When policies "touch" people
In recent years, voluntary social insurance (BHXH) policies have had many important adjustments, gradually creating more favorable conditions for informal sector workers to participate in and enjoy retirement benefits.
A notable highlight is that the 2024 Law on Social Insurance stipulates reducing the minimum contribution period to receive a pension to 15 years, instead of 20 years as before. This regulation opens up opportunities for late participants or those with non-continuous contribution processes, especially freelancers, small traders, and seasonal workers.
Along with perfecting the institution, the scale of social insurance participation continues to be expanded. According to Vietnam Social Security, in 2025, the whole country has about 3.3 million people participating in social insurance, of which about 2.4% of the working-age population participates in voluntary social insurance. Although the rate is still modest, this is a positive sign, showing that more and more people are interested in accumulating long-term social security.
Reality in many localities shows that the number of people who complete the conditions to receive pensions from voluntary social insurance is increasing.
In Bac Ninh, by the end of 2025, more than 7,300 people had received monthly pensions, most of whom were freelancers.
Or at Hoi An Tay Grassroots Social Insurance (Da Nang City), in 2025 there were 29 cases receiving pensions, but by March 2026 this number had increased to 75 cases "reaching the finish line".
These results show that "reducing the threshold" of contribution time has significantly expanded the opportunity to access pensions, especially for informal sector workers, thereby gradually narrowing the social security gap.
Not only policies have changed, but the methods of organization and implementation have also been innovated in a flexible and closer direction to the people. Many localities have strengthened dialogue and direct consultation at the grassroots level, helping people understand their rights and actively participate.
From never thinking about social insurance due to unstable income, after being specifically consulted, many workers decided to participate as a way to accumulate for the future.
If in the past I greatly admired the brothers and sisters working in state agencies because when they retired they would be stable, have monthly pensions as a support, and be less dependent on their children and grandchildren, now I am also preparing for my future like that. Every month I will spend a small income to pay voluntary social insurance" - Ms. Dao Thi Van Anh (owner of a coffee shop in Hanoi) shared.
At the same time, digital transformation in the social insurance sector also contributes to improving policy access. In 2025, the entire system received and processed more than 49.9 million dossiers, of which over 98% were resolved on time or early.
This result shows the clear effectiveness of administrative procedure reform, bringing policies closer to the people.
Pensions - not just monthly money
When considering participating in voluntary social insurance, many workers are concerned about the pension level. However, the value of the policy is not only in monthly income but also in the long-term social security significance.
Pensions are a stable income and are periodically adjusted by the State to ensure value over time. In recent years, the pension level has been increased many times, especially prioritizing the group with low benefit levels, contributing to improving the lives of retirees.
In addition, pensioners are also issued health insurance cards with high coverage - a practical benefit in the context of increasing medical costs and increasing healthcare needs for the elderly.
Voluntary social insurance policies are also gradually being completed in the direction of approaching compulsory social insurance. The addition of maternity benefits is a remarkable step forward, contributing to enhancing benefits and increasing the attractiveness of policies. At the same time, the State continues to support contribution levels for some groups such as poor and near-poor households, thereby reducing financial burdens and encouraging people to participate.
Overall, pensions are not only a financial accumulation but also a guarantee of a stable life in old age – from income, health care to mental peace of mind.
Towards universal social security
According to Vietnam Social Security, practical implementation shows that when policies are designed appropriately and implemented effectively, people are increasingly proactive in participating and long-term commitment. From specific stories at the grassroots level, a clear change in awareness can be seen: workers are gradually shifting from short-term thinking to proactive accumulation for the future.
In the context of an aging population, expanding social insurance coverage is an urgent requirement to ensure socio-economic stability. Social insurance and health insurance continue to be two important pillars of the social security system, complementing each other in ensuring people's lives and health care.
When each person actively participates in social insurance to accumulate for old age, the social security system will be increasingly strengthened, contributing to reducing pressure on families and society. Pensions are therefore not only the rights of each individual but also the foundation for a sustainable development society - where everyone can be assured about the future and no one is left behind.
