Vietnam updates social welfare allowances for students and volunteer youth

The Vietnamese government has issued new decrees regarding social welfare allowances. Under Decree 335/2026/NĐ-CP, effective October 5, 2026, students aged 16 and older in specific difficult circumstances are eligible for a monthly allowance of 810,000 VND. This amount is calculated using a 1.5 coefficient applied to the standard social assistance level of 540,000 VND. To qualify, students must be enrolled in general education, continuing education, vocational training, or a first undergraduate degree, and must maintain continuous studies.

Additionally, Decree 388/2026/NĐ-CP, effective December 1, 2026, increases support for southern volunteer youth who participated in the resistance from 1965 to 1975. Those who are no longer able to work, live alone, and have no support will receive a monthly allowance equal to twice the standard social assistance level, amounting to 1.08 million VND per month. The decree also outlines a streamlined administrative process for applying for these benefits through local People's Committees or the National Public Service Portal.