Vietnam increases social assistance and pension benefit standards

Vietnam is implementing new social welfare regulations that increase benefit standards for various groups. Under Decree 335/2026/NĐ-CP, the social assistance standard will rise from 500,000 VND to 540,000 VND per month, effective July 1, 2026.

Social pension benefits of 540,000 VND per month will apply to Vietnamese citizens aged 75 and older who do not receive a pension or monthly social insurance. Additionally, citizens aged 70 to under 75 from poor or near-poor households who meet specific insurance criteria are also eligible. This new standard serves as the basis for calculating various other social assistance payments using specific coefficients.

Furthermore, Decree 321/2026/NĐ-CP increases the preferential allowance standard for meritorious persons and their relatives from 2,789,000 VND to 3,012,000 VND, effective October 1, 2026. This regulation covers monthly allowances, one-time benefits, and health insurance provisions for meritorious persons, wounded soldiers, and their caregivers.