Iran Announces Expanded December 2025 Subsidy Package: Schedule and Distribution Details
A new and extensive phase of the nation’s electronic subsidy program is set to begin in December 2025, marking a significant enhancement to the country’s social welfare system. According to an official announcement from the Ministry of Cooperation, Labour, and Social Welfare, the total subsidy amount allocated to households will see a notable increase this month.
This initiative underscores the government’s continued focus on providing comprehensive support to its citizens, particularly those in lower-income brackets, ensuring the stability of essential goods provision.
A Two-Pronged Support System
The fifth phase of the electronic subsidy card scheme, launching in the second week of December 2025, introduces a combined support model. Households will receive a package consisting of both direct cash subsidies and dedicated credits for the purchase of essential goods, with payments being distributed in two installments.
Targeted Essential Goods Credit
In a move designed to directly support the procurement of basic necessities, the program allocates non-cash credits to a wide segment of the population.
- First Installment: In the first step, the three lowest-income deciles will receive 500,000 Tomans in credit specifically for essential purchases. This credit is non-transferable and cannot be withdrawn as cash.
- Second Installment: Two weeks after the program’s launch, deciles four through seven will be allocated 350,000 Tomans in similar purchasing credit. This structured approach ensures a broad section of society benefits from the program’s expanded coverage.
The credits are activated via the household head’s bank card and are strictly for use at authorized retail outlets. The designated items include essential staples such as rice, cooking oil, dairy products, chicken, eggs, and pasta. This targeted mechanism is designed to ensure the subsidies are utilized effectively to meet the primary needs of households.
Direct Cash Subsidy Schedule
Alongside the new goods credit, the regular direct cash subsidy payments will continue as per the established monthly schedule for December 2025.
- Payment for Deciles 1-3: A cash subsidy of 400,000 Tomans will be deposited into the accounts of household heads on December 16.
- Payment for Deciles 4-9: These income groups will receive a 300,000 Toman cash subsidy, scheduled for deposit on December 21.
The rollout of this new subsidy phase represents a strategic and targeted expansion of the nation’s social safety net. By combining direct financial aid with dedicated essential goods credits, the program aims to effectively facilitate access to basic commodities for various income groups, reflecting a key policy priority.