Currently, the general social pension allowance level nationwide is 500,000 VND/person/month. However, to support the elderly to have a more stable life, some localities have proactively increased the allowance level higher than regulations.
According to the Ministry of Health, there are currently 5 provinces and cities applying social pension benefits higher than the general level. Among them, Hai Phong and Quang Ninh are leading the country with a level of 700,000 VND/person/month. Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City pay 650,000 VND/month, while Tuyen Quang applies a level of 530,000 VND/month.
According to current regulations, from July 1, 2025, people aged 75 and over who do not receive a pension or monthly social insurance allowance are entitled to a social pension of 500,000 VND/month. Poor and near-poor households aged 70 to under 75 years old are also eligible for this policy.
In addition to the monthly allowance, social pension beneficiaries are also granted free health insurance cards and support for funeral expenses upon death. From January 1, 2026, people aged 75 and over who receive social pension benefits will also be paid 100% of the medical examination and treatment costs according to their scope of enjoyment by the health insurance fund.
The Ministry of Health said that in 2025, about 2.5 million elderly people will receive social pension benefits, with a total budget of nearly 7,000 billion VND from the state budget.
However, the allowance level of 500,000 VND/month is still low compared to the minimum living needs of the elderly. Therefore, the Ministry of Health proposes to increase the general allowance level nationwide to 540,000 VND/month from July 1, 2026 to strengthen social security for this group of subjects.
