Turkish Statistical Institute (TURKSTAT) announced the social protection statistics for 2020. Accordingly, social protection expenditure increased by 20,9 percent in 2020 compared to the previous year and became 655 billions and 599 millions TL. 98,5 percent of this expenditure (646 billions and 2 millions TL) was social protection aids. In this context, the largest expenditure was made for retirees and the elderly, with 300 billions and 902 millions TL. Disease and health care expenditures followed this with 170 billions and 993 millions TL.
THE SHARE OF SOCIAL PROTECTION AID IN GDP IS 12,8 PERCENT
The share of social protection expenditures in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was 13 percent last year. The share of social protection aids in GDP was 12,8 percent. When looked at on the basis of risk and need groups, it was seen that the expenditures made on retired and elderly people had the largest share with 6 percent. This was followed by expenditures on sickness and health care with 3,4 percent, and widows and orphans expenditures with 1,5 percent. 69,8 percent of the social protection aid was given in cash. The biggest share in these aids was the aid given to the retired and the elderly with 66,5 percent. This was followed by widows and orphans with 16,2 percent and unemployment aids with 9,7 percent.
WITHIN THE SCOPE OF SOCIAL PROTECTION NUMBERS INCREASED
While the number of people receiving social protection (retired/elderly, widowed/orphan and disabled/invalid) salary was 14 millions 89 thousands in 2019, it increased by 1,4 percent last year to 14 millions 288 thousands people. While the number of salary aids within the scope of social protection was 14 millions 747 thousands in 2019, it was recorded as 14 millions 979 thousands in 2020.