Rights and support

ÇÖZGER (Special Needs Report for Children)

ÇÖZGER (Special Needs Report for Children) is a report prepared by a sağlık kurulu (hospital medical board) for children under 18 that shows the child’s special needs. The report does not state a disability percentage; instead, it states the level of special needs. Under the legislation, the expressions “Çok ileri düzeyde ÖGV” (very advanced level of special needs), “Belirgin ÖGV” (marked special needs) and “Özel koşul gereksinimi var (ÖKGV)” (special condition requirement) mean severe disability. The report does not confer rights on its own; each institution applies its own additional conditions.

1. The caregiver (parent/guardian) applies with a written petition to a hospital authorized to issue ÇÖZGER (Special Needs Report for Children).
2. Authorized hospitals are designated by the Sağlık Bakanlığı (Ministry of Health) and published on the Ministry’s website.
3. The report is completed within 30 days of the application at the latest.
4. The report may be time-limited or permanent; for a time-limited report, a new one may be requested when less than 6 months remain before it expires.

Source: Çocuklar İçin Özel Gereksinim Değerlendirmesi Hakkında Yönetmelik (mevzuat.gov.tr) · Resmî Gazete, 20.02.2019, sayı 30692

Objecting to ÇÖZGER and the transition at age 18

An objection to the ÇÖZGER (Special Needs Report for Children) may be filed with the il sağlık müdürlüğü (provincial health directorate) within 30 days of the date the report is handed over. The child is then referred to another authorized hospital and, if necessary, to a referee hospital. ÇÖZGER becomes invalid when the child turns 18. An application for the adult report may be made when less than 3 months remain before the child turns 18.

Source: Çocuklar İçin Özel Gereksinim Değerlendirmesi Hakkında Yönetmelik (mevzuat.gov.tr) · Erişkinler İçin Engellilik Değerlendirmesi Hakkında Yönetmelik (mevzuat.gov.tr)

Disability Medical Board Report for Adults

For people aged 18 and over, the medical board report is issued under the Erişkinler İçin Engellilik Değerlendirmesi Hakkında Yönetmelik (Regulation on Disability Assessment for Adults). The report states the disability percentage and indicates dependency status as “yes/no”. Under the legislation, the expression “tam bağımlı” (fully dependent) means severe disability. The objection period is 30 days from the date the report is handed over, and the objection is filed with the il sağlık müdürlüğü (provincial health directorate).

1. The person or their guardian applies with a written petition to a hospital authorized to issue the report.
2. The board sees the person in person; the report is completed within 30 days at the latest.
3. The report must include a photograph taken within the last 6 months.

Source: Erişkinler İçin Engellilik Değerlendirmesi Hakkında Yönetmelik (mevzuat.gov.tr)

Medication report (specialist physician report / medical board report)

For some medicines to be paid for by SGK (Social Security Institution), a medical report is required. These reports are usually issued by a specialist physician; medical board reports are also valid. Unless the SUT (Health Implementation Communiqué, SGK’s reimbursement rules) specifies a different period, a medication report is valid for a maximum of 2 years. Diseases and medicines exempt from the patient contribution (co-payment) are published in SGK’s EK-4/D list (Annex 4/D).

1. Ask the specialist who follows your child whether the medicine requires a report.
2. Book an appointment for renewal before the report expires.

Source: SGK Sağlık Uygulama Tebliği (SUT), madde 4.1 ve 4.3 (mevzuat.gov.tr)

Who is eligible?

Three conditions must all be met. For an adult, the report must state “tam bağımlı” (fully dependent); for a child, it must contain the expression “Çok ileri düzeyde ÖGV” (very advanced level of special needs), “Belirgin ÖGV” (marked special needs) or “ÖKGV” (special condition requirement). The average monthly income per person in the household must be less than two-thirds of the net minimum wage. In addition, the home care assessment team must determine, in a care report, that the person cannot carry on their life without the help of others.

Source: Evde Bakım Yardımı Yönetmeliği, Resmî Gazete 26.05.2023, sayı 32202 · Aile ve Sosyal Hizmetler Bakanlığı – Evde bakım yardımı sık sorulan sorular

Where and how to apply?

The application is made to the Aile ve Sosyal Hizmetler İl Müdürlüğü (Provincial Directorate of Family and Social Services) or the Sosyal Hizmet Merkezi (Social Service Center) in the place where the person with a disability is registered in the civil registry. Applications can also be submitted via e-Devlet (Turkish e-Government portal). The person with a disability, the person who wishes to provide care, a relative or the guardian may apply.

1. Prepare a valid ÇÖZGER (Special Needs Report for Children) or adult medical board report.
2. Prepare the T.C. kimlik numarası (Turkish ID number) and a declaration of the income and assets of the household members.
3. Apply to the provincial directorate, the Social Service Center or via e-Devlet.
4. The assessment team visits your home and prepares the care report.

Source: Evde Bakım Yardımı Yönetmeliği, Resmî Gazete 26.05.2023, sayı 32202 · Aile ve Sosyal Hizmetler Bakanlığı – Evde bakım yardımı sık sorulan sorular

Who receives the payment, and when does it stop?

The payment is made to the “caregiver”: a relative or guardian aged 18 or over who lives at the same address as the person with a disability. The amount depends on the indicator figure in the regulation and the civil servant salary coefficient, so it changes periodically. The allowance ends if household income exceeds the limit, if the caregiver does not fulfill their obligations, or in the event of death. For the current amount and income limit, refer to the Ministry’s page or ALO 183 (social support hotline).

Source: Evde Bakım Yardımı Yönetmeliği, Resmî Gazete 26.05.2023, sayı 32202 · Aile ve Sosyal Hizmetler Bakanlığı – Evde bakım yardımı sık sorulan sorular

SGK reimbursement (SUT)

Medicines paid for by SGK (Social Security Institution) are included in the “Bedeli Ödenecek İlaçlar Listesi” (List of Reimbursable Medicines, EK-4/A). Medicines not on the list are not paid for through this route; separate rules apply to medicines from abroad. Some medicines are reimbursed only if prescribed with a medical report and for a specified duration/dose.

1. Ask your doctor whether the medicine is on the SGK list and whether a report is required.
2. Confirm at the pharmacy that the report and prescription are written in accordance with the SUT (Health Implementation Communiqué).

Source: SGK Sağlık Uygulama Tebliği (SUT), madde 4.1 ve 4.3 (mevzuat.gov.tr)

Obtaining medicines from abroad

Medicines that are not licensed or not available on the market in Türkiye may, in exceptional cases, be imported via the TEB (Turkish Pharmacists’ Association) or the SGK-affiliated İbn-i Sina Sağlık Sosyal Güvenlik Merkezi (İbn-i Sina Health Social Security Center). If the medicine is not on the Yurt Dışı İlaç Listesi (Foreign Medicines List) of TİTCK (Turkish Medicines and Medical Devices Agency), TİTCK approval is required. This application is made by the doctor who follows the patient; the patient, a relative or a pharmacist cannot complete the form. For SGK (Social Security Institution) to pay, the medicine must be on the “Yurt Dışı İlaç Fiyat Listesi” (Foreign Medicines Price List, EK-4/C).

1. The doctor issues the required report (specialist physician report or medical board report) and the e-prescription.
2. If necessary, the doctor applies for TİTCK (Turkish Medicines and Medical Devices Agency) approval; the patient signs the “Bilgilendirilmiş Hasta Olur Formu” (Informed Patient Consent Form).
3. The family applies to the TEB (Turkish Pharmacists’ Association) via its branches, the nearest pharmacy or TEB’s online system.
4. An e-report and e-prescription are required for SGK (Social Security Institution) payment.

Source: TİTCK – Yurt Dışından İlaç Temini ve Kullanımı Kılavuzu · SGK – Yurt dışından ilaç temini · Türk Eczacıları Birliği – Yurt dışından ilaç temini, hasta başvurusu · SGK Sağlık Uygulama Tebliği (SUT), madde 4.1 ve 4.3 (mevzuat.gov.tr)

Off-label use of medicines

Using a medicine outside its approved indication in Türkiye is called “off-label use” (endikasyon dışı kullanım). TİTCK (Turkish Medicines and Medical Devices Agency) has a list: the “Ek Onayı Alınmadan Kullanılabilecek Endikasyon Dışı İlaç Listesi” (List of Off-Label Medicines That May Be Used Without Additional Approval). For uses not on this list, TİTCK approval is required before use. The application is made by the doctor who follows the patient. Approval is patient-specific. Sometimes a treatment has already been started without approval. For such treatments, retrospective applications are not considered, except in medical emergencies.

1. The doctor prepares the request form, a sample report, the literature and the epikriz (discharge summary).
2. The patient or parent reads and signs the “Bilgilendirilmiş Hasta Olur Formu” (Informed Patient Consent Form).
3. The doctor submits the application to TİTCK (Turkish Medicines and Medical Devices Agency) via REİYS (TİTCK’s electronic application system) or by post.
4. To continue, a new application may be submitted within the last month of the approval period.

Source: TİTCK – Endikasyon Dışı İlaç Kullanımı Kılavuzu (sayfa ve ekler) · TİTCK – Endikasyon Dışı İlaç Kullanımı Kılavuzu (PDF)

RAM educational assessment

Educational assessment and diagnosis are carried out by the special education assessment board at the RAM (Guidance and Research Centre). The initial application can be made by the parent or the school administration. A person over 18 without an intellectual disability can also apply themselves. If a need for special education is identified, an Özel Eğitim Değerlendirme Kurulu Raporu (Special Education Assessment Board Report) is issued. The child is also referred to a suitable educational setting. Some children cannot come to the RAM because of a health problem. For these children, the assessment is carried out where they are.

1. If your child is enrolled in a school, apply to the RAM (Guidance and Research Centre) responsible for that school; if not, apply to the RAM responsible for your residential address.
2. Bring a written request (dilekçe, petition) and, if necessary, the ÇÖZGER (Special Needs Report for Children) or the relevant medical report.
3. For students enrolled in a school, the school fills in the “Eğitsel Değerlendirme İstek Formu” (Educational Assessment Request Form).

Source: MEB Özel Eğitim Hizmetleri Yönetmeliği (mevzuat.gov.tr)

Home education

Home education may be provided to a student of compulsory school age who has special educational needs and whose medical board report states that, due to a health problem, they will be unable to attend school for at least 12 weeks or that attending would pose a risk to their health. This requires a written request from the parent and an Özel Eğitim Değerlendirme Kurulu Raporu (Special Education Assessment Board Report). The service is planned by the provincial or district special education services board. During this period, the school attendance requirement does not apply.

Source: MEB Özel Eğitim Hizmetleri Yönetmeliği (mevzuat.gov.tr)

Hospital education (hospital classes)

Hospital classes are for students receiving inpatient treatment in hospital. These students must have special educational needs. The classes are opened with the approval of the valilik (provincial governorship). For the service, the parent makes a written application to the provincial/district special education services board. The written opinion of the physician responsible for treatment is also required. A student who cannot come to the class may be taught in their room or online.

1. Ask the ward physician for a written opinion.
2. Obtain the “Öğrenci Kayıt ve Bilgi Formu” (Student Registration and Information Form) from the hospital class teacher and fill it in.
3. Submit a written application to the provincial/district special education services board.

Source: MEB Özel Eğitim Hizmetleri Yönetmeliği (mevzuat.gov.tr) · MEB ÖRGM – Hastane Sınıfları Uygulama Kılavuzu (2024)

Employees: up to 10 days of paid leave per year (4857 sayılı İş Kanunu, Labour Law No. 4857, Additional Art. 2)

For the treatment of a child who is at least 70% disabled or has a chronic illness, up to a total of 10 days of paid leave per year is granted on the basis of a medical report. The leave may be taken all at once or in parts. Only one of the working parents may use this leave.

Source: 4857 sayılı İş Kanunu (mevzuat.gov.tr)

Employees: half-time work for a child born with a disability, and part-time work (Labour Law No. 4857, Art. 74 and Art. 13)

After postnatal maternity leave ends, a female employee is, upon request, granted unpaid leave equal to half of the weekly working time; if the child is born with a disability, this period is 360 days. In addition, after these leave periods, one of the parents may request part-time work until the child reaches compulsory primary school age. This right to part-time work applies to all parents, not only parents of children with disabilities. The request must be notified to the employer in writing at least one month in advance.

Source: 4857 sayılı İş Kanunu (mevzuat.gov.tr)

Civil servants: up to 10 days of excuse leave and half-day work (657 sayılı Kanun, Law No. 657 on Civil Servants, Art. 104)

A civil servant whose child falls ill is granted up to 10 days of excuse leave (mazeret izni) per year. The child must be at least 70% disabled or have a chronic illness. The leave is granted on the basis of a medical report. Only one of the parents, the mother or the father, uses this leave. After postnatal maternity leave, a female civil servant may work half-days for a certain period. This means she works half of the daily working time. If the child is born with a disability, this period is applied as 12 months. The period is also 12 months if the disability is identified within the first 12 months.

Source: 657 sayılı Devlet Memurları Kanunu (mevzuat.gov.tr)

Civil servants: companion leave (657 sayılı Kanun, Law No. 657 on Civil Servants, Art. 105)

If a civil servant’s child has an illness requiring long-term treatment, the civil servant is granted leave of up to 3 months. The civil servant must be obliged to support this child. Or the child’s life must be at risk if the civil servant does not accompany them. The rule also applies to the mother, father, spouse and sibling. The illness must be documented by a medical board report. Salary and personnel rights are preserved. If necessary, the period may be extended by up to the same length again.

Source: 657 sayılı Devlet Memurları Kanunu (mevzuat.gov.tr)

Adding premium days to mothers’ retirement (5510 sayılı Kanun, Social Insurance and General Health Insurance Law No. 5510, Art. 28)

A female insured person who has a child with a disability so severe that the child needs the continuous care of another person can benefit from this right when applying for retirement. One quarter of the number of premium payment days accrued after the date Law No. 5510 entered into force is added to the total number of premium days. This added period is also deducted from the retirement age. For your own situation, get information from SGK (Social Security Institution) via ALO 170 (working life helpline).

Source: 5510 sayılı Sosyal Sigortalar ve Genel Sağlık Sigortası Kanunu (mevzuat.gov.tr)

Disability allowance (Gelir Vergisi Kanunu, Income Tax Law, Art. 31 and Art. 89)

Wage earners who have lost at least 40%, 60% or 80% of their working capacity are considered disabled. They are considered third-, second- or first-degree disabled respectively. A monthly deduction is applied to their wages. Wage earners and self-employed professionals who have a dependent person with a disability are also entitled to this deduction. The deduction amounts are redetermined every year. For the current amount, consult the Gelir İdaresi Başkanlığı (Revenue Administration, GİB).

1. Prepare a petition, a letter from your employer showing that you are employed, your identity details, a document showing that you are responsible for supporting the person, and the medical board report.
2. Apply to the defterdarlık (provincial finance office); in districts with an independent tax office, apply to the tax office; in districts without one, apply to the malmüdürlüğü (district revenue office).
3. Applications are processed through EVİS (Engelli Vergi İndirimi Sistemi, Disability Tax Reduction System).

Source: 193 sayılı Gelir Vergisi Kanunu (mevzuat.gov.tr) · Gelir İdaresi Başkanlığı – Engelliler İçin Vergi Rehberi (2025)

ÖTV-exempt vehicle

The Özel Tüketim Vergisi Kanunu (Special Consumption Tax Law, ÖTV) allows people who meet certain disability percentage and report conditions to purchase certain vehicles for the first time without paying ÖTV. The exemption can be used once every ten years. The conditions (disability percentage, wording that must appear in the report, vehicle type and price limit) change frequently; changes were also made in 2026. Before applying, ask the tax office or the Gelir İdaresi Başkanlığı (Revenue Administration) about the current conditions.

Source: 4760 sayılı Özel Tüketim Vergisi Kanunu (mevzuat.gov.tr) · Gelir İdaresi Başkanlığı – Engelliler İçin Vergi Rehberi (2025)

Free public transport (4736 sayılı Kanun, Law No. 4736, Art. 1)

This right is for Turkish citizens. The person must document with a medical board report that they are at least 40% disabled. These people may use urban and intercity railway and maritime lines free of charge. They may also use municipal urban public transport free of charge. At most one companion travelling with a person with a severe disability may also travel free of charge. For cards and application procedures, consult your municipality or the relevant transport operator.

Source: 4736 sayılı Kanun, madde 1 (mevzuat.gov.tr)

ALO 183 Social Support Line

This is the line of the Aile ve Sosyal Hizmetler Bakanlığı (Ministry of Family and Social Services); it provides information and support on disability, older people, children, women and family matters. It operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and calls from within Türkiye are free of charge. Citizens with hearing and speech impairments can reach staff who know sign language at 0 549 381 0 183.

Source: ALO 183 Sosyal Destek Hattı · Aile ve Sosyal Hizmetler Bakanlığı

ALO 170 Working Life Contact Center

Used for questions concerning the Çalışma ve Sosyal Güvenlik Bakanlığı (Ministry of Labour and Social Security), SGK (Social Security Institution), İŞKUR (Turkish Employment Agency) and MYK (Vocational Qualifications Authority). You can ask here about your rights relating to general health insurance, retirement and working life.

Source: ALO 170 Çalışma Hayatı İletişim Merkezi · Sosyal Güvenlik Kurumu

ALO 182 and MHRS (hospital appointments)

Hospital and doctor appointments are booked through the Merkezi Hekim Randevu Sistemi (MHRS, Central Physician Appointment System). The ALO 182 line, the mhrs.gov.tr website or the mobile app can be used to book. You can also log in to mhrs.gov.tr with your e-Devlet (Turkish e-Government portal) password.

Source: Merkezi Hekim Randevu Sistemi (MHRS)

e-Devlet

Applications for the home care allowance can also be made via e-Devlet (Turkish e-Government portal). For other procedures, check the relevant institution’s e-Devlet services.

Source: Evde Bakım Yardımı Yönetmeliği, Resmî Gazete 26.05.2023, sayı 32202