Under the decree, effective from the beginning of July, those aged 75 and above currently receiving pensions or social benefits less than 500,000 VND per month will receive the difference from the government, ensuring a minimum social pension of 500,000 VND per month.

Compared to current regulations, the eligible age for social pensions has been lowered from 80 to 75, extending coverage to an additional 800,000 people.

In addition, individuals from poor and near-poor households aged 70 to 74 will also receive a monthly allowance of 500,000 VND.

Elderly people exercising in Hanoi. Photo: Hoang Giang

Elderly people exercising in Hanoi. Photo: Hoang Giang

Local authorities, depending on socio-economic conditions and budget availability, can consider additional support for eligible individuals.

To receive the social pension, citizens need to submit their applications to the communal People's Committee (UBND). Within 10 working days, the authorities will review and process the application. If ineligible, the communal People's Committee Chairman must provide a written response explaining the reasons.

Calculations estimate that with the new policy, approximately 1.6 million elderly people nationwide will receive social pensions, including 1.5 million people aged 75 to 79 without pensions, and 100,000 people aged 70 to 74 from poor and near-poor households.

Vu Tuan