Title: Iran Streamlines Services and Expands Benefits for Retirees in New Welfare Push
In a significant move to enhance the welfare of its retired community, the Iranian government has announced a comprehensive package of digital, travel, and financial benefits. The initiatives, detailed by Dr. Aladdin Azouji, Acting Head of the National Retirement Fund, are designed to modernize service delivery and improve the quality of life for pensioners.
Digital Transformation of Healthcare
A cornerstone of the new measures is the full digitization of supplementary insurance processes. Retirees will no longer need to visit insurance branches in person, as all documentation and payments for the Dana Insurance Company will now be handled online.
“The system has been updated so that all medical invoices, without any cost ceiling, can be uploaded and payments will be processed automatically,” Dr. Azouji stated. He emphasized that the removal of previous financial limits aims to reduce travel burdens for retirees and facilitate their access to essential medical services.
Revitalizing Community Hubs and Education
The plan also focuses on developing the country’s 59 existing “Hope Houses” into full-fledged service hubs for retirees. The strategy involves reorienting these centers towards providing educational, health, sports, and digital services, with successful models from provinces like Isfahan and Kermanshah serving as benchmarks.
Furthermore, a nationwide program on retirement and elderly lifestyle education is set to launch this winter. In collaboration with specialized organizations, the program will offer training on healthy living, psychological and social skills, and preventing social isolation.
Expanded Travel and Financial Benefits
In a boost for leisure and family life, the 50% subsidized travel program for retirees has been reinstated. Retirees can once again use this subsidy for family trips to domestic tourist hotels. The goal is to more than double the number of beneficiaries from the current 150,000 to between 300,000 and 400,000 individuals.
Dr. Azouji also highlighted that a new welfare package is being finalized. It will include measures to increase purchasing power through discount schemes and low-interest loans, alongside a separate recreational and travel subsidy package.
On the financial front, he confirmed the continuation of essential loans and marriage loans for retirees’ children. By the end of the year, 350,000 retirees are slated to receive low-interest (4%) loans from Export Bank, with Bank Refah ready to increase its payment capacity.
Fostering Participation and Transparency
A key political and administrative focus of the announcement was on incorporating retirees into the decision-making process. Dr. Azouji revealed that three retirees, selected by retiree associations from across the country, will be appointed as managerial advisors to the fund’s CEO.
“If the law permits, a representative will also be introduced as an observer member on the supervisory board to make processes more transparent and participatory,” he added. The government also plans to tap into the expertise of retired professionals, allowing them to collaborate with the fund on consultancy or contracting projects, thereby creating income for them and boosting the fund’s productivity.
The meeting also served as a platform for representatives from retiree associations nationwide to present their views and pressing concerns, ensuring their voices are heard in the ongoing policy development.