Rewritten Title:
“Social Security Warns Against Fraudulent Divorces Exploiting Welfare Benefits”
The Hidden Cost of Sham Divorces
In a recent statement, Banafsheh Mahmoudian, Director-General of Pensions at Iran’s Social Security Organization, highlighted the growing issue of fraudulent divorces—a multi-faceted phenomenon with serious economic and social consequences.
Mahmoudian explained that these sham divorces are primarily motivated by financial incentives, such as evading mandatory military service for male children or unlawfully claiming pension benefits. While initially seen as a loophole for economic gain, the long-term effects often backfire, destabilizing families and burdening society—particularly other insured workers who bear the cost through intergenerational insurance contributions.
From Sham to Real: The Unintended Consequences
What begins as a strategic separation frequently evolves into permanent divorce, leaving women especially vulnerable. Many lose inheritance rights from their former spouses, despite continuing to live together. Over time, this trend discourages marriage and reduces women’s participation in the formal workforce, further straining social and economic structures.
Crackdown on Fraud
Since 2017, the Social Security Organization has formed specialized committees to investigate suspicious cases. So far, nearly 1,300 cases of fraudulent divorces—where couples remain cohabiting—have been reviewed, with 900 pensions revoked. These decisions have been upheld by administrative courts, reinforcing the legality of the organization’s actions.
Mahmoudian emphasized that detected cases are merely the “tip of the iceberg,” urging academic and legislative authorities to study and address this shift in family dynamics, which challenges traditional Iranian-Islamic family foundations.
Legal and Ethical Measures
Backed by religious decrees from the offices of the Supreme Leader and Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi—which condemn exploiting welfare laws as unethical and unlawful—the organization has legal grounds to suspend pensions for violators. Periodic eligibility checks ensure compliance, and those found guilty face benefit termination pending final rulings.
Final Note:
The Social Security Organization remains vigilant in safeguarding public resources while calling for broader societal awareness to preserve the sanctity of family institutions.