Title: Fourth Phase of Iran’s Essential Commodity Subsidy Program Launches with Allocated Funding Secured
Tehran – The fourth phase of Iran’s electronic commodity coupon scheme has now entered its executive stage following the successful allocation of necessary financial resources. The program, designed to bolster household livelihoods and provide support for the first to seventh income deciles, enables eligible citizens to purchase eleven essential goods at subsidized rates. Recent government announcements have provided new details regarding the distribution mechanism and the value of the credits.
Distribution Timeline Commences
Speaking on the sidelines of a cabinet session, Syed Hamid Pourmohammadi, Head of the Planning and Budget Organization, announced, “The resources for the payment of the commodity coupons for the first seven deciles have been secured, and their allocation to the Ministry of Welfare is being carried out today.” Accordingly, the distribution of credits for the fourth phase will begin tomorrow, starting with the lower deciles and gradually extending up to the seventh income decile.
Unchanged Subsidy Values
The head of the Planning and Budget Organization clarified that the supportive credit values remain unchanged from previous phases and will be paid as follows:
- First to third deciles: 500,000 Tomans per person, monthly.
- Fourth to seventh deciles: 350,000 Tomans per person, monthly.
These funds are designated exclusively for the purchase of eleven essential items from authorized contracted stores and are not available for direct cash withdrawal.
How to Check Eligibility and Credit
Eligible households can check their status and credit balance through three primary methods:
- USSD Code: Dialing
*500*1463#and selecting the ‘Balance Inquiry’ option. - The ‘Shamā’ (National Credit Network) App: After installing the application, users can log in using the national ID number of the head of the household and view the available balance in the ‘Your Credit’ section.
- Ministry of Welfare Call Center: Information and clarification can be obtained by calling 021–6369.
A list of all contracted stores is also available within the ‘Shamā’ application. At the point of purchase, beneficiaries must inform the cashier of their intention to use the commodity subsidy scheme for payment.