Final Decision on 2026 Pension Increase Announced: A Strategic Boost for Retirees
In a significant development for national social welfare policy, the final decision regarding the long-anticipated pension harmonization plan has been announced. This strategic move, set to be fully implemented by 2026, promises a substantial and welcome financial uplift for the nation’s retirees, directly impacting their livelihood and economic planning.
A Commitment to Retirees’ Dignity
The government has placed a strong emphasis on the valued status of retirees within society. The President underscored this commitment, stating, “The implementation of the pension harmonization plan will lead to an increase in the pensions of this group.” He further highlighted that maintaining the dignity and standing of retirees is a fundamental priority for the government, a matter that is being pursued with the utmost seriousness.
A Prudent Fiscal Condition
The execution of this harmonization plan, however, is guided by a key fiscal principle. As per the previously ratified law, the government has conditioned the implementation on the availability of sufficient financial resources, ensuring it does not create new public debt. This means that if adequate funds are available, the pension differential will be paid within the same fiscal year. Should resources be insufficient, the payment will be deferred to the following year. This prudent approach ensures the long-term sustainability of the pension system.
The Seventh Development Plan: A Phased Increase
The roadmap for these pension enhancements is clearly outlined in the nation’s Seventh Development Plan. The legal framework stipulates a multi-stage increase in pensions leading up to the year 1406 in the Persian calendar (2026), as detailed below:
| Year (Persian Calendar) | Percentage Increase |
|---|---|
| 1404 (2025) | 40 percent |
| 1405 (2026) | 40 percent |
| 1406 (2027) | 30 percent |
Upon the full implementation of this program, pensions are projected to gradually reach 90 percent of the salaries of equivalent active employees. Achieving this goal requires the government’s steadfast commitment to the precise execution of the law, avoiding temporary or discretionary measures.
Emphasis on Flawless Legal Execution
A critical necessity for the success of this program is unwavering adherence to its legal foundations. The government has stressed the importance of preventing short-term executive preferences from interfering with the comprehensive scope of the plan, as defined by law. Such deviations, lacking legal backing, could create inconsistencies and disrupt the systematic enhancement of retirees’ benefits, undermining the program’s strategic objectives.