Turkey is a nation that has been attempting to build itself back up after years of turmoil and conflict, and when a country is trying to rebuild from attacks on its economy and infrastructure, those in poverty are at the forefront of that battle. Inflation has been plaguing Turkey for years, to the point where the inflation rate reached a high of 13.6% in 2024. This has a direct impact on the country’s poverty rate; nuclear families suffer from a 13.4% poverty rate as of 2024, while households where the owner is single only have a 6.5% poverty rate. This is a rare case of improvement, as the rate for this was 0.8 percentage points higher in 2023.

Such poverty rates also affect education, with 24.7% of people in the country who do not have any sort of university degree living in poverty, and 13.6% of people who do not have a high school diploma. It is a downward spiral; those in poverty typically lack education, which in turn prevents those same people from obtaining jobs and opportunities that would allow them to rise out of poverty and rebuild their lives.

The Integrated Social Assistance System

Fortunately for those in poverty, the government in Turkey established systems to try and help them receive the help that they need. The chief program among the others is the Integrated Social Assistance System (ISAS), which provides a flush of resources to those who apply for it.

Established in 2010, the main purpose of the program is to help citizens of Turkey register for social programs and other assistance programs. When someone registers for the Integrated Social Assistance System, the government databases collect their data to determine their eligibility for programs. Since 2010, more than 30 million citizens have been able to secure applications for various programs.

The ISAS and the resources that come with it are both very easy to use and widely helpful in getting those in poverty access to programs that can help them get back on their feet.

Local Communities

The Borgen Project spoke with a pastor of a local community church who wishes to remain anonymous. The church assists those who are on the Integrated Social Assistance system by distributing packages to them and assisting in the rent payments, alongside helping people sign up for the program.

The pastor spoke about “Since ISAS was introduced in Turkey, we have helped parishioners navigate the application process. Many older people or refugees don’t always know how to deal with digital platforms or the paperwork.”  When interviewed about the effectiveness of the ISAS, the pastor explained, “In some ways, it has helped. Before, assistance was fragmented. Now everything is coordinated, and some families receive help more quickly. But the needs keep growing. The underlying issues like unemployment and low wages, are not going away. Sometimes, despite the social assistance, people do not have enough.” There is always something that can be done to improve the lives of those in poverty every single day.

The Process

An inspection officer checks applicants’ residences to verify and assess the applicants’ status. Should someone pass the assessments, they will receive either a social assistance card, direct cash sent to the residence, or a transfer to the beneficiary’s bank account, depending on which option the person chooses. The holders of a social assistant card can use it to make purchases directly, as the cards are prepaid. Only those who are living in poverty can pass the inspections and use these resources, and they are very popular. More than 2 million people in Turkey have a social assistance card.

The Borgen Project spoke with a single mother living in Turkey, benefitting from the ISAS and its resources, who wishes to remain anonymous. When asked about her experience with the program, she said, “I lost my job during the pandemic, and my husband left a year later. With two children, it was terrifying. I have no family support, so I applied for social assistance through the ISAS portal. It was confusing at first but eventually, a social worker helped me. I now receive regular support for food and heating, which is a lifesaver.”

And talking about what would help her the most going forward, her reply was “More job opportunities—especially flexible ones for mothers. Childcare support, too. Social assistance is essential, but I want to stand on my own feet and provide for my children.”

The Future

With ISAS and other programs in place, those in Turkey who are living in poverty have a chance to get the resources and aid they need so they can make it through each day and eventually rise out of poverty for good.

The Borgen Project spoke with a local high school teacher in Turkey about the effects of the ISAS on those who need it most: the children in poverty. She explained, “Yes, students whose families get regular support from the program tend to perform better in the classroom. But the stigma around government handouts still exists; some children feel embarrassed to admit their families need help, and it can affect their self-esteem around their peers. But when families know they can rely on support, even if it’s small, children can focus on learning. Expanding school-based aid and after-school programs would make a huge difference.” If they receive proper help, then the lives of people living in Turkey, young and old, will be able to flourish.

– John Menechino

John is based in Marietta, GA, USA and focuses on Technology and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr