Vietnam Social Insurance has outlined a roadmap for utilizing social welfare accounts to disburse social insurance (BHXH) and unemployment benefits (BHTN), as detailed in a recently issued plan.

A social welfare account is an identification credential on VNeID, allowing users to integrate one of three methods: a payment account, an e-wallet, or a mobile money account, to receive pensions, support funds, and other legitimate payments. This account has been used for pension and social insurance benefit payments since 28/9.

In October, the social insurance agency is finalizing plans for connecting, integrating, and exchanging data. This includes developing guidelines for identifying and using social welfare accounts for benefit payments, outlining payment through e-wallets and mobile money accounts, and standardizing beneficiary information, including new participants.

From November to December 2026, Vietnam Social Insurance will complete the connection of its software system with the electronic identification system to utilize information for payments. During this period, the sector will promote and guide citizens on how to register, integrate, and use the accounts. Those not yet eligible for direct payment via these accounts will continue to receive benefits through existing appropriate methods, ensuring no disruption to their entitlements.

Beginning in 2027, social insurance and unemployment benefits will be disbursed through social welfare accounts on VNeID.

Citizens' social welfare accounts are integrated and active on VNeID. Photo: Hong Chieu.

To create a social welfare account, users log into VNeID, select the "social welfare" section, then choose "social welfare account" and enter their 6-digit application password. Users then select the bank where their account is held, fill in personal information, and the receiving account number. Upon selecting "send information", the screen will confirm successful submission. The registration result for the social welfare account will be sent via notification on VNeID.

Nationwide, nearly 21,6 million people currently participate in social insurance, representing over 45% of the working-age labor force. This includes over 19 million mandatory social insurance participants and over 2,5 million voluntary participants. Nearly 3,5 million individuals are currently receiving pensions and social insurance benefits. Health insurance participation exceeds 99 million, covering nearly 97% of the population.

Hong Chieu