SGK Expert Warns: Pension Payments Cut for Those Exceeding Three-Month Examination Period

Social Security Institution (SGK) experts have issued a critical warning regarding the control examination process for disability and invalidity pensions. SGK Chief Expert İsa Karakaş highlighted that failing to complete these examinations within the stipulated three-month period can result in substantial financial losses for beneficiaries.

Karakaş explained that the most critical situation arises when the control report is obtained after the three-month deadline. In such cases, even if the individual's disability status continues, the payments that were suspended during that period will not be paid retroactively. A new pension can only be reconnected from the beginning of the month following the new report date.

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The most critical situation arises when the control report is received after the three-month period.

SGK typically sends referral documents to beneficiaries at least three months prior to the control examination date. If only the year and month are specified in the control decision, the first day of that month is considered the official control date. Karakaş stressed the importance of initiating hospital procedures without delay after receiving the notification to prevent any loss of rights.

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If the control report is obtained within three months prior to the control date and the disability is confirmed to be ongoing, no deduction is made from the pension.

The date the control report is obtained is decisive for the continuation of the pension. If the report is obtained within three months prior to the control date and the disability is confirmed to be ongoing, no deduction is made from the pension. If the examination determines that the disability has ended, the pension is stopped in the payment period following the control date, but previously paid amounts are not reclaimed.

If the report is obtained within three months after the control date, the pension is temporarily suspended. Once the report is approved by the institution, the accumulated payments from the date of suspension are paid to the beneficiary in a lump sum. Control examinations are conducted to determine if a person's illness or disability status continues. They can be initiated due to SGK health board recommendations, the insured's reported worsening health, deficiencies in the initial report, third-party notifications, or inspector audits.

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If the report is obtained within three months after the control date, the pension is temporarily suspended.