While the amount is small compared to their total income, the 35-year-old Hanoi resident expressed joy at the government's consideration for the people's well-being.
The couple initially planned to watch "Mua do" (Red Rain), a film about the 81-day defense of Quang Tri Citadel during the Vietnam War. However, since their young children couldn't enter the cinema, they decided to contribute the money to a neighborhood celebration for Independence Day. "This year, all the families on our floor are staying in Hanoi to celebrate and watch the parade. No one is going back to their hometown," she said.
The 100,000 VND gift per citizen commemorates the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day on 2/9. On Tuesday evening, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh issued an official dispatch stating that the Politburo had approved this initiative. The Ministry of Finance and other agencies were instructed to allocate the necessary funds before 29/8.
On social media, many citizens expressed excitement about the gift. Posts about it received thousands of likes, shares, and comments.
Some plan to use the money to buy flags, shirts, or scarves to support the parade. Many families intend to contribute to their Independence Day celebrations, while others will donate to those in need.
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People watch a rehearsal for the parade in Hanoi, 27/8/2025. Photo: Ngoc Thanh |
People watch a rehearsal for the parade in Hanoi, 27/8/2025. Photo: Ngoc Thanh
Pham Nguyen, from Thanh Hoa, has tried accessing VNeID five times since Tuesday evening to claim her 100,000 VND gift, but the app remains inaccessible. The 35-year-old has been discussing how to use the money with friends and family.
Tuesday evening, she ordered a book that cost exactly 100,000 VND. "That way, I have a souvenir and something useful for myself." Her mother-in-law bought a cast iron pan to replace her old one. The extended family continues to discuss how to spend the money in their group chat.
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Pham Nguyen and her children and grandchildren pose for a photo during the National Day celebrations at her workplace. Photo provided by the interviewee. |
Pham Nguyen and her children and grandchildren pose for a photo during the National Day celebrations at her workplace. Photo provided by the interviewee.
Nguyen Dinh Manh, a 40-year-old tech worker in Hanoi earning over 30 million VND monthly, expressed his appreciation for the small gift. "It symbolizes the prosperity and peace of our country after 80 years," he said.
Manh plans to donate to the people of Cuba or those affected by floods in central Vietnam. He shared this idea on social media, encouraging others to join him.
Tran Van Duc, 50, disagrees. He stated that this is the first time he has received a gift from the government, and he "will use it for its intended purpose: to celebrate." "I can always donate from my salary to those in need," he said.
His family of four will add the money to their 2/9 celebration to mark this special occasion.
While many are enthusiastic, some suggest the approximately 10 trillion VND should be invested in public welfare projects for long-term benefits.
Dinh Van Thanh, 40, from Nam Dinh, proposes using the funds for schools or transportation infrastructure to benefit all citizens and future generations. "Registering for the 100,000 VND is time-consuming," he said.
As of 28/8, 18 banks have partnered with the VNeID app to distribute social welfare benefits: Agribank, VietinBank, BIDV, Vietcombank, LPBank, HDBank, MB, Sacombank, PVcomBank, TPBank, ShinhanBank, NCB, NamABank, Kienlongbank, BVBank, ACB, Viiki Bank, and Co-opBank. Citizens can also receive the funds through VNPT's Mobile Money accounts.
To claim the gift, those with bank accounts should access the VNeID app and click on "Social Welfare." The second step is to select "Social Welfare Account." The third step is to enter the passcode. Then, select the receiving bank and enter the account number and nine-digit ID card number (if used for registration). The system will confirm receipt and begin processing. While usually quick, confirmation may take longer due to high traffic.
Pham Nga