Title: October 2025 Cash Subsidy Schedule Released, Electronic Voucher Program Paused
Introduction
The schedule for the October 2025 direct cash subsidy payments to Iranian households has been officially announced. While the routine cash transfers are set to be deposited, a key shift in the government’s support mechanism is noted with the postponement of the next phase of the Electronic Voucher Scheme for basic goods.
Cash Subsidy Payment Details
In October, only the fixed cash subsidy will be deposited into the accounts of household heads. The payment amounts and schedule are as follows:
- Deciles 1 to 3: 400,000 Tomans per person. Payment date: October 16, 2025.
- Deciles 4 to 9: 300,000 Tomans per person. Payment date: October 21, 2025.
This structured payment system ensures continued direct financial assistance to the populace.
A Pause in the Electronic Voucher Program
Unlike the previous month, which saw the implementation of the fourth phase of the Electronic Voucher Scheme, authorities have confirmed that a new phase will not be launched in October. However, households in deciles one through seven still have until the end of the Iranian month of Aban (November 21, 2025) to utilize their existing credit from the fourth phase. This credit can be used to purchase 12 essential items, including rice, oil, red meat and poultry, dairy products, pasta, legumes, eggs, sugar, and more recently, turkey meat.
Analyzing the Program’s Financial Framework
The continuation of the Electronic Voucher Scheme, emphasized by the Speaker of the Parliament as crucial under current economic conditions, faces the primary challenge of securing necessary funding. The process of phasing out high-income recipients from the subsidy rolls is progressing slowly, with over 10 million individuals from higher-income groups reportedly still listed as recipients.
Even upon completion of this recalibration, the freed-up resources are projected to be insufficient to fully cover the lower-income deciles. This financial gap has led to discussions about the potential for the government to once again borrow from the National Development Fund to support the program.
Future of the Support Scheme
The launch of the fifth phase of the Electronic Voucher Scheme remains uncertain. Some analysts predict a potential rollout in the month of Azar (beginning November 22, 2025). In the interim, many eligible households are awaiting new details to plan their finances accordingly.
Ultimately, fostering public confidence in the continuity of this support program is seen as dependent on greater transparency and the presentation of more precise implementation plans from the relevant authorities.