Initially, he was a little surprised because the benefit level was lower than he imagined, but he said he is now satisfied, at peace and assured with his retirement life.
More than 37 years of social insurance contribution, receiving a pension of 10.25 million VND
On September 16, 2026, Mr. H.T. D (character name abbreviated as requested - PV) received a decision from Hanoi City Social Insurance on enjoying monthly pension benefits.
Mr. D was born in 1965, before retiring, he held the position of General Director of a fairly large company in Hanoi. He has a total social insurance contribution period of 37 years and 1 month, all of which is compulsory social insurance contribution period.
According to Decree 158/2025/ND-CP, the monthly pension level is calculated by multiplying the monthly pension benefit rate by the average salary level used as the basis for social insurance contributions as prescribed.
The average salary, monthly income or average salary and monthly income used as the basis for calculating his pension is determined by the Social Insurance agency to be 13,673,866 VND. The pension benefit rate is 75%.
Accordingly, Mr. D's monthly pension is 10,255,400 VND. He is entitled to retirement benefits from October 1, 2026.
In addition to the monthly pension, the decision of the social insurance agency determined that Mr. D is entitled to a one-time pension when retiring of 17,092,333 VND.
From a little surprise to a sense of peace and tranquility
Sharing with Lao Dong reporters about the pension level that many people consider low, Mr. D said that initially he was also a little surprised because before that he imagined the amount of money received would be over 11 million VND per month.
According to Mr. D, his social insurance participation process lasted through many stages with different salary levels as a basis for contributions.
In the period 1988-2008, the social insurance contribution level was still low, and salaries were calculated according to a coefficient. Salary coefficient 2.34 when being a specialist and 5.65 when holding the position of Deputy General Director.
By 2015, when he became General Director, according to Mr. D, the enterprise paid social insurance for him at a rate of about 9 million VND/month. By 2020, the new contribution level increased to about 20 million VND/month.
“Social insurance calculates an average of 13.67 million VND of salary paid for social insurance, multiplied by 75% equals 10.25 million VND. This is the pension I received,” Mr. D shared.
According to current regulations, the determination of the average salary level used as the basis for social insurance contributions to calculate pensions depends on the salary regime and the social insurance contribution process of employees.
Decree 158/2025/ND-CP specifically stipulates many different cases, including people who have paid according to the salary regime prescribed by the State, people who receive salaries decided by employers, and people who have paid according to both regimes.
After reviewing the social insurance contribution process and calculating his own spending needs, Mr. D said he felt satisfied with the pension he received.
According to his sharing, his children are now grown up and working. With his own living conditions, he estimates that about 10 million VND per month is enough if he spends sparingly.
He said he does not drink alcohol, does not smoke. One of the regular expenses is blood pressure and diabetes medication, about 1.5-2 million VND per month.
This morning, holding the pension decision, I was a little shocked when I first read it, because I was sure I would get over 11 million VND. But after only 5 minutes, I felt "happy" again and peaceful and reassured," Mr. D shared.
From a slightly surprised mood when seeing the above figure for the first time, Mr. D said that finally what made him satisfied was that this pension level is suitable for his current spending needs.
After 37 years and 1 month of participating in social insurance, from October 1, he will officially enter the monthly pension payment phase.
From the position of someone who used to hold the important responsibility of managing a business, Mr. D's years of work were associated with work, responsibility and no small amount of pressure. When he held the retirement decision in his hand, that rhythm of life seemed to slow down. No longer busy with managing work, he could spend more time for himself and his family, leisurely planning breakfast, coffee, travel or daily expenses.
The pension of more than 10 million VND per month may not be a large number compared to his previous job position, but for Mr. D at this time, what is more valuable is the feeling of "peace and security" after more than 37 years of social insurance contributions.
A long journey has come to an end, the pressures of work are gradually behind, giving way to easier retirement days - when he can slow down and spend time on his own simple things.
