Dowry Payment (Marriage Allowance): Conditions and Application Steps
In the Turkish social security system, "dowry payment," or officially "marriage allowance," stands out as an important right, especially for female insured individuals receiving widow's or orphan's pensions. This regulation, a reflection of the social state principle, aims to provide financial support to daughters whose pensions are terminated due to marriage.
However, in practice, there are significant gaps in information regarding who is entitled to this right, how it is calculated, what documents are required, and under what circumstances a refund claim arises. In this article, we will examine all aspects of the dowry payment within the framework of the relevant legislation, primarily Article 37 of the Social Security and General Health Insurance Law No. 5510
1. What is Dowry Money?
" Marriage allowance " is a one-time lump -sum payment made to daughters receiving survivor's pensions or income , in the amount of two years' worth of the pension or benefit , if their pension is terminated due to marriage .
This allowance a woman loses her right to receive a monthly pension due to marriage . To compensate for this loss, the Social Security Institution (SGK) pays a lump sum equivalent to a 24-month period.
Basis:
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Article 37 of Law No. 5510:
"Female children whose income or pensions are terminated due to marriage shall, upon request, receive a one-time marriage allowance equal to two years' worth of their income or pensions."
2. Who is eligible to receive a dowry payment?
To be eligible for the dowry payment, certain specific conditions must be met simultaneously:
2.1. Gender and Marital Status Requirement
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Only female insured individuals or beneficiaries are eligible.
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Male children do not receive a dowry payment.
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The marriage must have actually taken place; mere engagement or a religious marriage ceremony is not sufficient.
2.2. Monthly or Income Receiving Requirement
On the application date;
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Death benefit (pension fund, SSK or Bağ-Kur)
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or must be receiving death benefits (due to a work-related accident/occupational disease)
If a person is only receiving healthcare services but not a survivor's pension/income, they are not entitled to a dowry payment.
2.3. Termination of Monthly Payment Due to Marriage
the termination of the monthly payment after marriage must be marriage itself.
For example, if the payment is terminated due to reasons such as age requirements, completion of education, or returning to work, the recipient will no longer be able to receive this payment.
2.4. One-Time Right
Marriage allowance once .
Women who divorce after their first marriage and remarry cannot receive a dowry payment again for their second marriage.
3. How is the dowry amount calculated?
The amount is 24 times the survivor's pension or income at the time of marriage (two years' worth) .
Example Calculation:
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Monthly survivor's pension amount: 5,000 TL
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Marriage allowance = 5,000 TL x 24 = 120,000 TL
This amount is paid in a single lump sum after the application
Important Note:
A person who has received a marriage allowance cannot apply for a survivor's pension again for two years.
If they divorce before this period expires, their pension will only be reinstated after 24 months.
4. What happens in case of divorce?
a daughter divorces within 24 months, she cannot receive the monthly payment again before this period expires.
However, there is no obligation to return it.
In other words, the Social Security Institution (SGK) does not demand the return of the dowry money in case of divorce; only the 24-month period must pass before a new monthly payment can be granted.
This point has also been clearly stated in the Supreme Court's 10th Civil Chamber's ruling numbered 2019/3584 and 2020/1192:
“The marriage allowance is equal to two years' worth of the monthly pension that was discontinued due to marriage, and it is not reclaimed in case of divorce; however, the monthly pension can be reinstated after a period of 24 months.”
5. How to Apply for Dowry Payment?
5.1. Application Location
Applications are submitted to the relevant Provincial Social Security Directorate or Social Security Center . However, nowadays a significant portion of applications can be made through e-Government
5.2. Application Documents
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Application Form or Income/Monthly Salary/Allowance Request Document
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Photocopy of national identity card or passport
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Photocopy of marriage certificate
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Bank IBAN information
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Detailed population registration record (if required)
5.3. Application Period
Applications can be made within 5 years of the marriage date . This period is not a forfeiture period, but a delay will result in a delay in payment. The Social Security Institution (SGK) usually makes the payment within 30-60 days of the application date.
5.4. Application via e-Government
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The website is accessed via www.turkiye.gov.tr
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“Marriage Allowance Application (4A/4B/4C)” in the search bar.
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The form is completed by following the system instructions.
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Wedding date, bank details, and contact information are added.
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Application results can also be tracked via e-Government.
6. Institutional Differences in Dowry Payments (4A–4B–4C)
6.1. 4A (Social Security Institution)
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This is for daughters who receive a survivor's pension from their insured father.
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The marriage allowance is calculated based on a 24-month amount.
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Applications can be made through the SGK Provincial Directorate or via e-Government.
6.2. 4B ( Bağ-Kur members)
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Daughters receiving survivor's benefits under category 4B can also benefit in the same way.
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However, if there are any outstanding debts or premium payments from previous periods, payment may be delayed.
6.3. 4C (Pension Fund)
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The term " Marriage Bonus " is used for the beneficiaries of retired civil servants subject to Law No. 5434 .
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The amount is 12 times the amount of the deducted monthly salary .
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Applications are submitted to the Pension Fund (Social Security Institution Public Officials Pension Department).
7. Consequences of Receiving Dowry Money
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Monthly Deduction:
The survivor's pension is discontinued when a person starts receiving a marriage allowance. -
Monthly payments will not be reinstated for two years:
Even in the case of divorce, monthly payments will not be reinstated until 24 months have passed. -
Other Beneficiaries' Shares Increase:
Since the daughter's monthly allowance is discontinued upon marriage, the share of other beneficiaries (mother, siblings, etc.) may increase. -
No Rights in Case of Remarriage:
This allowance cannot be reclaimed in second or third marriages.
8. Procedure to Follow in Case of Rejection or Underpayment
If the application is rejected or the amount paid is insufficient, appeals and legal action are available.
8.1. Appeal to the Social Security Institution (SGK)
The first step is to submit a written application to the relevant Social Security Institution (SGK) directorate.
The appeal period is 60 days from the date of notification.
8.2. Social Security Institution Inspection and Control
If the Social Security Institution (SGK) rejects the appeal, an additional application can be made to the SGK Audit and Control Department before the decision becomes final .
8.3. Legal Remedies
As a last resort, individuals can file a lawsuit with the Administrative Court or the Labor Court . Since these types of lawsuits are based on social security rights , they are exempt from court fees
Example of a Supreme Court Decision:
Court of Cassation, 21st Civil Chamber, Case No. 2018/2453 – Decision No. 2019/376:
“The marriage allowance is compensation for the monthly pension that was discontinued due to marriage. The Social Security Institution's unfair rejection violates the right to social security.”
9. Other forms of assistance often confused with dowry payments
9.1. Municipalities' Marriage Assistance
Some municipalities cash or household goods assistance .
This assistance should not be confused with the marriage allowance provided by the Social Security Institution (SGK).
9.2. Dowry Account and Government Contribution
The " Dowry Account " program of the Ministry of Family and Social Services is a completely different system. In this program, the state provides contributions to those who make regular savings for a certain period ; it has no connection with the Social Security Institution (SGK).
10. How much will the dowry amount be in 2025?
Marriage allowance varies depending on monthly income.
On average:
| Monthly Death Benefit | Amount to be Paid (24 Times) |
|---|---|
| 5,000 TL | 120,000 TL |
| 6,500 TL | 156,000 TL |
| 8,000 TL | 192,000 TL |
For retired civil servants (4C), payments are generally every 12 months ; therefore, a beneficiary receiving 8,000 TL would receive approximately 96,000 TL as a marriage bonus.
11. Frequently Asked Questions in Practice
Question 1: My spouse passed away, and my son's daughter is receiving a survivor's pension. If she gets married, can she continue to receive this benefit?
Answer: Yes. A granddaughter receiving a survivor's pension is entitled to a dowry payment if her pension is terminated due to marriage.
Question 2: I submitted my application before the marriage, will it be accepted? Answer: No. The allowance can only be requested with a valid application submitted after the marriage date
Question 3: If I get divorced before 24 months have passed, will they ask for my money back?
Answer: No. However, 24 months must pass before a new monthly payment can be made.
Question 4: I receive a survivor's pension from my mother; if I get married, can I also receive a dowry payment from my father?
Answer: No, the allowance is calculated only based on the pension received; payments are not made from other accounts.
12. Case Law of the Court of Cassation and the Council of State
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The 10th Civil Chamber of the Supreme Court of Appeals, Case No. 2019/3584, Decision No. 2020/1192,
ruled that no obligation to return property arises in case of divorce. -
Council of State, 15th Chamber, Case No. 2017/842 E., Decision No. 2018/2945 K.
The right to a marriage allowance arises upon the request of the entitled person; payment cannot be made ex officio. -
The Supreme Court's 21st Civil Chamber, Case No. 2018/2453, Decision No. 2019/376, ruled
that the Social Security Institution's (SGK) rejection decision is an administrative act and is subject to judicial review.
13. Conclusion
The dowry payment (marriage allowance) is an important economic support granted to women by the social security system.
This right is granted only their survivor's pension or income .
Applications can easily be made via e-Government; the amount paid is the total of 24 months' salary.
Although it is a one-time payment, it provides a significant contribution during economic transition periods.
In case of errors in application or incorrect rejection decisions, appeal to the Social Security Institution (SGK) or take legal action .
Knowing the correct information about this benefit and requesting it on time is of great importance for the protection of women's rights.
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