New Social Security Initiative Provides Free Coverage for Rural Mothers and Female-Headed Households
In a significant move to bolster social welfare, the Iranian government has expanded free social security coverage to mothers and female-headed households in rural and small-town communities.
Expanded Coverage for Families
Hamed Ghadermarzi, Managing Director of the Social Security Insurance Fund for Farmers, Villagers, and Nomads, announced the initiative. He stated that all rural mothers with three or more children are now eligible to receive free insurance services from the Fund.
Support for Female-Headed Households
Speaking at the inauguration of government projects in Semnan province, Ghadermarzi elaborated on the program’s scope. In accordance with the country’s Seventh Development Plan, 71,000 female-headed households who are under the support of the State Welfare Organization and reside in villages or towns with populations under 20,000 are being enrolled in the Fund free of charge.
“The government has covered 100% of the insurance premiums for these women, providing them with comprehensive coverage at no cost,” Ghadermarzi added.
National and Provincial Goals
The Social Security Fund currently boasts a national membership of 3.45 million individuals, including 220,000 retirees. In Semnan province specifically, the Fund has 32,000 active members and provides pensions to 3,500 individuals.
Ghadermarzi outlined the goal to achieve 100% insurance coverage in the province, identifying a target population of 36,000 to 38,000 people from nomadic, rural, agricultural, and small-town communities who are eligible to join. Currently, insurance coverage in Semnan province stands at 47%.
Two Decades of Service
For over twenty years, the Social Security Insurance Fund for Farmers, Villagers, and Nomads has provided continuous service. Its core mission is to deliver essential insurance coverage, including retirement pensions, disability benefits, and support for the primary insured and their family members. This new initiative marks a substantial step forward in strengthening the nation’s social safety net for its rural citizens.
