Minister Göktaş Announces the Disbursement of July Pensions for the Elderly and Disabled, Inaugurates Social Solidarity Center in Izmir
Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş, Turkey’s Minister of Family and Social Services, announced that a total of 4.8 billion Turkish Lira, consisting of 2.7 billion Lira for elderly pensions and 2.1 billion Lira for disabled pensions, has begun to be deposited into the accounts of eligible beneficiaries for July.
As part of her Izmir program, Minister Göktaş visited Governor Süleyman Elban at his office. Following this visit, which was closed to the press, she attended the opening ceremony of the Social Solidarity Center (SODAM) in Mustafa Kemal Neighborhood, Buca district.
In her speech at the ceremony, Minister Göktaş highlighted the ongoing efforts to enrich social policies to encompass the entire society according to its needs. She noted that SODAMs established in areas with a significant Romani population, exemplify this approach. Special programs for women are a significant part of the initiatives carried out through SODAMs, Göktaş added.
Minister Göktaş stated that they have contributed to the personal development and increased social participation of women through 90 SODAMs in 27 cities, including seven in Izmir.
“We Support Citizens Who Wish to Develop Themselves”
Göktaş detailed that SODAMs offer vocational training courses and certified education programs. “We provide education programs on family communication, basic disaster awareness, healthy nutrition, and children’s rights to ensure our citizens lead healthier and safer lives. For instance, Sevgi Hanım, a mother of two living in Sakarya, started her dream job thanks to cooking courses provided by SODAM. In Istanbul, Seçil Hanım regained her health through SODAM’s nutrition programs. In Adapazarı, Ayşe Hanım began contributing to her family’s economy by acquiring hairdressing skills through SODAM. These are just a few examples. SODAMs create countless opportunities from Sakarya to Adapazarı, Istanbul to Tekirdağ, and Izmir to Kocaeli, aiding hundreds of women in acquiring new skills. With these services, women and children look to the future with hope. Today, we’re inaugurating the Buca SODAM, offering new services to our citizens. We support those who wish to develop themselves with courses ranging from cooking to pastry, robotic coding to hairdressing. Additionally, we provide a social environment for children aged 8-14 to enjoy their time through mind and intelligence games courses.”
Pensions for the Elderly and Disabled
Minister Göktaş also emphasized the continued development of inclusive and regular social assistance programs for elderly and disabled citizens. She announced that the July pensions for the elderly and disabled had begun to be transferred into the beneficiaries’ accounts. “We are depositing a total of 2.7 billion Lira for elderly pensions and 2.1 billion Lira for disabled pensions, amounting to 4.8 billion Lira. We will also transfer the differences for July in the August payment period to ensure no citizen experiences any loss of rights. Our efforts span from education to health, economy, and social life, aiming to support elderly and disabled citizens in leading independent lives and fully participating in social life,” she stated.
Governor Süleyman Elban noted that the facility sets an example for other establishments with its scope and various amenities.
Following the inauguration, Minister Göktaş visited the Buca Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, meeting with the residents there.