Iran Refines Cash Subsidy Program: New Criteria for Eligibility Announced
In a significant move to enhance economic justice, the Iranian government has announced the implementation of new, precise criteria for its national cash subsidy program. This strategic update is designed to ensure that financial support is directed more effectively towards eligible households, aligning with the state’s policy of targeted social protection.
A Shift Towards Precision and Equity
The latest announcement details a refined methodology for identifying beneficiary households. The central objective is to optimize the distribution of resources by focusing support on those most in need. This involves a comprehensive assessment of household economic profiles, moving beyond previous models to create a more accurate picture of financial standing.
The new framework incorporates a multi-faceted analysis, including:
- Income and Asset Thresholds: Households with income or assets exceeding specific, officially declared levels will no longer receive the cash subsidy.
- Living Expenses: A key new metric introduced is “retail purchase” data, which tracks everyday transactions. For a typical three-person household, a combined average of retail spending and rent exceeding 50 million Tomans per month will be a determining factor for exclusion.
- Financial Transactions: Banking activities, including significant deposits and frequent transactions, are also part of the evaluation.
- Asset Ownership: Ownership of luxury vehicles, high-value properties, and a history of foreign travel are considered indicators of a higher economic decile.
This multi-pronged approach aims to build a transparent and fair system, preventing the allocation of state subsidies to high-income urban and rural families.
Ensuring Transparency and Citizen Access
The government has emphasized that this process is being conducted with full transparency. Official channels have been established to ensure every citizen can access their status and understand the new regulations.
Affected individuals are being notified via SMS. Furthermore, all citizens can check their household’s economic status through the following official platforms:
- The official government website
hemayat.mcls.gov.ir - USSD code:
#followed by the National Code and*438574# - The Ministry of Welfare’s automated phone service
- In-person visits to designated
Police +10offices
Strategic Economic Impact
Economic experts highlight that this recalibration of the subsidy program is a crucial step toward fiscal efficiency. By reallocating resources from higher-income deciles, the government can strengthen its social safety net for lower-income groups and vulnerable communities. This policy is expected to reduce financial pressure on the state budget and allow for more concentrated support for its intended targets.
Households that do not meet the new exclusion criteria will continue to receive their cash subsidies without interruption. The government has assured that any future updates to the criteria will be communicated promptly through official media channels, ensuring public awareness and enabling citizens to manage their financial planning with clarity. The entire process is being coordinated by the Ministry of Welfare and the Subsidy Targeting Organization, underscoring the commitment to a fair and transparent implementation.