Severance pay is an important allowance that workers are entitled to if they meet certain conditions when they leave their jobs. This right, regulated under Article 14 of the Labor Law No. 1475 in Turkey, aims to ensure the economic security of workers. However, there are certain prerequisites for being entitled to severance pay. Here are the situations that require severance pay to be paid:

Conditions for Entitlement to Severance Pay

At least 1 Year of Work
The worker must have worked for the same employer for at least 1 year. This period is a basic prerequisite for claiming severance pay.

Termination by the Employer
If the employment contract is terminated by the employer for reasons other than good faith and violation of ethical rules, the worker is entitled to receive severance pay.

Termination by the Employee
A worker may receive severance pay if he/she terminates his/her employment contract for the following reasons:

Health reasons,

Employer’s behavior contrary to good faith and ethical rules,

Stoppage of work at the workplace or similar valid reasons.

Leaving Due to Military Service
Male employees may receive severance pay when they leave their job in order to begin compulsory military service.

Obtainment of Retirement Rights
Employees who complete the insurance period and premium days outside the required age for retirement or who have earned the right to retirement are entitled to severance pay.

Marriage of a Female Employee
Female employees may request severance pay when they leave their job of their own volition within 1 year from the date of their marriage.

Death of the Employee
In the event of the death of the employee, severance pay is paid to the beneficiaries (e.g. family members).


Legal Notice: The information in this article is intended for information purposes only. It is not intended for professional information purposes specific to a person or an institution. Every institution has different requirements because of its own circumstances even though they bear a resemblance to each other. Consequently, it is your interest to consult on an expert before taking a decision based on information stated in this article and putting into practice. Neither Karen Audit nor related person or institutions are not responsible for any damages or losses that might occur in consequence of the use of the information in this article by private or formal, real or legal person and institutions.