Effective 1/1/2026, Decree 343/2025 mandates that retired military officers suffering from critical illnesses will receive support equivalent to two times the basic salary quarterly, amounting to 4.68 million dong. This replaces the previous support level of one basic salary, which was 2.34 million dong.

The Ministry of Health defines the list of critical illnesses. To qualify for this policy, retired officers must be diagnosed with a critical illness by a Medical Examination Council. The policy applies to retired general-level officers, and retired field-grade and company-grade officers who meet specific position requirements.

Regarding care for critical illnesses, retired military officers are entitled to a "sick meal allowance", which is a higher nutritional allowance than the standard basic meal allowance, to meet medical dietary requirements. This allowance applies throughout inpatient treatment at medical examination and treatment facilities.

If inpatient treatment occurs at a military hospital, the military budget covers the difference between the sick meal allowance and the basic meal allowance, according to the logistical material standards for active-duty military personnel. When receiving treatment at non-military medical facilities, retired officers still receive the higher sick meal allowance as per current regulations.

Soldiers participate in a parade and march on National Day, 9/2025. Photo: Quynh Tran

According to the Ministry of National Defense, previous support levels were low and did not align with socio-economic development. The rising costs of critical illness treatment posed significant financial challenges for retired military personnel.

Annually, communal People's Committees (UBND) review the number of retired military officers in their areas, compile lists, and report them to the provincial Military Commands. This serves as the basis for budget estimation and securing funds to implement the policy. Payments can be made directly, via postal service, or through personal bank accounts.

Beyond sickness support, some groups of retired officers receive invitations for annual or biennial convalescence (rest and recovery) at military facilities. During their stay at these military convalescence centers, officers are provided with accommodation, healthcare, and reimbursed for travel expenses. Some also receive quarterly allowances for the Quan doi nhan dan newspaper, participate in meetings, receive updates, and are given gifts during major annual holidays, according to their rank.