The Government’s Decree 176/2025/ND-CP, which took effect on July 1, 2025, detailed the implementation of several articles of the 2024 Social Insurance Law regarding social retirement allowances. The decree set the monthly social retirement allowance at VND 500,000.
However, several localities have taken the initiative to increase the monthly social retirement allowance beyond the government’s standard rate. For instance, Ho Chi Minh City has raised the allowance to VND 650,000 per month, a VND 150,000 increase from the government’s standard. This adjustment was stipulated in the resolution passed by the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Council, taking effect on September 1.
Elders getting support with their allowance applications at Ward Council of Chánh Hưng, Ho Chi Minh City
Similarly, Resolution No. 65/2025/NQ-HĐND of Quang Ninh Province, effective July 27, increased the social retirement allowance to VND 700,000 per month. The province will provide an additional VND 200,000 per person per month to over 25,600 beneficiaries of this policy.
Several other localities are also in the process of drafting and consulting their Provincial People’s Councils to increase the social retirement allowance above VND 500,000 in the near future.
So, what is the basis for these localities to adjust the social retirement allowance rates differently?
According to Article 22 of the 2024 Social Insurance Law, the monthly social retirement allowance rate is determined by the Government, taking into account the country’s socio-economic development and the state budget’s capacity. The Government is also responsible for periodically reviewing and adjusting the allowance rate every three years.
Based on their socio-economic conditions and budget balance, as well as the ability to mobilize social resources, Provincial People’s Committees can propose to the Provincial People’s Councils to decide on additional support for social retirement allowance recipients.
With this provision, Provincial People’s Committees can propose to their respective Provincial People’s Councils to provide additional support to social retirement allowance recipients, improving the living standards of the elderly who do not receive a pension.
According to the 2024 Social Insurance Law, Vietnamese citizens are eligible for a social retirement allowance if they meet the following conditions: aged 75 years or older; do not receive a pension or monthly social insurance allowance, except for cases specified by the Government; and have submitted a written request for the allowance.
Vietnamese citizens aged 70 to 75 from poor or near-poor households who meet the conditions are also entitled to receive the social retirement allowance.
The monthly social retirement allowance rate is determined by the Government, taking into account socio-economic development and the capacity of the state budget for each period.
Social retirement allowance recipients are entitled to have their health insurance premiums paid by the state budget in accordance with the law on health insurance. In the event of their death, the organization or individual handling the funeral arrangements shall receive funeral support in accordance with the law on the elderly.
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