Türkiye has experienced a significant expansion in its welfare regime over the past two decades, despite global trends of welfare retrenchment. This growth has been evident in social transfers and welfare allocations, even in the face of challenges such as the Great Recession, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the 2022 Russian war. The country has effectively increased its per capita health care expenditure and total social protection expenditure, climbing the ranks compared to other OECD members and significantly reducing income inequality. One of the groups benefiting from Türkiye’s welfare expansion is the disabled population. Worldwide, the number of people living with disabilities is on the rise, with individuals facing various health inequities and barriers to social participation. The disabled are often among the most vulnerable members of society, experiencing higher rates of poverty, exclusion, and discrimination. Türkiye has made strides in providing welfare for the disabled, offering a range of programs and allowances to support their care, education, employment, and overall well-being. The country has prioritized informal home care over institutional care, aligned with cultural values that emphasize familial support for elderly and disabled relatives. This approach, while in line with Turkish cultural norms, also reflects the government’s focus on family-centered welfare policies. Despite these efforts, Türkiye’s welfare system for the disabled is still in its early stages and requires further development to ensure full access to education, employment, and social participation. By supporting disabled individuals to be self-sufficient and contribute to society, Türkiye can harness their potential and reduce their dependency on welfare systems. As Türkiye continues to evolve its welfare regime, addressing the needs of the disabled population will be a key aspect of building a more inclusive and sustainable society.
