Over 234,000 Applications for Disability ID Cards via e-Government System Since August 2021
The Ministry of Family and Social Services of Turkey has reported that since August 28, 2021, 234,588 disabled citizens have applied for disability ID cards through the e-Government portal. This initiative aims to facilitate the lives of disabled individuals. The ministry has been issuing these cards since 1998 to citizens with a disability report of 40% or higher.
The introduction of the e-Government application process offers an alternative to applying at local Family and Social Services Provincial Directorates. The new digital process streamlines the application, reducing bureaucracy and improving accessibility for disabled individuals.
To apply, citizens can visit the link [here](https://www.turkiye.gov.tr/ashb-engelliler-icin-kimlik-karti-basvurusu). The system pulls necessary information such as photos, national IDs, postal addresses from the Central Population Management System (MERNİS), and disability health reports from the Health Information System (SBS). The digitally generated disability ID card is then sent to the applicant’s registered address within 15 business days.
Disabled individuals can still apply in person at their local Family and Social Services Provincial Directorate with two photographs, their national ID, and the original or certified copy of their disability health report.
Since 1998, over 1,137,309 citizens have received disability ID cards. These cards provide significant benefits, including free access to public transportation such as buses, ferries, and trains. Turkish Airlines offers a 20% discount on domestic flights and a 25% discount on international flights departing from Turkey.
Furthermore, individuals with a disability ID card and a valid health report can apply for property tax exemptions for single residences under 200 square meters. Disabled individuals are also exempt from VAT on special equipment and computer programs tailored to their needs. They enjoy free entry to museums, historical sites, national parks, and nature reserves, as well as free access to state theaters.
GSM operators offer special tariffs for disabled customers. Additionally, 5% of the housing units in projects by the Housing Development Administration of Turkey (TOKİ) are allocated for disabled citizens, who can apply with their ID and health report, with recipients determined by a lottery.
Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş, the Minister of Family and Social Services, expressed the ministry’s dedication to improving the quality of life for disabled citizens through these initiatives.