Title: Social Security Payment Delays Spark Renewed Scrutiny on Government Obligations
A delay in the disbursement of dependent allowances for Social Security Organization (SSO) pensioners has brought the financial interactions between the government and the national pension fund back into sharp political focus. While authorities have pledged to resolve the issue, beneficiaries report that payments for two consecutive months have not been made, highlighting a broader dispute over how the government settles its substantial debts to the fund.
Unfulfilled Promises and Growing Anxieties
The issue first came to light when retirees and survivors protested the non-payment of their dependent allowances. The SSO initially responded by stating the matter was under review and that the funds would be deposited soon. However, weeks after this announcement, several beneficiaries have reported that not only was last month’s allowance withheld, but the upcoming month’s payment has also been omitted from their official salary certificates.
This delay compounds existing financial pressures on retirees, with some still awaiting back payments from the beginning of the current Iranian year. The situation has intensified discussions about the government’s overall debt settlement strategy with the SSO.
A Clash Over Debt Settlement Methods
The core of the dispute centers on the proposed method for the government to repay its debts. Recent statements by the head of the Plan and Budget Organization (PBO) confirming the government’s readiness to settle part of its debt have drawn strong reactions from pensioner representatives.
A primary point of contention is the PBO’s reported insistence on settling a portion of the debt—reportedly up to 250 trillion tomans—through the transfer of government-owned real estate and shares. This proposal has been met with firm opposition from the SSO and retiree advocacy groups.
Nasrollah Daryabeigi, Deputy Head of the High Council of SSO Retirees, articulated the concerns, stating, “Properties and shares cannot be quickly converted into the liquid funds we urgently need.” He emphasized that the approved method should involve the immediate issuance of securities that can be liquidated to cover pressing obligations, particularly for healthcare services.
Ripple Effects on Healthcare and Social Stability
The financial strain on the SSO has had direct consequences for services. It is reported that the organization has not met its financial commitments to complementary and life insurers for over five months. This has, in some cases, led to reports of service providers being reluctant to offer medical services to SSO beneficiaries, echoing challenges from previous years.
Mr. Daryabeigi highlighted the social impact, noting that representatives receive hundreds of calls daily from frustrated retirees. He warned that the failure to resolve these issues promptly targets the social capital of the government and called for immediate action to process payments through the designated budgetary channels, thereby alleviating the pressure on retirees and preventing further escalation.
A Call for Clear Timelines and Liquid Solutions
Retiree advocates have stressed that vague promises of payment “soon” or “as soon as possible” are insufficient. They demand a clear and specific timeline for the settlement of debts, arguing that only transparent and liquid financial solutions can address the current crisis in pensioners’ healthcare and living expenses.
The ongoing situation underscores the critical need for a sustainable and efficient mechanism for the government to meet its financial obligations to the Social Security Organization, ensuring the long-term stability of the fund and the well-being of its beneficiaries.