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What is an SGK Premium Deficiency? Your Rights and Solutions (2026)

📌 What is a shortfall in SGK premiums?

A shortfall in SGK premiums occurs when an employer fails to register an employee based on their actual duration of employment or actual salary. As a result, the employee suffers losses regarding retirement and social security rights. Moreover, many people realize this situation too late. For this reason, employees should conduct regular checks.

For example, an employer might not report certain months at all. Furthermore, the employer might underreport the salary. Additionally, they may fail to reflect overtime and additional payments in the system. Consequently, the employee is included in the system with insufficient premiums without even realizing it.


⚠️ Which situations create issues?

Premium shortfalls typically arise in the following situations:

  • Underreporting the salary
  • Hiding overtime and bonuses
  • Not reporting certain months at all
  • Registering as part-time while working full-time
  • Delayed registration of the start date

Therefore, simply receiving a salary is not enough. SGK records must also be checked.


⚖️ What rights does the employee have?

This situation has serious consequences for the employee. Primarily, the retirement period is extended. Furthermore, the pension amount decreases. Along with this, there are issues with health and other social rights.

However, an employee can claim many of their rights:

  • Severance pay
  • Notice pay
  • Salary difference
  • Overtime receivables
  • Other labor receivables

Therefore, the employee should seek their rights without delay.


🧾 Application process to SGK

First, when an employee notices the situation, they should apply to the SGK. To do this:

  • Use the Alo 170 hotline
  • Submit an application via petition
  • Visit the institution directly

👉 The Social Security Institution carries out the official procedures.

Also, for detailed information:
👉 https://www.sgk.gov.tr
👉 https://www.turkiye.gov.tr

After this application, the institution performs an audit. If a shortfall is detected, the employer is fined.


🏛️ Right to file a lawsuit

However, in some cases, an application alone is not enough. Especially if no registration was made at all, the employee can file a lawsuit.

In this case:

👉 A service determination lawsuit is filed
👉 Time limit: 5 years

The court evaluates the following evidence:

  • Payrolls
  • Bank records
  • Witness testimonies
  • Correspondence

Therefore, the employee should collect documents.


❗ Right to resign

Such shortfalls give the employee a significant right. The employee can terminate the employment contract for a just cause.

As a result:

  • They receive severance pay
  • They claim their rights

However, the employee must manage this process carefully.


⛔ Beware of "fake" insurance risks

In some cases, a person is registered as insured even though they have never worked. This situation is different and leads to serious consequences.

Upon detection:

  • Insurance is canceled
  • Salary is cut
  • Payments are reclaimed

Therefore, the accuracy of records must be verified.


⏳ Why are time limits important?

Time limits are of critical importance to avoid losing rights:

Right Time Limit
Service determination lawsuit 5 years
Salary receivables 5 years
Severance pay 10 years

Therefore, the employee should take action without delay.


📌 Conclusion

A shortfall in SGK premiums is not a minor issue. On the contrary, it has a direct impact on retirement and salary. For this reason, employees should conduct regular checks, and when they detect a shortfall, they should quickly pursue application and litigation paths.

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