Title: Iranian Government Approves Significant Pension Increase for Social Security Recipients
In a significant move to bolster social welfare, the Iranian government has enacted a substantial increase in pensions for retirees under the Social Security Organization. The cabinet, in a session held in September 2024, approved a resolution that grants a notable boost to the monthly income of the nation’s pensioners.
A Landmark Decision for Retirees
The new measure, based on Articles 96 and 111 of the Social Security Law, was proposed by the Ministry of Cooperation, Labour, and Social Welfare. It represents a direct response to the economic needs of retirees, ensuring their pensions are adjusted in line with living costs.
The most substantial increase is allocated to those receiving the minimum pension, who will see a 45% raise. This adjustment brings their total monthly income, including all supplementary benefits, to 15,803,000 Iranian tomans.
How the Increase is Applied
The pension adjustment is structured to provide the most significant relief to those on the lowest incomes:
- Minimum-Wage Pensioners: A 45% increase, resulting in a total of 15,803,000 tomans per month.
- Other Pension Tiers: A 32% increase plus a fixed amount of 931,605 tomans, applied progressively based on their previous pension base.
This resolution covers all pension types, including retirement, disability, and survivor benefits, for the period up to the end of the previous Iranian year.
Enhanced Family Benefits
In a further supportive measure, the government has standardized the calculation of family allowances for social security pensioners to match those of employees in the executive apparatus. This includes:
- Spousal Allowance: Approximately 900,000 tomans per month.
- Child Allowance: Approximately 500,000 tomans per month for each dependent child.
Consequently, the total household income for a retired family can see a significant uplift. For example, a married retiree with two children could receive a total monthly payment exceeding 17.7 million tomans.
A Broader Support Framework
This pension increase is a key component of the government’s wider social protection agenda for the year 2024. Officials have announced that complementary insurance plans, enhanced healthcare services, and other non-cash support programs for retirees are also in the pipeline.
This comprehensive approach underscores the government’s commitment to safeguarding the welfare of its retired citizens and ensuring their financial security in the face of economic challenges.