The social retirement allowance for people aged 75 and above in Vietnam, along with the social assistance standard for vulnerable groups, has increased by 8% to VND 540,000 per month. This adjustment, outlined in Decree 335/2026, took effect on 5/10, with beneficiaries receiving the new amounts retroactively from 1/7.

This social retirement allowance specifically targets individuals aged 75 and above who do not receive a pension or monthly social insurance (BHXH) benefits. The monthly benefit has risen by VND 40,000, reaching VND 540,000. Additionally, individuals from poor and near-poor households qualify at a younger age, from 70 to under 75.

Elderly residents of Hanoi relaxing by West Lake. *Photo: Tung Dinh*

To apply for the benefit, eligible individuals aged 75 and above, or their guardians, must submit an application form. This can be done online via the National Public Service Portal, by mail, or directly at a one-stop service center. Within 7 working days of receiving an application, the chairperson of the commune People's Committee (UBND) in the applicant's residential area verifies the information, conducts an assessment, and then issues a decision regarding the social retirement allowance. The benefit period commences from the month the commune leader signs the decision. If an applicant does not meet the eligibility criteria, the commune People's Committee chairperson will provide a written explanation.

Nationwide, 2,5 million people currently receive social retirement allowance. Some provinces and cities offer benefits exceeding the national standard, including: Hai Phong and Quang Ninh (VND 700,000); Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (TP HCM) (VND 650,000); and Tuyen Quang (VND 530,000). Beneficiaries also receive a health insurance card, which covers 100% of their medical examination and treatment costs.

The social assistance standard, which is the basis for determining monthly allowances, care support, and various social welfare policies for vulnerable groups, has also seen an 8% increase, reaching VND 540,000 per month. Approximately 2 million people benefit from this scheme. These beneficiaries include individuals with disabilities, children who have lost their caregivers, those in special circumstances, poor single parents raising children, people living with HIV, and other expanded groups as defined by local regulations.

These policy adjustments come as Vietnam faces a rapidly aging population. In 2025, about 16,5 million people, or 16% of the population, were aged 60 and above. Projections indicate that by 2036, Vietnam will transition into an aging society, with this demographic potentially exceeding 25% of the population by 2050. While the average life expectancy for Vietnamese people is 74,7 years, the healthy life expectancy is only about 65,4 years, underscoring the pressing need for comprehensive healthcare and services for the elderly.

Hong Chieu