Iran Launches Phase 5 of Subsidized Food Program with Enhanced Support for Low-Income Families
The Iranian government has initiated the fifth phase of its national electronic food subsidy program, introducing significant changes aimed at increasing support for lower-income citizens. The rollout of credits for this phase began in late October.
Key Reforms and Targeted Support
A central feature of Phase 5 is a major structural reform in the allocation of resources. The government has redirected subsidies by removing cash allowances from higher-income deciles (9 and 10) and reallocating those funds to bolster support for lower-income families. This strategic shift is designed to enhance the social safety net and ensure subsidies reach those most in need.
The program’s basket of goods has also been expanded to include a wider variety of nutritious food items. New additions such as turkey meat, quail, fish, and shrimp are now available for purchase with the subsidy credits, alongside existing essential goods. Furthermore, the purchasing credit allocated to the lowest income brackets has been substantially increased.
Activation and Important Deadlines
According to official sources, the Phase 5 program became active in the Iranian month of Aban (October 23 – November 21). While the precise date for the credit top-up is being finalized, it is anticipated to coincide with a significant religious occasion.
Households that have remaining credit from Phase 4 are reminded that they have until the end of the month of Aban to utilize these funds. Any unused balance from the previous phase will be deactivated after this deadline.
Easy Access and Transparency
The Ministry of Cooperatives, Labour, and Social Welfare has emphasized transparency and ease of access for beneficiaries. Several straightforward methods are available for families to check their account status and remaining credit balance using the National ID code of the head of the household.
- USSD Code: The simplest method is to dial
*63*50#and follow the prompts to enter the National ID number. The system will immediately display the current credit balance and account status. - “HamYab” Mobile App: The official application for the national credit network allows users to check their credit, review transaction history, and verify their account’s active status after entering the required details.
- Official and Partner Websites: Several authorized intermediary websites also provide a platform for beneficiaries to inquire about their subsidy status.
The Ministry has reiterated its commitment to ensuring all eligible families have simple and transparent access to information regarding their food subsidy credits.