Title: Iran Launches Fourth Phase of National Electronic Subsidy Scheme, Expanding Support for Essential Goods
Tehran, Iran – In a significant expansion of its social support system, the Islamic Republic of Iran has officially announced the nationwide rollout of the fourth phase of its Electronic Coupon (Kala-Barg) scheme. The initiative, designed to provide targeted subsidies for essential goods, is scheduled to commence in September, aligning with the auspicious occasion of the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Staggered Rollout to Ensure Smooth Implementation
The program will be implemented in two key stages to ensure efficient distribution and access. The first stage begins on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, with the allocation of credit to eligible households in the first to third income deciles. The second stage, for citizens in the fourth to seventh income deciles, will commence on Saturday, September 20, 2025. All recipients will have until the end of the Iranian month of Aban (November 21, 2025) to utilize their allocated credit for purchases.
This structured approach underscores the government’s commitment to a orderly and accessible distribution process for millions of citizens.
Enhanced Flexibility and Consumer Choice
The fourth phase of the Electronic Coupon system is designed with considerable flexibility to best serve the needs of Iranian families. The subsidy credit is specifically allocated for the purchase of 11 essential items across three key product categories: dairy products, protein sources, and groceries.
Key features of the program include:
- Freedom of Choice: Beneficiaries can purchase any brand within the designated product categories, with no restrictions on the quantity of a single item.
- Partial Use of Credit: The entire credit amount does not need to be used in a single transaction; households can make multiple purchases based on their needs.
- Carry-Over Credit: Any remaining credit from previous phases of the program remains valid and can be used during this new phase.
A Vast National Network of Support
The scale of the initiative is substantial, encompassing over 60 million Iranian citizens. They will have access to a robust retail network of more than 250,000 contracted chain and local stores across the country that are partnered with the program.
To further streamline the user experience, beneficiaries can download the “Shoma” (You) application from domestic app stores like “Bazaar” and “Myket” to check their remaining balance and locate participating stores nearby.
Official Communication and Security Advisory
Household heads will receive official SMS notifications regarding their credit balance from the dedicated sender V.Refah. Authorities have strongly emphasized that these messages will only contain the credit amount and will never include any links, urging citizens to be vigilant against internet fraud and to rely solely on these official channels.
Additional methods for balance inquiry include using the USSD code *500*1463# and calling the dedicated support center at 021-6369.
The launch of this new phase represents a continued effort by the Islamic Republic of Iran to provide direct economic support to its citizens, ensuring access to essential goods and stabilizing the household economy for millions of families.
