Funding elderly care in Turkey is built on a combination of SGK health insurance, Ministry social assistance and private sector pricing. A common misconception is that SGK directly funds the monthly "boarding" fee for all seniors — in reality, SGK's role is primarily health-oriented.
2025 Ministry Fee Ceilings
| City / Region | 2025 Monthly Floor (TL) | 2025 Monthly Ceiling (TL) |
|---|---|---|
| Istanbul Metropolitan | 15,000 TL + VAT | 78,975 TL + VAT |
| Ankara Metropolitan | 9,835 TL + VAT | 59,503 TL + VAT |
| Antalya and Major Cities | 9,835 TL + VAT | 59,503 TL + VAT |
| General Provincial (Average) | 10,000 TL + VAT | 60,000 TL + VAT |
Luxury facilities offering single-occupancy suites, specialised medical monitoring and premium dietary plans may exceed these ceilings; some monthly rates in Istanbul reach 120,000 TL.
What SGK Covers for Facility Residents
| Expenditure Category | Free Residents (State) | Paid Residents (Private/State) |
|---|---|---|
| Boarding and Nutrition | Fully covered by the state | Covered by monthly fee |
| Examinations and Treatment | Covered by EYHGM budget | Standard SGK health rights |
| Medication Costs | Fully covered by the state | Paid by resident/family |
| Medical Devices (Hearing Aids/Prostheses) | Provided by EYHGM/official health bodies | Subject to SGK reimbursement rules |
| Monthly Stipend | Provided under Law No. 2022 | Not applicable |
Poverty Threshold for Free State Care
In 2025, "muhtaçlık" (poverty) under Law No. 2022 requires that household per-capita income be below one-third (1/3) of the net minimum wage after tax exemptions. People who own property but cannot generate sufficient income from it may also be eligible with a "Yoksulluk Belgesi" (Poverty Certificate).
Important: Elderly individuals with no legal caregivers, or those whose caregivers have insufficient financial means, may still qualify for free or reduced-fee care.
Social Assistance Application: Key Documents
- ID card photocopy
- Documents showing income status (payslips, rental income, pension)
- Property ownership certificate showing real estate assets
- Application to Provincial Directorate of Family and Social Services for Social Investigation Report
- Medical summary (epikriz) for Special Care units