A Brighter Horizon for Retirees: Significant Pay Raises of Up to 45% Confirmed for the Coming Year
Substantial Increase Announced
In a significant move to support the nation’s retirees and pensioners, responsible authorities have confirmed a considerable pay raise for the upcoming year. Reports indicate that individuals covered by the Social Security Organization and other pension funds can expect their annual income adjustment to fall within a range of 25 to 45 percent. This measure underscores the ongoing commitment to improving the welfare of those who have served the nation.
A Dual-Pronged Support Strategy
This annual salary adjustment, typically finalized in the last month of the Iranian calendar year by the Supreme Labor Council and confirmed by the cabinet, operates independently of the annual budget law. It represents a targeted effort to bolster retirees’ purchasing power.
Simultaneously, the large-scale “pension harmonization plan,” which began in late 2024, will continue into the next year. Banafsheh Mahmoudian, Director General of Pensions at the Social Security Organization, reported that the harmonization for the first two years has already been completed for over 4.7 million retirees. She emphasized that the plan is proceeding on schedule, with the ultimate goal of compensating for 90% of the gap between pension coefficients and the minimum wage at the time the pension was established by the end of the plan’s third year.
Financial Commitment and Broader Sector Support
While acknowledging the significant financial burden this plan places on the organization, officials highlight its irreplaceable role in enhancing the living standards of the retiree community. The monthly cost for the current year is estimated to be substantial, covering both new harmonization payments and increased payments from the previous year.
In a parallel development, Ebrahim Mansournezhad, head of the Oil Industry Retirement Fund, announced a 38% increase in the minimum and average base pensions for its beneficiaries compared to figures from late 2024. He also listed a series of supportive measures implemented over the past year, including the provision of benefits cards, tax refunds, reduced medical deductibles, and various other financial aids.
A Firm Resolve for Retiree Welfare
Collectively, these reports signal the firm determination of responsible institutions to support retirees. Through a combination of substantial annual raises and the sustained implementation of harmonization plans, concerted efforts are being made to address historical livelihood gaps and ensure a more secure and dignified life for the retired community.