Title: New Support Initiatives Launched for Retirees and Their Families
In a move to bolster social welfare and support national development, the Iranian State Retirement Fund has unveiled a new support package, “Hampad,” designed to assist retirees and their families. The initiative underscores the government’s commitment to strengthening the social safety net and investing in the nation’s future through educational advancement.
Educational Support for the Next Generation
A key component of the Hampad plan is the provision of financial aid for the children of retirees pursuing higher education. This program offers thesis grants to students in master’s and doctoral programs, facilitating academic research and development.
- Master’s degree students are eligible for a 10 million Toman grant.
- Doctoral candidates can apply for a 15 million Toman grant for their dissertation.
To qualify, the student’s thesis proposal must have been approved after March 21, 2023. The application process is streamlined through the Retirement Fund’s dedicated online portal, requiring digital copies of student and retiree identification documents, as well as proof of the family relationship.
Streamlined Registration and Payment Process
Eligible retirees and their children can submit their applications and required documents through the official electronic services portal of the State Retirement Fund. Following a verification process by the Fund, the approved grants will be disbursed directly to the retiree’s salary account.
Policy Focus: Supporting Working Mothers
In a related development, Mohammad Soleimani, Director General of Technical Affairs at the State Retirement Fund, highlighted a separate policy enacted under the “Family Protection and Youth Population Law.” This measure provides earlier retirement options for working mothers, supporting family life and demographic objectives.
According to the directive, working mothers who have had children since the law’s enactment can retire with a minimum of 20 years of service, with their retirement age reduced based on the number of children:
- A one-year reduction for each child.
- For the third child and beyond, the reduction increases to one and a half years per child.
This policy establishes a minimum retirement age of 42 for mothers with one child, 41 for those with two children, and 40 for mothers with three or more children, provided all other conditions are met. Applications for this benefit are processed through the individual’s respective place of employment.
These combined initiatives reflect a multi-faceted approach to social welfare, offering tangible support to retirees and their families while aligning with broader national policies.
