New Directive Streamlines Housing Allowance Process for Social Security Retirees
Tehran – A newly enacted directive from the Social Security Organization clarifies and refines the procedure for deducting a housing allowance from retirees’ pensions. The measure, designed to enhance transparency and administrative efficiency, introduces distinct protocols based on the date a pension was established.
Key Changes for Different Groups
The directive establishes two primary pathways:
- For Existing Pensioners (Pensions established before April 7, 2024): A “tacit approval” mechanism is in effect. Retirees in this category who do not submit a written objection to their local branch will be considered to have agreed to the 5% housing allowance deduction. The policy explicitly preserves the right for individuals to submit a withdrawal or objection at any later date.
- For New Pensioners (Pensions established on or after April 15, 2024): The process requires active, written consent. Branches must obtain formal, written approval from each applicant before initiating the 5% deduction from their pension.
Emphasis on Digital Services and Flexibility
The directive mandates that executive units guide pensioners to use the organization’s non-attendance (online) service portal to confirm or withdraw from the housing allowance scheme. For retirees who had previously withdrawn from membership in related associations, a path to rejoin is available through a formal written application.
Furthermore, the directive stipulates that if a retiree submits a written withdrawal after an initial confirmation, the deduction must be halted starting from the very next pension payment following the date of the withdrawal request. The Public Relations Department is tasked with notifying pensioners via SMS and other methods to encourage the use of the online system for managing their preferences.
This procedural update is framed as part of broader efforts to modernize the social security system and provide clear, accessible options for the nation’s retirees.