Iran’s Social Security Organization Confirms April Pension Payments, Outlines Comprehensive Reform Agenda
In a move that will bring relief to millions, the head of Iran’s Social Security Organization (SSO) has confirmed that pension payments for the month of April have been secured and are being processed for the country’s 4.8 million retirees.
The announcement was made by Dr. Mostafa Salari, the Managing Director of the SSO, during a “Collaboration for Transformation” meeting with employer representatives in Fars Province. The meeting is part of a broader series of dialogues aimed at addressing economic challenges and fostering development.
Financial Commitments and Strategic Reforms
Dr. Salari provided a detailed overview of the organization’s financial operations, highlighting its significant monthly expenditure of 125 trillion tomans to cover pensions and healthcare costs for over 48 million citizens. He reaffirmed the SSO’s unwavering commitment to meeting its obligations, including the timely disbursement of pensions.
A key focus of the discussion was on ongoing reforms mandated by Iran’s Seventh Development Plan. Dr. Salari noted that two phases of a pension adjustment plan, aligning retiree benefits with their active counterparts, have already been implemented. A third phase is scheduled for the upcoming year.
Addressing government debts to the organization, Salari outlined a strategic plan to allocate 70 trillion tomans in securities to the SSO, which will be sold to settle a portion of the outstanding liabilities.
Modernizing Labor Laws for a Sustainable Future
A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the necessity of modernizing regulations concerning arduous and hazardous professions. Dr. Salari emphasized that the classification of such jobs must be accurate and fair to prevent undue pressure on both employers and the Social Security fund.
“We are not opposed to the principle of classifying arduous jobs,” Salari stated. “However, we must address the issue where over 52% of retirements are based on preferential years and classifications as arduous, which simultaneously damages the Social Security Organization and the business environment.”
He stressed that the cost of any insurance exemptions should not be borne by other contributors but should instead be funded through alternative means such as tax revenues. Reforms in this area, he added, are being pursued in collaboration with labor and employer partners to ensure sustainability and balance.
A New Chapter of Collaboration and Transparency
Dr. Salari expressed strong support for revitalizing the Supreme Council of Social Security, advocating for a tripartite model that includes government, employer, and worker representatives to guide future policy. He also detailed the SSO’s 20-point transformational plan, which includes a comprehensive overhaul of workshop inspections and auditing procedures to increase transparency and efficiency.
The meeting, attended by provincial officials and leaders from major national employer associations, chambers of commerce, and industry groups, underscored a collective national effort to strengthen Iran’s social security system and ensure its long-term stability for all citizens.
