Title: Landmark Policy Shift: Iran’s Retirees and Employees Now Eligible for Child Benefits for All Children
In a significant policy update, Iran’s Social Security Organization has implemented a major expansion of child benefit allowances for retirees and employees under its coverage. The new regulations, detailed in recent directives, have completely removed the previous cap on the number of eligible children, ensuring comprehensive financial support for families.
Abolishing the Two-Child Limit
Previously, Article 86 of the Social Security Law restricted the “right of child” allowance to only the first two children of an insured person. This limitation has now been officially rescinded. The change is rooted in the implementation of the broader “Law on Amending the Population and Family Laws,” passed in 2015. Since its enactment, all children, regardless of their number in the family, are covered under this financial support scheme.
Calculating the Benefit
The child allowance is calculated based on the minimum wage determined by Iran’s Supreme Labor Council. For instance, using the minimum wage benchmark for the previous year, the monthly allowance per child was set at a specific figure. The general calculation formula is consistent for all employees covered by the labor law and is not influenced by an individual’s base salary or seniority.
Eligibility Criteria
- Payments for children under the age of 18 are unconditional.
- For children above 18, the benefit continues only if they are pursuing higher education or in cases of severe disability or incapacity.
- The marital or divorce status of daughters does not affect eligibility, nor does the issue of child custody.
Required Documentation
Applicants are required to submit foundational documents, including national identity cards and birth certificates for both the insured person and the children, the most recent pay slip, and the social security insurance booklet. Additional documents, such as proof of a child’s enrollment in education, disability certification, or legal guardianship papers for an adopted child, may also be necessary.
Gender Equality and Dual Entitlement
The law ensures gender neutrality; both male and female employees are equally entitled to claim the child allowance. Furthermore, if both parents are employed at the same workplace, each is eligible to receive the benefit for their children.
Tax and Insurance Considerations
As of the current Iranian calendar year, the child allowance amount is subject to income tax. However, no social security insurance deductions are applied to this particular benefit.
Upholding Legal Rights
The child allowance is considered an inalienable legal right. Should an employer refuse to disburse the payment, employees and retirees have the right to file a formal complaint with competent authorities, such as the Department of Labor, to pursue their entitled benefits.