[47809] Iranian Ministry of Labor warns: Tomorrow is the deadline to redeem 'Kala-barg' benefits

End of eligibility period for food stamps in Iran

The Iranian Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare has issued an urgent public notice stating that tomorrow, May 4, 2026, is the final day to utilize 'Kala-barg' (the government food stamp system) benefits for the months of December, January, and February of the past year.

The report, published across various Iranian media channels, emphasizes that no extension will be granted beyond this date. Hamian-e Pezeshkian, a channel identified with supporters of President Pezeshkian, highlighted the importance of the notice for eligible citizens. Simultaneously, other news networks including Akharin Khabar, Khabar-e Fori-ye Jang-e Iran, and Khorasan Online reported the end of the deadline under the headline: "Tomorrow, the deadline for using the 1404 Kala-barg ends".

Akharin Khabar Mashhad also conveyed the message to local residents, while citing the Deputy Minister of Welfare at the Ministry of Labor: "Using the Kala-barg for Dey, Bahman, and Esfand of last year is only valid until tomorrow". The reports come against the backdrop of government efforts to manage citizen welfare aid programs and improve the efficiency of resource distribution.

According to the reports, this is a technical administrative directive intended to settle past voucher balances, as the government is required to relay a unified message to all provinces and media channels in Iran.