Iran’s Fifth Electronic Food Subsidy: Key Details and Implementation Model Announced
Tehran – The schedule and operational details for the fifth phase of Iran’s electronic food subsidy program have been finalized, marking a significant step in the government’s support system for lower-income households. According to parliamentary officials, the new phase will be executed under the framework of the Seventh Development Plan, shifting to a direct commodity-based support model.
Payment Schedule and Beneficiaries
Ahmad Naderi, a member of the parliament’s presiding board, officially announced that the fifth phase has entered its executive stage. He confirmed that credits for the first three income deciles are scheduled for deposit on the 5th of Azar, 1404 (November 26, 2025).
Naderi emphasized that after previous delays and discussions between the government and parliament, the executive branch has now fully aligned its implementation strategy with the legal stipulations of the Seventh Development Plan.
Resolving the Implementation Model Debate
A central point of recent discussions has been the method of providing support. While the government had previously proposed models involving direct cash credits or a 20% purchase discount, the law within the Seventh Development Plan mandates that support must be provided in the form of “essential goods,” not cash payments or discounts.
“Duly adhering to the law, the government has now committed to covering the first three deciles with the commodity-based model approved by the parliament,” Naderi stated, highlighting the resolution of this procedural matter.
Subsidy Amounts and New Caloric-Based Model
The Ministry of Cooperation, Labour, and Social Welfare has outlined the subsidy amounts for this phase as follows:
- First to Third Income Deciles: 500,000 Tomans per person, provided as essential goods.
- Fourth to Seventh Income Deciles: 350,000 Tomans per person.
Crucially, the new subsidy model is designed based on supplying 2,100 daily calories per household. This scientifically-informed approach aims to strengthen food security for the lower-income strata by ensuring the direct provision of essential and nutritional goods. Naderi confirmed that the government is committed to initiating and completing the process for the first three deciles within the next one to two weeks, after which payments for the subsequent deciles will begin.
How to Inquire About Your Subsidy Status
Beneficiaries can check the status of their electronic food subsidy through several official channels:
- USSD Code: Dial
#5001463*or#78828*from a registered mobile phone. - “Shoma” Application: Download and install the “Shoma” app to view your subsidy balance.
- Pishkhan 24 Website: Visit the website and enter the household head’s National Code and mobile number.
- Hotline: For inquiries and troubleshooting, individuals can contact the response center at 021-6369.
Household heads will also receive an SMS from the sender v.refah containing information about their remaining credit.
This fifth phase represents a pivotal move towards the full and integrated implementation of the electronic food subsidy program, underscoring the state’s focus on structured social support.