Rewritten Title: Iran’s Rural and Nomadic Insurance Fund Expands Coverage, Announces Significant Government Subsidy
Article:
A Pillar of Rural and Nomadic Welfare
In a significant move to bolster social security for rural and nomadic communities, Iran’s Social Security Fund for Farmers, Villagers, and Nomads has detailed its expanding coverage and substantial government-backed financial support. Officials from the fund in Yazd and South Khorasan provinces have highlighted the institution’s growing role as a cornerstone of the national social safety net, directly contributing to economic stability in these vital sectors.
Substantial Government Subsidy for Members
A key revelation from the report is the level of government contribution to the fund. For each member, the state provides an annual subsidy of 10.53 million tomans, covering 70% of the total insurance premium. The remaining 30% is paid by the insured individuals themselves. This model ensures wide accessibility to social security benefits for the target demographic.
Widespread Coverage and Ambitious Expansion
The fund, established in 2005 and noted as the country’s second-largest state pension fund, currently provides extensive services across Iran.
- In Yazd province, which ranks fifth nationally in terms of membership, over 43,975 individuals are covered. Of these, 4,755 are currently receiving pensions.
- South Khorasan province reports even broader coverage, with over 74,000 individuals under the fund’s protection, including 7,216 pension recipients.
Membership is open to individuals aged 18 to 50 who are not covered by other insurance funds. Services include old-age pensions, disability benefits, survivor pensions, and the crucial ability to transfer insurance records.
Innovative Plans for Family Security
Demonstrating a forward-looking approach, the fund is pioneering a new initiative. It is currently in negotiations with industrial and mining units to extend coverage to the spouses of workers. This plan is designed to safeguard family livelihoods upon the worker’s retirement by compensating for potential income loss, a measure that has already been piloted in some counties of Yazd.
Commitment to Timely Service and Digital Access
Officials emphasized the fund’s commitment to efficient service delivery. The South Khorasan branch was highlighted as the only insurance fund in the province that disburses pensions before the end of each month. Furthermore, to maximize convenience, all services—including registration, renewal, and premium payment—are accessible online through the fund’s website and dedicated application.
The continued expansion and strengthening of this fund underscore a strategic national priority placed on developing rural and nomadic communities, ensuring their integral role in building a resilient and sustainable national economy.