Dismissal Codes and Worker’s Rights (Current)
April 27, 2025 |
- Articles
| 4 minutes
Short Answer The SSI exit code in your notice of termination of employment directly determines your entitlement to severance pay, notice pay and unemployment benefit. Code 29 has been abolished; the acts within the scope of Article 25/II of Labor Law No. 4857 are now defined with separate codes between 42-50.
What is an Exit Code?
The exit code is the code that officially notifies the Social Security Institution of the reason for the termination of the employment contract. It is not just a registration number; it also determines which rights the worker is entitled to.
Basis of Legislation
- Labor Law No. 4857 – in particular the provisions of Article 25/II.
- Law No. 5510 on Social Security and General Health Insurance – SSI declarations and social security principles.
- SSI Circular 2020/20 – procedures for notice of termination of employment.
- SSI Circular 2021/9 – removal of code 29 and introduction of codes 42-50.
These links give you direct access to official sources.
Exit Codes and Benefits
| Dismissal Code | Description | Right to Severance Pay | Right to Notice Compensation | Right to Unemployment Allowance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Employer termination during probationary period | No. | No. | No. |
| 03 | Resignation of the worker | No. | No. | No. |
| 04 | Termination of the employer without just cause | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 05 | Termination of a fixed-term employment contract | Yes | No. | Yes |
| 08 | Leaving due to retirement or lump sum payment | Yes | No. | No. |
| 12 | Leaving work due to military service | Yes | No. | Yes |
| 13 | Separation of a female worker due to marriage | Yes | No. | No. |
| 15 | Mass layoffs | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 17 | Workplace closure | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 18 | Termination of work | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 23 | Termination of workers for compelling reasons | Yes | No. | Yes |
| 24 | Termination of workers for health reasons | Yes | No. | Yes |
| 25 | Termination due to mistreatment by the employer | Yes | No. | Yes |
| 27 | Employer termination for compelling reasons | Yes | No. | Yes |
| 42-50 | Acts within the scope of 4857 Article 25/II (morality, drugs, absenteeism, etc.) | No. | No. | No. |
Basis for Dismissal Codes 42-50
It is stated in the SSI Circular 2021/9 (published in SGMD) that the following codes are defined in accordance with the provisions of Article 25/II:
- 42: Misleading the employer (e.g., untrue statement when concluding a contract)
- 43: Insulting the employer/his honor, false denunciation
- 44: Sexual harassment
- 45: Drunkenness, drug use in the workplace
- 46: Theft or breach of trust
- 47: Non-deferred offense
- 48: Unauthorized absence
- 49: Persistence in breach of duty
- 50: Do not jeopardize work safety
Terminations based on these exit codes do not entitle the employee to seniority, notice and unemployment benefits.
Correction of Incorrect Dismissal Code
- Request a correction of the exit code in writing to the employer.
- The employer may correct the Social Security Institution’s (SSI) departure declaration (procedure of SSI Circular 2020/20).
- If no correction is made, you can initiate a complaint to the SSI, mediation or litigation.
Example Case
Situation: Ms. Zeynep has been working as a sales manager for 8 years. After the pandemic, the company experienced economic difficulties and decided to close some departments.
Notified Code: Code 17 – Notified as workplace closure or departmental closure.
Legal Consequences:
- Ms. Zeynep is entitled to severance pay (taking into account her 8 years of service).
- Notice pay must also be paid if the company has not been notified (e.g. there may be a 12-week notice obligation).
- If he/she meets the conditions for unemployment benefit (e.g. 600 days of premium in the last 3 years, uninterrupted work for the last 120 days), he/she can receive unemployment benefit.
Risk: If the employer mistakenly uses a code like 03 (resignation) or code 45, Ms. Zeynep may lose both her unemployment and compensation rights. In this case, she should follow the steps above to correct the code.
Question and Answer
Approximately 4-8 months; may be prolonged with appeal processes.
With the SSI Circular 2021/9, code 29 was removed on the grounds that it was ambiguous and replaced with detailed exit codes between 42-50.
You can see the exit code from the e-Government → SGK 4A Work Entry-Exit page.
Yes, the use of an incorrect exit code can cancel the right to unemployment benefit. However, the right can be regained with a correction request.
Generally, exit codes 03 (resignation) and 42-50 (termination contrary to the rules of morality and good faith) are barriers to unemployment benefits.
How to Apply for Unemployment Allowance?
- Check your exit code on e-Government.
- Prepare termination notice, SSI service transcript, identity and bank details.
- Apply to İŞKUR within 30 days of leaving your job.
- If there is a coding error, request correction from the employer or take legal action.
Conclusion
Dismissal codes directly affect a worker’s most basic rights (seniority, notice, unemployment benefits). Incorrect coding can cause serious victimization. Therefore, be sure to check the exit code and request a correction if necessary.
Contact the lawyers at MFY Legal | Law Office for specialized legal support.
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This Briefing is for Informational Purposes; it is not Legal Advice. If You Have any Questions, Please Contact Us. All Rights Reserved.
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