Talking to Lao Dong Newspaper, Ms. Bui Thuy (45 years old, in Yen Thuy commune, Phu Tho province) said that about 5 years ago, she participated in voluntary social insurance.
As a freelance worker, Ms. Thuy actively participated in this policy to receive a pension later.
In contrast to Ms. Thuy, Ms. Do Thi Chieu (in Pho Sau hamlet, Yen Thuy commune) is 65 years old but has no pension.
Ms. Chieu works as a freelancer. However, when she was still of working age, voluntary social insurance was not yet popular.
Up to now, Ms. Chieu does not have enough time to participate in social insurance to receive a pension. She said that this is something that worries her when entering old age.
According to Phu Tho Social Insurance, in the past time, many people participating in voluntary social insurance have officially received monthly pensions.
In August 2026, Thanh Son Grassroots Social Insurance awarded a monthly pension decision to Ms. Do Thi Ngoc Oanh (born July 19, 1969) - owner of a private pharmacy in Thanh Son commune.
Working as an individual business household, Ms. Oanh's income depends on trading activities. However, she still sets aside a periodic amount of money to participate in voluntary social insurance.
In addition to monthly income, pensioners are also issued health insurance cards (HI). This is an important source of support when they are old and their health declines.
Another case is Mr. Ngo Gia Bao (63 years old, in Vinh Yen ward). After nearly 10 years of participating in compulsory social insurance, he did not receive one-time social insurance but continued to pay voluntary social insurance to have enough time to receive a pension.
In June 2026, Mr. Bao received a decision to enjoy the monthly pension regime.
Phu Tho Social Insurance said that the 2024 Social Insurance Law, effective from July 1, 2025, has reduced the minimum social insurance contribution period to receive a pension from 20 years to 15 years. This regulation applies to both compulsory social insurance and voluntary social insurance participation periods.
Thus, freelancers without labor contracts can still participate in voluntary social insurance. If they meet the conditions on retirement age and contribution period, they can receive a monthly pension.
Not only encouraging, in the past time, Phu Tho also issued a policy to support voluntary social insurance contributions. In July 2026, Phu Tho issued Resolution No. 25/2026/NQ-HDND on supporting voluntary social insurance contributions.
Accordingly, people from poor households, near-poor households and ethnic minorities permanently residing in Phu Tho participating in voluntary social insurance are additionally supported by the provincial budget by 10% on the monthly contribution level according to rural poverty standards. The policy applies until December 31, 2030.
