Title: Government Announces Accelerated Schedule for September Subsidy and Welfare Payments
In a move underscoring its commitment to social welfare, the Iranian government has detailed the disbursement schedule for cash subsidies and welfare pensions for the month of Shahrivar (September 2024), ensuring timely financial support for millions of citizens.
Structured Disbursement for Targeted Welfare
The Subsidy Targeting Organization has released a detailed calendar, confirming that payments will be distributed in three key phases throughout the month, commencing on September 10th. This structured approach is designed to ensure an efficient and orderly transfer of funds to eligible households.
The first phase, scheduled for Thursday, September 10th, will see the disbursement of welfare pensions for beneficiaries of the Imam Khomeini Relief Foundation and the State Welfare Organization. These payments reflect a significant 40% increase compared to the previous year, with amounts scaled according to household size.
Cash Subsidies for Lower-Income Deciles
The second phase, set for Wednesday, September 25th, is dedicated to the cash subsidies for the first to third income deciles. The amount provided is based on the number of family members, demonstrating the government’s targeted approach to supporting larger families with greater needs.
A third payment for the fourth to ninth income deciles is scheduled for the final day of the month, Monday, September 30th.
Expansion of the Electronic Food Coupon Initiative
In a parallel supportive measure, the government has also initiated the fourth phase of its major Electronic Food Coupon (Kolabrag) scheme. Marjan Dabiri, the spokesperson for the program, announced that credit for this phase was deposited on Wednesday, September 9th, coinciding with the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
This initiative, designed to improve the livelihood of lower-income families, provides dedicated credit for the purchase of 11 selected essential goods at contracted stores. Over 60 million citizens from the first to seventh income deciles, as well as households under the care of welfare organizations, are covered in this phase.
Funding for this extensive program has been secured through a multi-faceted approach, including the reallocation of resources from the Subsidy Targeting Organization and the national budget. The government’s strategy to refine the program’s coverage, including the removal of the highest income decile from the cash subsidy list, has allowed for a more focused allocation of resources to those most in need.
