A pillar of social security for the elderly.

Government Decree No. 176/ND-CP dated June 30, 2025, detailing and guiding the implementation of several articles of the Social Insurance Law on social retirement benefits, effective from July 1, 2025, has promptly expanded the "social safety net" for the elderly, especially those in poor and near-poor households and those in difficult circumstances, providing them with an additional stable source of income.

Residents of Chiềng Sinh ward submit their applications for retirement benefits at the ward's Public Administrative Service Center.

According to the amended Social Insurance Law of 2024, Vietnamese citizens aged 75 and above who do not receive a monthly pension or social insurance benefit; or who are receiving a monthly pension or social insurance benefit lower than the prescribed social retirement benefit; along with citizens aged 70 to under 75 who belong to poor or near-poor households and meet the eligibility criteria, are entitled to a monthly allowance of 500,000 VND per person. Beneficiaries also receive a free health insurance card and a funeral expense allowance of 10 million VND. This is an important support system, both materially and spiritually, helping the elderly feel more secure in life and enjoy their old age.

Mr. Ca Van On, 78 years old, from Muong village, Chieng Sinh ward, is one of the first beneficiaries of the policy. After receiving thorough information from the local government and socio- political organizations about eligibility, conditions, benefit levels, and procedures, he proactively prepared the necessary documents and went to the ward's Public Administrative Service Center to file his application. His application was quickly processed, and he received three months' worth of allowance at a rate of 500,000 VND per month. Mr. On shared: "My wife and I don't have a pension; our lives mainly depend on our small garden and the support of our children and grandchildren. Now that the government is paying attention to our social retirement allowance, and we also have a free health insurance card, we feel much more secure."

Officials at the Yen Chau Commune Public Administrative Service Center guide residents in preparing documents for elderly people eligible to receive retirement benefits.

Also in Chieng Sinh ward, Mr. Leo Van Muon, from group 9, 81 years old, a former civilian worker who participated in the resistance war against the US, received a one-time allowance of 2 million VND in 2022. However, his life mainly depends on handicraft weaving and the help of his children and grandchildren; his age, declining health, and unstable income are all factors contributing to his well-being. When informed that he was eligible for social retirement benefits under Decree No. 176/ND-CP, Mr. Muon happily shared: "The additional allowance each month, although not much, helps me buy medicine and rice, making life less difficult."

According to statistics, Chiềng Sinh ward currently has 222 elderly people eligible for benefits under Decree No. 176/ND-CP. Mr. Lo Van Binh, Vice Chairman of the Ward People's Committee, said: The implementation of the Decree is very practical, contributing to supporting elderly people without pensions or stable regular incomes. The ward has conducted a thorough review, publicly disclosed the list, and ensured that payments are made correctly, fully, promptly, and transparently.

In Yen Chau commune, a review revealed that there are currently 1,479 individuals receiving social assistance, with a total monthly expenditure exceeding 950 million VND. Of these, 792 elderly people are receiving social retirement benefits; payments are made flexibly in cash or via bank accounts, making it convenient for residents, especially the elderly and those with limited health. Mr. Lo Quoc Viet, Vice Chairman of the Commune People's Committee, stated: Recognizing this as a deeply humane social welfare policy, the commune has directed specialized departments and villages/sub-districts to carefully review each case, intensify propaganda efforts to ensure people understand their rights and proactively complete the necessary procedures. Simultaneously, the commune closely coordinates with relevant units to ensure timely and accurate payments to the correct recipients.

Officials from the Culture and Social Affairs Department of Chiềng Sinh ward are disseminating information to the people about Decree 176/ND-CP.

Mr. Cam Mai Kien, Chairman of the Son La Provincial Association of Elderly People, assessed: Social retirement allowances under Decree 176/ND-CP not only help elderly people alleviate difficulties in their daily lives but also demonstrate the respect and concern of the Party and the State for the contributions of the elderly to their families and society. In the coming time, the Provincial Association of Elderly People will continue to closely coordinate with the authorities at all levels, promote propaganda and monitor the implementation of the policy; and at the same time encourage members to promote the role of "elderly people as shining examples," actively participating in local movements.

Currently, the entire province has 18,600 elderly people receiving social retirement benefits. The practical implementation of Decree 176/ND-CP shows that the policy has been and continues to be highly effective, contributing to improving the quality of life for the elderly and strengthening the people's trust in the care and attention of the Party and the State. This is also an important foundation for localities to continue to effectively carry out the work of caring for, supporting, and promoting the role of the elderly in the new situation.

Source: https://baosonla.vn/xa-hoi/diem-tua-an-sinh-cho-nguoi-cao-tuoi-qTEAgbIvg.html