Title: Iran’s E-Subsidy Card Expands: Turkey Meat Added to Essential Goods Basket
In a move to bolster social welfare and stabilize household economics, the Iranian government has announced an expansion of its electronic subsidy (E-Subsidy) card program. The latest phase of the initiative introduces key changes, including the addition of a new food item, aimed at providing more flexible and affordable nutritional options for citizens.
A Broader Basket of Essential Goods
The core of the E-Subsidy program is a basket of essential food items, which previously included 11 staples across dairy, protein, and grocery categories. In a significant update, turkey meat has now been officially added to this list. This strategic decision is designed to diversify the protein sources available to families and offer a more cost-effective alternative to red meat. Eligible households can use their monthly credit to purchase this new item, thereby enhancing the nutritional diversity of their food basket.
Current Program Details and Credit Allocation
The subsidy program is currently in its fourth phase, with credits for eligible income deciles (1 through 7) having been deposited into household accounts. The structure is as follows:
- Credit Amount: For deciles 1 to 3, the allocated credit is 500,000 Tomans per person. For deciles 4 to 7, it is 350,000 Tomans per person.
- Spending Deadline: Households have until the end of the Iranian month of Aban 1404 (mid-November 2025) to utilize the credit from the fourth phase.
Government Reaffirms Commitment to Social Welfare
Senior government officials have underscored the program’s role as a key instrument of economic defense and social justice.
The Minister of Economy, Seyed Ali Madanizadeh, confirmed in a recent press conference that all technical infrastructure for the seamless execution of the program is fully operational. He stated that all potential economic scenarios, including currency fluctuations and inflationary pressures, have been anticipated, with defensive economic protocols put in place. “The E-Subsidy card is a pivotal tool to mitigate the impact of economic shocks on vulnerable segments of the population,” Madanizadeh emphasized.
Further reinforcing the government’s focus, Masoumeh Aghapour, an advisor to the President, highlighted that deciles one to three remain the top priority. She clarified that the program is not merely a “consumption subsidy” but a strategic mechanism for crisis management and market stabilization.
Looking Ahead: Anticipating the Fifth Phase
While unofficial reports had suggested an earlier disbursement, the official timeline for the launch of the fifth phase is yet to be confirmed. Given the three-month payment cycles and the ongoing spending period for phase four, projections indicate that the fifth phase will likely commence in the latter half of the Iranian month of Mehr or early Aban 1404. This slight delay is attributed to finalizing household quota details and the financial coordination required for the allocation of new credits.
How to Check Your Balance
Eligible citizens can easily check their remaining credit and locate affiliated stores through the following methods:
- Dialing the USSD code
*1463*500#from the registered mobile number of the head of the household. - Using the official “Shoma” (You) application, available for download from official sources.
The continuous implementation and enhancement of the E-Subsidy scheme reflect the government’s sustained effort to support citizens’ livelihoods and ensure economic resilience.