The Ministry of Justice has just announced the dossier for appraisal of the draft Decree of the Government stipulating social assistance policies and social pension allowances, drafted by the Ministry of Health.
Accordingly, the draft proposes to adjust the standard level of social assistance and social pension benefits from 500,000 VND to 540,000 VND/month, equivalent to an increase of 8%, expected to be applied from July 1.
According to Decree No. 161/2026/ND-CP, the base salary from July 1, 2026 is 2,530,000 VND/month (the current base salary is 2,340,000 VND/month). The base salary increases while adjusting to increase pensions and social insurance allowances by an additional 8% for some benefit groups.
At the age of 87, no longer able to work and without a pension, the monthly allowance is an important source of support for Mr. Nguyen Duc Can (Tay Ho ward, Hanoi) in covering his old age life. Therefore, when he learned about the proposal to increase the pension allowance level, he could not hide his joy and expectations.
I am old and no longer able to work, so the State's support for me is very precious. This allowance helps me cover electricity and water costs and take care of daily meals. Any extra money will make my old age life less difficult. I just hope the new policy will be approved soon," Mr. Can shared.
Similarly, Ms. Vu Thi Tu (80 years old, Tay Ho ward, Hanoi) said that both husband and wife do not have pensions. The burden of old age is even more stressful as for many years, she has had to maintain treatment for diabetes and many other old age diseases with very expensive costs.
If the State increases the level of support, we will be very happy. Old age, weak health, and our minds are no longer sharp, all daily activities depend on this amount. I have had diabetes for 27 years, now if I have any extra money to take care of my life, I will save that money," Ms. Tu confided.
For Ms. Tran Thi Hong (83 years old, Hanoi), for many years, she has lived with her son, her health is weak, so she is almost unable to work. The monthly allowance is used by her to buy medicine, food and pay for a part of living expenses.
Children still have to raise grandchildren, and the economy is not abundant. I am old, I can't help much, so I try to take care of myself somewhat. Having monthly allowances is very precious, at least I can buy medicine myself, and avoid being completely dependent on my children and grandchildren. I just hope the policy will be passed soon so that the elderly can have a less difficult life," Ms. Hong shared.
For many elderly people without pensions, each allowance is practical, not only helping to reduce the burden of spending but also a source of spiritual encouragement when they are old and no longer able to work.
Accordingly, people expect the proposal to increase the standard of social assistance and social pension benefits to be soon approved and put into practice. Thereby, contributing to improving the quality of life for the elderly and vulnerable groups in society.
According to calculations, with about 4.5 million people enjoying the policy, adjusting the allowance level to 540,000 VND/month will increase budget spending by about 304 billion VND per month. Total additional spending is expected to increase in 2026 (from July 1) by about 1,824 billion VND.
