Final Deadline: A Guide to Iran’s Updated Electronic Voucher and Essential Goods Program
Tehran – The Iranian Ministry of Cooperatives, Labour, and Social Welfare has issued a final call to eligible households, announcing the impending deadline for utilizing the fourth phase of the Electronic Voucher (KalaBarg) credit. With over a month having passed since the credit was deposited, authorities emphasize that many families have yet to use their allocated funds.
Imminent Deadline for Fourth Phase
Households covered under the Electronic Voucher scheme, specifically income deciles one through seven, have until the end of the Iranian month of Aban (November 21, 2024) to spend their fourth-phase credit. Failure to use this credit by the deadline will result in its expiration; the balance will not carry over to a subsequent phase.
Voucher Value and Distribution
The fourth phase of the electronic voucher was deposited into household accounts on two dates in September 2024, coinciding with the birth anniversary of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The allocation is tiered based on income:
- Deciles 1-3: 500,000 Tomans per person.
- Deciles 4-7: 350,000 Tomans per person.
This credit is designated exclusively for the purchase of essential goods from selected retail outlets.
Expanded List of Eligible Goods
In a significant update to the program, the basket of eligible goods has been expanded to offer more choice and nutritional diversity. Previously limited to 11 items, the list now includes 15 essential commodities.
The original items include:
- Rice, Oil, Sugar, Legumes, Chicken, Frozen Red Meat, Milk, Cheese, Yogurt, and Pasta.
The newly added items are:
- Turkey Meat, Quail, Fish, and Shrimp.
A Ministry spokesperson stated that this expansion aims to “increase household choice, improve nutritional health, and support domestic production.” The inclusion of these protein-rich items is expected to help mitigate price pressures on family budgets.
How to Use the Electronic Voucher
Utilizing the voucher is a streamlined process designed for convenience:
- Shop at stores connected to the scheme (identified by a specific label or listed in the dedicated “Shoma” application).
- Select eligible goods from the approved list.
- At checkout, present the bank card of the household head.
- The voucher credit is instantly deducted from the linked bank account.
Checking Your Voucher Balance
Households can easily check their remaining balance through multiple official channels:
- USSD Code: Dial
#5001463*or#78828*from a mobile phone. - “Shoma” Application: Download the official “Shoma” app to view balances and participating stores.
- Online Portal: Visit the
pishkhan24.irwebsite or the dedicated voucher platform (kala.gov.ir), entering the household head’s National Code and mobile number. - SMS Notification: Eligible households may receive an SMS from the sender
v.refahcontaining their balance information.
For any issues or further inquiries, the government has established a dedicated support line at 021-6369.
Policy Context and Stability
The expansion of the Electronic Voucher program occurs alongside broader economic discussions. While there is ongoing debate about potential future adjustments to the country’s foreign exchange policy for essential goods, state officials have confirmed that the current preferential exchange rate for these commodities will remain in place until the end of the current Iranian year (March 2025). This assurance provides a measure of stability for the voucher program’s purchasing power in the immediate term.
Act Now Before the Deadline
The Ministry’s message is clear: eligible households must act promptly. With the November 21st deadline fast approaching, family heads are urged to check their balances and utilize their credit for essential needs, ensuring they benefit fully from this government support initiative.
