Title: Will Retirees Receive Their March Pay Gap Tonight? Here’s the Latest Update
Retirees Await Long-Overdue Payments as Government Commits to Resolution
Retirees covered by Iran’s Social Security Organization have been waiting for two critical payments: the arrears from the March 2024 salary adjustments and part of the pension harmonization plan. Despite initial expectations that these payments would be settled by late spring, delays have left many retirees struggling financially.
Growing Frustration Over Delays
Mohammad Hassan Mousivand, Executive Secretary of the Lorestan Labor House, expressed frustration over the prolonged delay, stating, “Retirees are living below the poverty line—how much longer must they wait for these modest payments?” He emphasized that the Social Security Organization must fulfill its legal obligations promptly.
The first pending payment stems from March 2024, when pensions were disbursed based on the previous year’s rates due to delays in approving the new salary increases. Estimates suggest each retiree is owed approximately 3 to 4 million tomans.
Government Assurance Sparks Hope
In a positive turn, Iran’s Minister of Labor, Dr. Ahmad Meidari, announced that the March arrears would be settled by late August 2024. This declaration followed weeks of persistent advocacy by retiree associations and parliamentary representatives.
Dr. Meidari confirmed the allocation of necessary funds through cooperation between the Social Security Organization and the Plan and Budget Organization, signaling the government’s commitment to addressing retirees’ concerns.
Broader Reforms Still Needed
While the upcoming payments bring relief, experts argue that systemic reforms are essential for long-term fairness in pension adjustments. Ali Asghar Bayat, head of the Supreme Council of Social Security Retirees, welcomed the move but stressed the need for continued structural improvements.
Meanwhile, parliamentary representatives like Mansour Alimardani have urged faster action, highlighting retirees’ declining purchasing power amid rising living costs. “The government must prioritize retirees’ welfare with concrete, immediate measures,” he insisted during a parliamentary session.
Looking Ahead
The imminent disbursement marks a step toward restoring trust between retirees and the government. However, outstanding issues—such as supplementary insurance claims and annual bonuses—remain unresolved. Officials assure that further payments will be prioritized as financial conditions stabilize.
For now, retirees remain hopeful that these long-awaited funds will mark the beginning of sustained support and fair treatment.
