# Vietnam social insurance and welfare regulatory updates > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/vietnam-social-insurance-regulatory-updates > Updated: 2026-09-04T23:55:49.000Z. Sources: 11. Developments: 7. Vietnam’s social insurance and welfare landscape is undergoing significant regulatory and administrative shifts. Following the Social Insurance Law 2024, which reduces the minimum pension contribution period from 20 to 15 years effective July 1, 2025, new reforms are scheduled for 2026. Under the 2024 Law, workers who reach retirement age without sufficient contribution time may use lump-sum payments to meet requirements. For compulsory participants, a single installment can cover a deficit of up to six months, while voluntary participants may make a lump-sum payment for a deficit of up to five years. Vietnam Social Security has since clarified that compulsory insurance applies to specific employees and employers, covering sickness, maternity, retirement, death, and occupational accidents. Voluntary insurance remains available to citizens aged 15 and older not covered by compulsory schemes, providing maternity, retirement, death, and occupational accident benefits. Administrative restructuring and broader policy reforms are also advancing. The Ministry of Finance previously introduced 25 changes to administrative procedures to align with new insurance laws. In September 2026, Deputy Prime Minister Pham Thi Thanh Tra signed Decision 124/QD-BCDCTLBHXH to initiate a plan for reforming wage and social insurance policies. This plan aims to present a comprehensive reform project to the 14th Central Committee. The Ministry of Home Affairs is leading research to assess previous resolutions and evaluate current wage policies, including minimum wages and salary scales, to identify shortcomings and propose sector-specific recommendations. Other scheduled reforms include an 8% pension increase on July 1, 2026, and an increase in the monthly social retirement allowance to 540,000 VND effective October 5, 2026. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-04: Vietnam initiates plan for wage and social insurance reform Vietnam's Deputy PM Pham Thi Thanh Tra has launched a plan to reform wage and social insurance policies, with a draft project expected by late 2026 for presentation to the Party's Central Committee. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vietnam-initiates-plan-for-wage-and-social-insurance-reform ### 2026-09-01: Vietnam Social Security clarifies compulsory and voluntary insurance rules Vietnam Social Security clarified the differences between compulsory and voluntary social insurance under the 2024 Law, detailing eligibility, benefits, and contribution bases. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vietnam-social-security-clarifies-compulsory-and-voluntary-insurance-rules ### 2026-08-23: Vietnam Ministry of Finance updates social insurance procedures Vietnam's Ministry of Finance issued Decision 2270/QD-BTC, restructuring 25 social insurance administrative procedures to align with new laws on employment, health, and social security. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vietnam-ministry-of-finance-updates-social-insurance-procedures ### 2026-08-22: Vietnam to implement pension increases and social welfare reforms in 2026 Vietnam will implement various 2026 reforms, including an 8% pension increase, higher social assistance allowances to 540,000 VND, and new civil service recruitment regulations. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vietnam-to-implement-pension-increases-and-social-welfare-reforms-in-2026 ### 2026-08-22: Vietnam social insurance rules for foreign workers Foreign workers in Vietnam can claim one-time social insurance benefits upon contract termination and may legally authorize representatives to handle the procedures and receive payments. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vietnam-social-insurance-rules-for-foreign-workers ### 2026-08-18: Vietnam Social Insurance Law 2024 reduces minimum pension contribution years Vietnam's Social Insurance Law 2024 will reduce the minimum contribution period for pensions from 20 to 15 years starting July 2025, offering lump-sum payment options to bridge gaps. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vietnam-social-insurance-law-2024-updates-pension-eligibility ### 2026-08-01: Vietnam Social Insurance Launches 2026 Survey, Issues Scam Warnings Vietnam's Social Insurance agency launches a 2026 satisfaction survey, warns of impersonation scams, and tightens health‑insurance cost controls, stressing free participation and no OTP or payment requests. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vietnam-social-insurance-launches-2026-satisfaction-survey-and-fraud-warning --- Cite as: Vietnam social insurance and welfare regulatory updates. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/vietnam-social-insurance-regulatory-updates