Title: Iran’s November 2024 Essential Goods Subsidy: Phase Five Rollout and How to Check Your Status
Introduction: A Targeted Support Initiative
The fifth phase of Iran’s Electronic Goods Coupon (کالابرگ الکترونیک) scheme is set for distribution, marking a continued commitment by the government to provide direct, targeted support for household essentials. As the program enters this new stage, the Ministry of Cooperatives, Labour, and Social Welfare has confirmed that the necessary funding has been secured and the distribution process for the Iranian month of Aban 1404 (November 2024) is in its final coordination phases.
What is the Electronic Goods Coupon?
Launched as a strategic measure to bolster the livelihood of lower-income families and mitigate the effects of inflation, the Electronic Goods Coupon is a central pillar of the nation’s social support system. It is designed to channel subsidies directly towards the purchase of essential goods, ensuring that support translates into tangible benefits for household consumption. The program complements existing cash subsidies, acting as a stabilizing mechanism for the essential goods market and protecting the purchasing power of millions of families.
Key Details for Phase Five
- Start Date: The official rollout for Phase Five is scheduled to begin on the 21st of Aban 1404.
- Eligible Households: The scheme targets the first seven income deciles, with over 21 million households across the country being covered.
- Payment Amounts: The subsidy amounts remain consistent with previous phases. Households in deciles 1-3 receive 500,000 Tomans per person, while those in deciles 4-7 receive 350,000 Tomans. These funds are non-transferable and exclusively for purchasing designated goods within the program’s network.
- Covered Goods: The subsidy can be used for nine essential items: oil, rice, chicken, eggs, milk, yogurt, cheese, legumes, and sugar.
How to Check Your Subsidy Status
Beneficiaries can easily check the status of their coupon and remaining balance through several official channels, ensuring transparency and ease of access without the need for in-person visits.
- USSD Code: The simplest method is to dial
*500*1463#and enter the national ID number of the head of the household. This service works without an internet connection. - The “Shoma” App: The official application for the program, available at
shoma.sfara.ir, allows users to check their balance, view transaction history, and locate participating stores. - Official Websites: Authorized online portals and systems also provide a dedicated section for checking the Electronic Goods Coupon status using the head of household’s national ID.
A Streamlined System for Public Benefit
The government has emphasized efforts to integrate and streamline the platforms involved, making it simpler for citizens to access these services. The primary goal remains focused, effective support for families, ensuring that essential goods remain accessible and affordable. This initiative reflects a broader governmental strategy for economic stability and targeted social protection.