Title: E-Voucher Expansion: Phase 5 of Iran’s Subsidy Program Set for December Launch
Iran’s Targeted Subsidy Program Advances
The fourth phase of Iran’s Electronic Voucher (E-Voucher) scheme is currently active, with eligible households having until the end of the Iranian month of Aban 1404 (late November 2025) to utilize their allocated credit for essential goods. Official sources indicate that the program’s highly anticipated fifth phase is projected to commence in the following month of Azar (December 2025), pending the final allocation of necessary financial resources.
Widespread Public Utilization
Marjan Dabiri, the official spokesperson for the E-Voucher scheme, announced that as of the end of last week, the remaining credit for over 14.8 million household heads had been fully depleted after purchasing eligible goods. Officials emphasize that this high utilization rate demonstrates the plan’s effectiveness and the public’s broad acceptance of this supportive government initiative.
A Closer Look at Phase Four
The rollout of Phase Four was executed in two distinct stages to ensure an orderly distribution:
- The first to third income deciles received their credit on 19 Shahrivar 1404 (early September 2025).
- The fourth to seventh deciles received their allocations on 29 Shahrivar (mid-September 2025).
The credit amounts were tiered to provide greater support to lower-income families, with 500,000 Tomans allocated per person for the first three deciles and 350,000 Tomans for the subsequent four deciles. This credit can be used to purchase a wide range of essential items, including rice, oil, red meat and chicken, dairy products, pasta, legumes, eggs, and sugar. In a recent expansion of the program, turkey meat was also added to the list of eligible commodities.
The Road to Phase Five
While some unofficial reports had speculated about an earlier launch, official channels have confirmed that Phase Five is conditional upon the securing of its designated budget. With the validity of Phase Four credits extended through the end of Aban, the subsequent phase is now officially expected to begin by Azar (December 2025). The government has stated that full details will be released upon its formal announcement.
A Pillar of Social Support
The Electronic Voucher program is a cornerstone of Iran’s social welfare policy, designed as a complementary measure to direct cash subsidies. It enables the targeted allocation of support for essential household purchases without the need for cash withdrawals, ensuring funds are used for their intended purpose. The system allows for precise monitoring and prevents the direct cashing out of credits, reinforcing its role as an effective tool for livelihood support and the equitable distribution of subsidies. Households can use the head of household’s bank card at over 230,000 participating stores nationwide, with no restrictions on brand or product type within the eligible categories.
