Title: Landmark Financial Relief: Pension Arrears Disbursement Underway for Iranian Retirees
In a significant move to address long-standing financial concerns, the disbursement of overdue pension payments to Iranian retirees has officially commenced. This initiative, announced by officials, marks a critical step in enhancing the welfare of the nation’s retired community.
Phased Payments Commence
Mohammad Asadi, a responsible official, confirmed that the process to clear pension arrears began last month. He detailed that retirees receiving monthly pensions of less than 20 million tomans have already been paid their outstanding balances from the month of Farvardin. Furthermore, the beneficiaries of deceased retirees in this category received their arrears alongside their regular pension for the month of Shahrivar.
Next Phase for Higher Pension Brackets
For retirees with monthly pensions exceeding 20 million tomans, the payment of their arrears started on the 21st of Mehr. This structured, phased approach is designed to ensure an orderly and efficient process.
Streamlined Process for Efficiency
To facilitate the procedure and minimize systemic pressure and crowding at banks, the payments are being processed alphabetically across all banking institutions, including Bank Refah. This method enhances operational transparency and provides a clear, manageable timeline for all recipients.
A Broader Commitment to Retirees
In a parallel and substantial development, the National Retirement Fund has officially declared a 40 percent pension increase for retired cultural sector employees, effective from Azar 1404. This adjustment is part of a broader “pension harmonization” policy aimed at aligning retiree benefits more closely with the salaries of their active counterparts. Following this increase, the average pension for cultural retirees is set to surpass the minimum salary of active employees.
This initiative also includes the simultaneous settlement of outstanding arrears for the first eight months of the year, which will be disbursed in a separate, lump-sum payment. This significant financial commitment, accounted for in this year’s national budget, is a decisive measure to reduce the income gap between active workers and pensioners.
Administrative Progress
Mortaza Qodratipour, Director General of the National Retirement Fund in Tehran Province, reported that over 90 percent of the pension orders for retired cultural workers for the month of Mehr have been issued. This administrative push is a key factor in shortening the procedural gap between active service and retirement. He further noted that since the start of the year, 20,472 legal, financial, and welfare cases and correspondences have been reviewed.
The increase in pensions and the clearance of arrears represent a major stride in securing the livelihood and well-being of retirees. These actions underscore the ongoing efforts of the National Retirement Fund to promote fairness and reduce inequality through systematic pension harmonization.