In its latest draft Decree on social assistance policies and social pension benefits, the Ministry of Health proposes adjusting the monthly benefit from 500,000 dong to 540,000 dong, effective 1/7. This 8% increase aligns with adjustments to base salaries, pensions, social insurance (BHXH) benefits, and benefits for meritorious individuals. This revised proposal of 8% is lower than the 20% initially suggested in the first draft in early april.

Elderly individuals working at a tailoring workshop in Dong Ba market, Hue. *Photo: Vo Thanh*

Social pension benefits represent a new social security tier for individuals aged 75 and above, effective from 7/2025. This applies to those without a monthly pension or social insurance benefits, or whose current benefits are below the general threshold. For poor and near-poor households, eligibility starts from age 70 up to 75. Approximately 2,5 million people nationwide currently receive these benefits.

Social assistance standards define the financial basis for determining social benefits, social pension benefits, care and nurturing funds for beneficiaries in assistance facilities, and other aid levels. Currently, about 2 million people nationwide receive these benefits, including: 1,76 million people with disabilities; 134,000 children who have lost their caregivers or are in special circumstances; 70,000 poor single parents raising children; 4,000 people living with HIV; and 107,000 people belonging to other groups as defined by local authorities.

The Ministry of Health estimates that the 8% adjustment will require an additional 304 billion dong from the state budget each month. Local budgets will be responsible for funding cases where assistance levels exceed the general standard and for expanding the scope of beneficiaries.

During the consultation process, the Ministry of Health also noted that some localities, voters, and citizens advocated for an earlier increase in social assistance standards to 600,000 dong per month to improve beneficiaries' living standards. Acknowledging this feedback, the drafting agency proposes that the government implement the general 8% adjustment from 1/7. They also seek approval from competent authorities for a plan to raise the social assistance standard to 600,000 dong per month from 1/7/2027. This higher amount would enhance the quality of life for vulnerable groups, increasing the total budget expenditure by approximately 4,255 billion dong compared to 2026. Based on socioeconomic development and budget capacity, the Ministry of Health will continue to propose a suitable increase roadmap for subsequent phases.

The social assistance standard was last adjusted in 2024 to 500,000 dong per month. Currently, approximately 4,5 million people receive social assistance and social pension benefits, totaling 45,000 billion dong annually. Five provinces and cities currently provide higher support levels than the general standard: Hai Phong and Quang Ninh offer 700,000 dong per month; Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh City (TP HCM) provide 650,000 dong; and Tuyen Quang offers 530,000 dong.

Hong Chieu