Vietnam increases social assistance standard to 540,000 VND

The Vietnamese government has issued Decree No. 335/2026/NĐ-CP, increasing the standard social assistance level from 500,000 VND to 540,000 VND per month. This new standard, effective from July 1, 2026, serves as the basis for calculating monthly social allowances, care and nurturing support, and other assistance programs.

The decree covers various forms of support, including regular community-based assistance, emergency aid, and care within social assistance facilities. Key beneficiary groups include children under 16 in vulnerable circumstances—such as those abandoned, orphaned, or with parents in prison—as well as HIV/AIDS patients from poor households, single parents in poverty, and people with severe disabilities.

Additionally, the decree outlines social pension increases, with certain social pension benefits rising to 540,000 VND per month starting October 5, 2026. Local authorities are permitted to propose higher assistance levels to their respective People's Councils if local socio-economic conditions allow.