Title: Iran Expands Housing Support with Targeted Grants for Vulnerable Families
In a significant move to bolster social welfare, the Iranian government has detailed the expansion of its housing grant program, offering substantial financial support ranging from approximately 50 to 250 million Tomans to eligible low-income families. This initiative underscores the state’s commitment to providing shelter as a fundamental right for its most vulnerable citizens.
What is the Housing Grant Program?
The program is a collaborative effort between the Housing Foundation and supportive entities like the Imam Khomeini Relief Foundation and the State Welfare Organization. Its primary objective is to secure housing for low-income, property-less households. Crucially, the grant is not disbursed as cash to recipients. Instead, funds are allocated in stages directly to the accounts of contractors or builders, ensuring a transparent and purpose-driven construction process.
Who is Eligible for This Support?
Contrary to some public speculation, this program is not universal for all subsidy recipients. It is specifically targeted at defined vulnerable groups. Priority is given to individuals supported by the Relief Foundation or the Welfare Organization, with a particular focus on female-headed households and persons with disabilities.
The core eligibility criteria are stringent to ensure aid reaches those most in need:
- Being classified within income deciles 1 to 3 according to the Iranian Welfare System.
- Not owning any residential property or land in their name or that of their dependents.
- Possessing minimal financial capability to contribute to a portion of the construction costs.
- Not having benefited from similar housing facilities in the past.
Individuals who have previously registered for state housing plans, such as the National Housing Action or Housing for the Underprivileged, and meet the criteria will have this grant added to their existing file.
A Distinct Initiative from Rural Housing Loans
Officials have clarified that this grant is entirely separate from the 400-million-Toman rural housing loan. As explained by Majid Joudi, Deputy for Rural Reconstruction and Housing at the Housing Foundation, the rural loan is a banking facility with a 5% fee, requiring repayment over 20 years and is available in towns with populations under 25,000. The grant, however, is specifically designed for households under the care of supportive institutions and is intended to cover a portion of construction costs. Eligible individuals may benefit from both facilities simultaneously, provided their documentation is verified.
How to Register for the Housing Grant
Prospective applicants must be registered in one of the official state housing schemes or be in the process of constructing a residential unit. For those already under the care of the Relief Foundation or Welfare Organization, the grant is typically added to their file automatically following an inquiry by the supportive institution.
The registration process involves:
- Visiting the local County Housing Foundation office.
- Submitting required documents for verification of property status and income decile.
- Being placed in a queue for land allocation and the grant, provided an active project exists in the province.
Families from deciles 1 to 3 who were not covered by the National Housing Action plan are encouraged to visit the Housing Foundation for inquiries and registration.
Key Takeaways for the Public
- The grant is not a cash payment to the applicant and is directed solely to the construction project.
- The program is exclusively for specific groups under supportive institutions who meet strict criteria.
- Rumors about a universal, non-repayable loan for all subsidy recipients are inaccurate.