt puts a fundamental right at risk.

• Strain on social security funds: Accumulated debts weaken SGK’s ability to support the system, resulting in broader issues within Türkiye’s social protection framework.

Important Warning if You Have SGK Debt

If you owe SGK contributions—especially if you are self-employed or have stopped working for a period—you should:

• Review your account and confirm the outstanding amount

• Pay the debt or apply for an instalment plan immediately

• Avoid expecting social benefits (healthcare, retirement, etc.) until the debt is settled

• Track payment deadlines to avoid penalties or loss of rights