Rewritten Title: Iran’s State Pension Fund Announces Major Welfare and Economic Initiatives for Retirees
In a significant move to enhance the welfare and economic conditions of the nation’s retirees, Iran’s State Pension Fund has unveiled a series of comprehensive new programs. These initiatives, ranging from special purchase discounts to accelerated pension processing and the strategic development of affiliated companies, underscore a dedicated effort to improve retirees’ livelihoods.
Strategic Provincial Focus: Kerman Visit Highlights Economic Development
Dr. Aladdin Azouji, the Acting Head of the State Pension Fund, emphasized the strategic direction of the fund during his third provincial trip to Kerman. In meetings with the Political, Security, and Social Deputy of the Kerman Governorate and other provincial officials, Dr. Azouji stressed the necessity of enhancing the productivity and development of companies affiliated with the state and steel industry pension funds.
“Our fund is looking at the provinces with a strategic vision, aiming for balanced service development and activating the economic capacities of subsidiary companies so that the benefits go directly to the retirees,” Dr. Azouji stated. He highlighted the presence of several fund-affiliated companies in Kerman and the importance of synergy to achieve sustainable development and maximum productivity. This approach, described as “effective asset management” rather than mere asset ownership, is designed to create employment opportunities and generate value with the support of the provincial administration. The Political Deputy of Kerman Governorate confirmed the full readiness of the provincial apparatus to cooperate in implementing the fund’s economic and welfare plans.
Exclusive Discounts for Retirees at Daily Market Stores
In a direct benefit to retirees, Hamidreza Sheikhi, the Director General of Welfare Services for the State Pension Fund, announced the launch of a 20% discount on Pegah Dairy products at Daily Market chain stores, effective from October 8, 2025. This scheme is the result of a joint collaboration between the Pension Fund, Daily Market stores, and Pegah Dairy Company.
Beyond the 20% discount, retirees are also eligible for an interest-free purchase credit of up to 3 million Tomans, repayable over three months. Sheikhi emphasized that this measure is part of ongoing efforts to improve retirees’ livelihoods and provide supportive services. The initiative will initially include Pegah dairy products and will gradually expand to other product groups, with various supportive plans and purchase facilities for retirees currently under development.
Expedited Pension Processing: Prioritizing Education Sector Retirees
In the Tehran province branch, concrete steps have been taken to streamline services. Morteza Ghodratipour, the Director General of the State Pension Fund for Tehran Province, reported that from the start of the current Iranian year (March 2024) up to the month of Mehr (September/October 2024), over 20,472 cases and correspondences have been reviewed by his department.
Of these, 7,345 cases were related to the establishment of retirement and pension rights, and 13,127 were connected to legal, financial, and welfare services. Notably, with approximately 5,000 education sector employees retiring in Mehr 1404 (2025), the fund proactively began the process of issuing their pension decrees in the earlier month of Tir (June/July) to prevent any payment delays.
“Through the efforts of our colleagues, the issuance of decrees and salary payments for over 90 percent of these retirees have been finalized for the month of Mehr,” Ghodratipour confirmed. He reiterated that the primary goal of the provincial department is to reduce waiting times and unnecessary visits, thereby increasing satisfaction and honoring the service of retirees, as the performance of the fund directly impacts their livelihood.
Key Takeaways:
- Economic Synergy: A strategic focus on enhancing the productivity of fund-affiliated companies in provinces like Kerman to directly benefit retirees.
- Direct Welfare Support: Implementation of a 20% discount on essential goods and interest-free purchase credits.
- Efficient Service Delivery: Accelerated processing ensuring over 90% of a large cohort of education sector retirees received their pensions on time.
- Government Collaboration: Full provincial cooperation for the successful implementation of economic and social welfare plans.
These coordinated actions demonstrate the State Pension Fund’s committed strategy to fulfilling its social responsibilities and systematically improving the quality of life for retirees across the country.