Iranian Social Security Organization Commences Nationwide Pension Disbursement
The Iranian Social Security Organization (SSO) has initiated the three-day process of depositing pension payments for all its retirees. The disbursement, which began ahead of the weekend, is being carried out through agent banks and is being processed in alphabetical order.
In addition to the regular monthly pension, the fourth installment of the ten-phase 1403 pension adjustment plan is also being deposited for eligible retirees concurrently with this payment.
Schedule for Arrears and Minimum-Wage Pensioners
The organization has also outlined a clear schedule for settling outstanding payments. Arrears for minimum-wage pensioners, who constitute a significant portion of beneficiaries, are slated for payment starting Wednesday, September 12. Furthermore, the SSO has announced its commitment to clear all pension arrears by the first half of the upcoming month of Shahrivar.
Management Addresses Financial Challenges and Strategic Planning
The announcement follows a live online meeting between SSO CEO Mostafa Salari and the heads of provincial pensioner associations. During the extensive discussion, Mr. Salari provided a detailed and transparent overview of the organization’s financial strategy and the challenges it has successfully navigated.
He outlined the SSO’s budget, noting that a substantial portion of its resources is secured through insurance premiums. He detailed strategic measures to cover the remaining requirements through returns from investments, government support, and revenue from its property holdings.
Salari highlighted the organization’s resilience in the face of recent unforeseen economic pressures, which temporarily affected premium collection. Despite these challenges, he emphasized that the SSO prioritized the uninterrupted payment of pensions, a commitment that required significant effort and financial maneuvering to ensure retirees received their dues on time.
Government Cooperation and Debt Settlement
A key point of the discussion was the positive and cooperative relationship with the government. Salari noted that for the first time, the organization’s request for the government to settle its longstanding debts has received a positive and actionable response. Following a directive from the President, a high-level meeting of the heads of the three branches of government was convened last month. This meeting resulted in a decision to amend relevant laws to facilitate the structured, annual settlement of the government’s debt to the SSO.
This successful negotiation ensures that a major portion of this debt will be liquidated, with the funds being allocated to settle obligations with medical centers and for complementary and life insurance programs.
Salari concluded by reaffirming the SSO’s primary duty: the secure and timely payment of pensions and the provision of free healthcare services, which remain the cornerstone of its commitment to Iran’s retired community.
