Social pension policy - A solid support for the elderly

Decree 176 – The extended arm of social security policy

Officially effective from July 1, 2025, Decree 176 aims to expand the scope of social security coverage, especially for the elderly who have never or are not eligible to participate in the social insurance system before. With specific regulations, the decree allows: people aged 75 and over, without pension or monthly allowance will receive 500,000 VND/month in the form of social pension allowance. People aged 70 to under 75, if they are poor or near-poor households, will also receive a similar level of allowance. In addition to the cash support, beneficiaries will also be given a free health insurance card and funeral support upon death.

Decree 176 has helped the elderly live happily, healthily and usefully. In the photo: Members of the Provincial Mental Health Association exercise to improve their health.

This is a deeply humane policy, not only helping the elderly reduce financial pressure but also affirming their role and position in social life.

We had the opportunity to visit the family of Mrs. Lo Thi Mau (100 years old) in Ta Lom village (Kheen On commune). Mrs. Mau belongs to a near-poor household, is old, weak, has no stable income, and lives in all kinds of deprivation. Thanks to the local government's support in completing the application, Mrs. Mau has been able to access the social pension policy under Decree 176. Mrs. Mau emotionally shared: "At this age, I can no longer work. Thanks to this policy, I have more money for medicine and to support my children and grandchildren."

Also eligible for the subsidy under Decree 176, the joy was evident on the haggard face of Mr. Lo Van Coc (101 years old) in Mui 2 village (Kheen On commune). Mr. Coc said: "I am old and can't do anything. With this additional subsidy, I feel more secure and warm because I am not forgotten."

Synchronous implementation - Bringing policies into life

Immediately after Decree 176 took effect, authorities at all levels quickly took action. In Khoen On commune, the work of reviewing and making a list of beneficiaries was carried out urgently, seriously and transparently. Up to now, the commune has completed the list with 127 elderly people eligible for the regime.

Mr. Nguyen Anh Dung - Vice Chairman of Khoen On People's Committee said: "We identify this as a humane policy, which needs to be implemented fully, promptly and to the right people. All procedures are made public to ensure that no one is left out. Therefore, after Decree 176 was issued, following the guidance of the Provincial People's Committee, we focused on reviewing and promptly paying to the subjects in accordance with regulations. Up to now, we have fully paid from July to September to the elderly who are beneficiaries of the policy."

It is known that, immediately after the Government issued Decree 176 and under the direction of the Provincial People's Committee, the Department of Health also quickly issued Official Dispatch No. 1898/SYT-BTTE&PCTNXH dated July 14, 2025 on the deployment and implementation of a number of contents and tasks of social protection work according to the 2-level local government model. As of September 2025, the whole province had about 12,000 elderly people eligible to benefit from this policy.

Immediately after Decree 176 was issued, Doan Ket ward officials proactively grasped and reviewed the beneficiaries.

One of the important factors that helped the policy quickly come into life was the proactive role of local authorities in reviewing, making lists, guiding people in completing documents, answering questions and monitoring the progress of subsidy payments.

In many localities, commune and ward officials have directly visited each household, especially the elderly living alone, to assist in completing paperwork. This helps people, especially those unfamiliar with administrative procedures, not to be “left behind” simply because of information or skill barriers.

Mr. Bui Duc Cao - Head of the Department of Culture and Society of Doan Ket Ward shared: “Immediately after Decree 176 was issued, we identified this as a policy with profound humanistic significance, which needs to be implemented seriously, promptly and closely to local realities. As a grassroots level, we have proactively coordinated with residential groups and senior citizens' association officials to carefully review each eligible case. In particular, for the elderly who live alone or have difficulty accessing administrative procedures, ward officials have come to their homes to guide and support them in completing their documents.

More than material things - it's about appreciation and sharing

Although the 500,000 VND/month subsidy is not too large, for the elderly, it is a valuable support, helping them cover some of their living and medical expenses. More importantly, it sends a message about the State's care and responsibility towards the generation that has devoted their whole lives to society.

Many sports activities for the elderly are regularly organized at all levels.

Each free health insurance card is not only a means to help the elderly feel secure in their medical treatment, but also a recognition of the contributions of the elderly to the localities. Mr. Lo Van Coc added: “What makes me feel the most warm is that I am still cared for by the State. The elderly only need a question, a timely policy to make us feel appreciated. We are grateful because this policy not only provides material support but also great spiritual encouragement.”

With the drastic participation of all levels of government, close coordination between sectors and mass organizations, Decree 176 will create a widespread social security network, helping the elderly, whether in remote or disadvantaged areas, to enjoy benefits fairly and promptly. Because, in the social security policy of the Party and State, "no one is left behind" is not just a slogan, but a commitment to action.

Source: https://baolaichau.vn/xa-hoi/chinh-sach-tro-cap-huu-tri-xa-hoi-diem-tua-vung-chac-cho-nguoi-cao-tuoi-881311