Fifth Phase of Electronic Subsidy Scheme Announced with Late Autumn Rollout
Tehran – In a coordinated effort between the Subsidy Targeting Organization and the Ministry of Cooperatives, Labour, and Social Welfare, the fifth phase of the Electronic Food Coupon (KalaBarg) program is scheduled for a gradual rollout starting in late autumn 2025. This initiative underscores the government’s ongoing commitment to social welfare and economic stability.
A Strategic Shift in Social Support
The Electronic Coupon scheme, which is progressively replacing direct cash subsidies, represents a strategic policy shift designed to enhance the purchasing power of lower-income families and ensure government support is directed specifically toward essential goods. Payments for this fifth phase will be distributed monthly and incrementally to ensure no eligible family is excluded from receiving their allocated credit.
Ensuring Subsidy Efficacy and Transparency
For years, direct cash payments were impacted by inflation and currency devaluation, reducing their effectiveness in covering the real needs of households. The move to a non-cash credit system through the KalaBarg platform guarantees that support is used for purchasing fundamental items, thereby preserving the real value of the subsidy and introducing greater transparency into the system.
Eligible goods in this phase include:
- Iranian and foreign rice
- Cooking oil
- Chicken and eggs
- Milk, yogurt, and cheese
- Sugar and select legumes
The government has indicated that the potential inclusion of new items, such as red meat and premium rice, is under review for subsequent phases.
How to Access and Use the Credits
Heads of households can check their balance and utilize their monthly credit by visiting the official KalaBarg website at kala.gou.ir. The process involves verification via national ID, registered mobile number, and an SMS confirmation. The credit can then be used at affiliated retail stores.
Households that have undergone changes in status, such as marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child, are urged to update their information promptly in the SIMIN system to be correctly accounted for in the fifth phase disbursements.
The full implementation of the Electronic Coupon system not only provides targeted support to vulnerable segments of society but also allows for precise monitoring of subsidy usage, ensuring efficient allocation of national resources and preventing waste.