New Social Security Initiative Expands Coverage for 280,000 Private School Educators
A new cooperative agreement between the Social Security Organization and the Organization for Non-Governmental Schools and Centers & Development of Public Participation is set to provide comprehensive insurance coverage for over 280,000 teachers and staff in Iran’s private education sector, effective this month.
A Landmark Agreement for Social Welfare
The CEO of the Social Security Organization, Mr. Mostafa Salari, detailed the provisions of the agreement, which is the result of extensive expert meetings to determine its executive mechanisms. The primary objective is to develop social insurance coverage and extend the diverse services of the Social Security Organization to broader segments of society, thereby supporting the nation’s workforce.
“This insurance coverage has been secured for over 280,000 teachers and educators working in these schools,” Salari stated, highlighting the initiative’s role in safeguarding the rights of educators.
Comprehensive Benefits and Dispute Resolution
The agreement encompasses a wide range of benefits. Crucially, it includes provisions for medical services for teachers and insurance for the founders of these private educational centers. To ensure smooth implementation, a framework has been established for inspections and the resolution of insurance-related disputes, which will include a representative from the Ministry of Education.
Operational Flexibility for Educators
Addressing the practicalities of contribution, Salari outlined a flexible system. The agreement allows for the registration and calculation of 30 hours of employment and premium payments for private school teachers. This can be managed either separately for a single institution or in an aggregated manner for those working across multiple centers.
Furthermore, the Social Security Organization will provide specialized training on insurance-related matters for the teachers covered under this agreement.
Securing a Stable Retirement
A significant aspect of the new initiative is its focus on long-term financial security. To help individuals qualify for full retirement benefits, the program offers an optional mechanism for voluntarily completing their insurance contribution period. Educators covered by this memorandum can complete these payments through non-attendance (online) channels, making it easier to secure their future retirement advantages.
Part of a Broader Strategic Vision
Salari emphasized that this agreement is a key component of the Social Security Organization’s twenty transformative plans. The strategy aims to generalize insurance coverage while effectively managing the organization’s financial resources and liabilities.
“We are striving to create a mechanism, through cooperation with various social groups and relevant executive bodies, to identify the insured and secure financial resources without reliance on government funding or the resources of other insured persons within the Organization,” Salari said. “This present memorandum is one of the first examples of this strategy in action.”