Revamped Pension System: Iran Expands Early Retirement and Launches 50 Million Toman Loan for Retirees
In a significant move to bolster social welfare, Iran’s Social Security Organization has announced a series of transformative reforms, including the rollout of a substantial 50 million Toman loan for retirees and key revisions to pension regulations. These initiatives, detailed during a provincial visit to Ardabil by Adel Dehdashti, Deputy of the Organization, are designed to enhance support for the nation’s retirees and ensure the long-term stability of the social security fund.
A New Chapter for Retirement
A central pillar of the new reforms is the amendment of regulations concerning arduous and early retirement. Dehdashti highlighted these changes as a key step in the Organization’s transformative agenda, aimed at streamlining the retirement process for those in professions detrimental to health. Under the revised framework, individuals with 20 consecutive or 25 intermittent years of service in such roles can now retire, irrespective of age. This policy shift is part of a broader strategy that also includes digitalization, the revival of the Workers’ Welfare Bank, and addressing financial challenges to the fund.
Strengthening Partnerships and Financial Health
Dehdashti emphasized the critical role of robust relationships with social partners, including worker and employer representatives. “Establishing a stable and regular relationship with social partners is an effective way to strengthen interactions,” he stated, noting that employers’ financial compliance is vital for aligning benefits and protecting the workforce. He expressed satisfaction with the measures for the timely payment of insurance premiums, which support the massive monthly disbursements of 90 trillion Tomans in salaries and pensions, alongside unemployment insurance and 25 trillion Tomans in healthcare costs.
Despite economic pressures, the organization has conducted two pension adjustments in the past year. Dehdashti acknowledged the primary challenge of a low support ratio (3.6%) but affirmed, “By leveraging transformative programs, we will gradually overcome this situation.”
Navigating Challenges and Settling Debts
Addressing the difficult economic climate and sanctions, Dehdashti pointed to the Organization’s resilience, noting that pension payments for the month of Khordad were even disbursed ahead of schedule. He also addressed the substantial debts owed by some employers, totaling around 140 trillion Tomans, expressing hope for their collection within the current year. Furthermore, he outlined the government’s budgeted plan to settle its 185 trillion Toman debt to the Social Security Organization, with an initial 70 trillion Tomans in financial bonds slated for payment in the coming days.
Key Welfare Initiatives: Loans and Healthcare
A major announcement was the ongoing disbursement of 150,000 loans, each worth 50 million Tomans, to retirees. Registration for this financial aid program will remain open until the end of the current Iranian year. Dehdashti reiterated the government’s firm commitment to fulfilling its financial obligations to both retirees and active employees.
The reforms also extend to healthcare, with a focus on creating equitable access to diverse medical services, including advanced treatment centers. Special allowances and revised nursing tariffs have been approved for specific groups, alongside a renewed focus on recruiting qualified personnel through specialized testing.
These comprehensive reforms, which also included inspections of the Sabalan Hospital and the Ardabil branch, are strategically designed to ensure long-term financial sustainability and uphold social justice for Iran’s workforce and retirees.