Instead of stipulating the annual increase, the pension adjustment is decided by the Government, based on many factors such as the capacity of the social insurance fund, and the consumer price index.
Positive adjustment roadmap
According to Article 67 of the 2024 Law on Social Insurance (effective from July 1, 2025) on the principles of pension adjustment: The State adjusts pensions and monthly social insurance allowances based on the increase in the consumer price index (CPI), appropriate economic growth, and the capacity of the social insurance fund. Specific adjustments are regulated by the Government for each period, without rigidly stipulating the increase level for each year.
The Social Insurance Law does not stipulate that pensions will be increased in 2026, but assigns the Government to issue a Decree to adjust depending on the actual situation. Article 67 of the 2024 Social Insurance Law is still the legal basis for adjusting pensions for the years after 2025, including 2026.
However, besides the provisions of the Law on Social Insurance, the National Assembly's Resolution shows the priority orientation for pension adjustment in 2026.
Clause 10, Article 2 of Resolution No. 246/2025/QH15 on central budget allocation in 2026 clearly states the allocation of funds to implement adjustments for: Salaries; pensions; monthly allowances; preferential allowances for people with meritorious services and some social policies according to the plan decided by competent authorities.
Thus, in 2026, pension increases, social insurance allowances, and monthly allowances from the central budget's salary reform accumulation fund may be implemented.
Many people are waiting for pension increases in 2026
Ms. Doan Thi Ha (70 years old, Bac Ninh) could not hide her joy when the pension level could be increased from this year. Previously, Ms. Ha worked at a hotel in Phu Tho province (old Vinh Phuc province) from 1978, then retired in 2005.
Although she has retired for more than 20 years, Ms. Ha still receives a pension of nearly 6 million VND per month. This pension is used by Ms. Ha for living expenses and for sickness.
Hearing the news that my pension can be increased this year, I am very happy. At this age, the cost of medicine is increasing. Pension increases, even if only partially, will help me take better care of my health. I only hope this policy will be approved soon and implemented as planned" - Ms. Ha confided.
Mr. Nguyen Van Vinh (72 years old, Lao Cai) had nearly 40 years of social insurance contributions when working at Yen Bai Irrigation - Hydropower Construction Joint Stock Company. After retirement, in addition to the pension enjoyed, Mr. Vinh was also issued a free health insurance card for health care. Thanks to that, Mr. Vinh is more reassured in his old age without having to rely on his children and grandchildren.
Excited and waiting for pensions to increase in the near future, Mr. Vinh said: "The information about pension adjustments in 2026 is very welcome. In the context of increasing property prices, raising pension levels is extremely practical for retirees like us. However, I also hope that the increase will be calculated reasonably to truly compensate for some of the current living standards.
The policy of adjusting pension increases not only receives the consensus of the people but also contains expectations of improving the quality of life. This is considered a humane policy, contributing to stabilizing the lives of millions of retired people, helping them enjoy their old age after the process of dedication.
