3.5 Million Recipients to Receive Two Months of Pension and Allowances Before Tet

Over 3.5 Million People to Receive Payments Before Tet

This announcement was made by the Vietnam Social Security (VSS) in accordance with Directive No. 36/CT-TTg dated December 31, 2025, issued by the Prime Minister. The directive aims to ensure a joyful, healthy, safe, and economical Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year) celebration for 2026, while also effectively implementing social welfare policies to help citizens enjoy the holiday with peace of mind.

Accordingly, the VSS has instructed social security offices in all provinces and centrally-governed cities to consolidate the payment of two months’ worth of pensions and social insurance allowances (February and March) into a single payment in February. This applies to all payment methods, including cash and personal bank accounts.

In four specific localities—Dak Lak, Gia Lai, Khanh Hoa, and Lam Dong—a previous consolidation of three months’ payments (December 2025, January, and February 2026) was made in December 2025. Therefore, the March 2026 pension and social insurance allowances for these areas will be disbursed during the February 2026 payment period.

With this payment plan, over 3.5 million beneficiaries nationwide will receive their February and March 2026 pensions and social insurance allowances before Tet through flexible payment methods, including cash at payment points, home delivery, or direct deposit into personal bank accounts.

Ensuring Timely and Full Payment

To ensure smooth payment processes and protect beneficiaries’ rights, the VSS requires provincial and municipal social security offices to collaborate closely with local post offices.

Specifically, localities must allocate sufficient personnel to compile lists, monitor, and approve electronic payment orders, ensuring timely fund transfers. They must also develop a consolidated payment plan aligned with funding schedules and the 2026 Lunar New Year holiday period, guaranteeing full and punctual payments.

Additionally, provincial social security offices must report their consolidated payment plans to local authorities for unified implementation. They should strengthen oversight of payment processes and beneficiary management, promptly resolving any issues that arise. In cases where beneficiaries pass away after receiving consolidated payments, authorities will recover funds in accordance with regulations.

The social security sector will also intensify outreach efforts, encouraging beneficiaries to receive payments through personal bank accounts for convenience, speed, and security. Comprehensive payment schedules will be communicated to ensure public awareness.

The Vietnam Post Corporation is instructed to ensure its subsidiaries are fully prepared for seamless payment operations, with a focus on home delivery for elderly, vulnerable, or infirm beneficiaries unable to visit payment points.

Local post offices are responsible for promptly notifying beneficiaries of any payment schedule changes, closely managing beneficiary information, particularly for those using personal bank accounts or authorized representatives, and recovering funds as required for deceased beneficiaries who received consolidated payments.