Türkiye targets benefit fraudsters for job integration, economic reform

The Ministry of Treasury and Finance has taken a close look at individuals who do not seek employment while receiving social assistance and those working informally to continue receiving aid.

This move is part of a broader effort to implement economic measures and rectify financial structures.

The ministry aims to bring these people into employment and is launching a program involving Turkish Employment Agency.

Vocational counselors will actively participate in this process, and the ministry plans to expand training and vocational training activities for social assistance beneficiaries.

Number of households receiving social assistance increased

The number of households receiving social assistance has significantly increased over the last four years. While 3.2 million households received social assistance in 2017, this figure increased to 4.99 million in 2023.

During this period, the number of households receiving social assistance increased by 1.7 million, with one in every five households now receiving it.

The ratio of people receiving social assistance to the population increased from 13.7 percent in 2017 to 18.4 percent in 2023.

Restrictions on social assistance

The ministry will identify divorced women who continue to live together, receive an orphan’s pension, and prevent them from receiving social assistance.

This step aims to ensure the right people receive social assistance.