Military Service Record Will Be Considered for Pension Eligibility, Ombudsman Says

A number of former servicemen have requested the support of the Human Rights Defender regarding the issue of receiving military pensions. In their application, the citizens informed that, for years after being discharged from the armed forces, the Ministry of Defense has denied their military pension applications, citing that they were over the age limit of 45 at the time of their service.

In response to this raised issue, a discussion procedure has been initiated within the Human Rights Defender's office, and letters have been sent to the Ministry of Defense.

During the discussions, considering the Human Rights Defender's letter, the Ministry of Defense decided that the actual period of military service after reaching the upper age limit will also be taken into account in the calculation of the military service record necessary for assigning military pensions to servicemen with long service.

As a result, the systemic issue raised by the servicemen has been resolved with the support of the Ombudsman. Furthermore, the Ministry of Defense reported that citizens who previously received rejections on similar grounds have also been granted military pensions.

The Human Rights Defender emphasizes the importance of cooperation with the Ministry of Defense in the protection of the rights of servicemen and their families.