Iranian Retirees to Receive Pension Increase, Back Payments Starting This Week
Tehran – In a significant move supporting its retiree community, Iran’s Social Security Organization has announced the official commencement of increased pension payments and the settlement of back pay, highlighting a major governmental priority.
Payment Schedule Confirmed
The backlog of payments related to the annual increment and pension adjustments for March has been scheduled for disbursement. The process will begin on Wednesday, September 12th, initially for minimum-wage retirees and pensioners, a group that constitutes approximately 70% of all retirees.
Mostafa Salari, the Managing Director of the Social Security Organization, confirmed the timeline, stating, “The back pay for other retirees will also be paid by the end of [the Iranian month of] Shahrivar at the latest.”
A Commitment to Retiree Welfare
Mr. Salari provided detailed context on the organization’s financial strategy, underscoring a firm commitment to fulfilling its obligations despite economic challenges. He revealed that this year, the organization has forecasted expenditures of at least 1,500 hamt and the collection of 1,200 hamt in insurance premiums.
Addressing the decision to pursue pension increases, Salari stated, “Some criticized us, arguing that we should not have pursued pension increases given the organization’s and the country’s economic conditions. However, we considered it our duty to follow up on this matter due to the living conditions of this segment of society. If it were at all possible, we would have committed to even greater increases.”
Unprecedented Governmental Support
A key theme of the announcement was the strong backing from the national government. Salari emphasized, “In securing necessary resources and within the framework of settling debts, we have encountered positive and decisive opinions from the President and the government, which is unprecedented.”
He detailed a directive from the President to the Headquarters of the Heads of Branches of Power, leading to a decision to amend laws to settle 185 hamt of the Social Security Organization’s claims. A portion of this, 70 hamt, is to be received in the form of bonds, which will be allocated to indirect treatment, contracted medical centers, and supplementary insurance.
Focus on Healthcare Services
The article also outlined a renewed focus on enhancing healthcare services for retirees. The organization plans to resolve issues related to their supplementary medical insurance using the 70 hamt in bonds from the government.
Salari firmly dismissed any speculation about the privatization of the organization’s medical centers, noting, “The value of the Social Security Organization’s owned medical centers is 600 hamt, plus the valuable intangible assets of experience, knowledge, and skilled human resources. Therefore, upgrading these centers and their services is a priority on our agenda. The idea of transferring ownership of these centers is entirely without basis in reality.”
Looking Ahead
The announcement concludes by reaffirming the organization’s two fundamental priorities: the timely payment of sufficient pensions and the completion of healthcare service delivery. The payment of back dues for non-minimum-wage retirees is expected by the end of Shahrivar or early in the following month.
