Social Insurance officers promote family social insurance policies for freelance workers - Photo: M.HANH
Access to social security for millions of workers
One of the changes that is considered to be deeply humane is the reduction of the minimum period to receive pension from 20 years to 15 years. This new regulation opens up opportunities for millions of workers who have difficulty accumulating enough time to participate in social insurance before retirement age. In particular, the group of part-time workers, hourly workers, individual business owners, small traders... are the most obvious beneficiaries of this new policy.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Hoa, a trader at Dong Hoi market (Dong Hoi ward) shared: "At first I felt a bit pressured, but now I understand that this is the best way to ensure my life when I retire, so I will participate more regularly!"
Not only does it shorten the time, the new law also creates a flexible mechanism for employees by allowing them to make up for the missing years to qualify for pension. People can choose to pay monthly, quarterly or in multiple years at once, depending on their financial situation and job characteristics. This is especially practical in the context of many informal sector employees having unstable incomes.
Mr. Tran Tien, owner of Banana Coffee Shop in Dong Hoi Ward, said: “At first, I was quite surprised to learn that I was subject to compulsory social insurance. But after being clearly advised by the social insurance officer, I realized that this is a very beneficial policy. Although I have to deduct a portion of my income each month to pay for insurance, in return, I get a guarantee for old age, a stable pension, and benefits in case of illness or occupational accidents.”
The revised Law on Social Insurance also expands the scope of compulsory participation, instead of being limited to the formal labor sector as before. From July 1, 2025, the group of individual business owners who register and pay taxes according to the declaration method will be subject to compulsory social insurance. This is a large labor force but previously mainly participated in voluntary social insurance, or did not participate due to lack of information and unclear long-term benefits.
Mr. Luu Nhat Tuan, owner of a mobile device and accessories store in Dong Hoi Ward, said: “Previously, I participated in voluntary social insurance, and the employees in the store were required to participate in compulsory social insurance according to regulations. From July 1, according to the new law, we have switched to compulsory social insurance. I think this is necessary, because when participating in compulsory social insurance, my rights are clearly defined and fully guaranteed. On the other hand, the previous voluntary payment period is still reserved, so I am completely assured.”
According to the roadmap, by 2027, business owners who pay taxes by lump sum method will also have to participate in compulsory social insurance. In addition, from 2029, all individual business owners will be in this category. The contribution rate is calculated at 25% of the base income, of which 22% goes to the pension and death fund and 3% goes to the sickness and maternity fund. The income for social insurance contribution is chosen by the participant but must be within the range from the minimum level to not exceeding 20 times the basic salary.
On January 11, 2024, the Prime Minister issued Decision No. 38/QD-TTg approving the Strategy for the development of Vietnam's social insurance sector to 2030. Accordingly, the specific goal by 2030 is to strive to have about 60% of the working-age workforce participating in social insurance, of which farmers and informal sector workers participating in voluntary social insurance account for about 5% of the working-age workforce. |
Need to strengthen communication so that policies can come into life
Although the new law brings many benefits, the reality is that people's understanding and access to information about social insurance, especially in rural, mountainous and remote areas, is still limited. This makes many people hesitant or not really proactive in participating.
Deputy Director of Social Insurance Region XVI Nguyen Minh Tuan commented: “Propaganda is the key task for the law to truly come into life. We will organize direct communication, consultation at the market, go to people's homes, and thoroughly explain each new point in the law so that people understand that this is their own practical right.
This activity is implemented synchronously through local authorities, social organizations and the collection agent system. In addition, the regional Social Insurance has closely coordinated, especially with the tax authorities, to review and update the list of individual business households subject to compulsory social insurance participation under the new law. Based on the established data, the sector has advised authorities at all levels to develop a suitable implementation roadmap, both ensuring compliance with legal regulations and creating convenience for people in the participation process."
From July 1, 2025, the group of individual business owners who register and pay taxes according to the declaration method will be subject to compulsory social insurance - Photo: M.HANH
In addition to direct communication sessions, the social insurance sector is also promoting the application of information technology to support people in looking up the payment process, declaring procedures and understanding benefits through the electronic transaction system. Software and data infrastructure are being upgraded and synchronized, ensuring transparency, reducing administrative procedures and saving time for participants.
However, in addition to the participation of the social insurance sector, the dissemination and popularization of the new law also requires synchronous coordination from all levels of government, political and social organizations. Information transmission must be carried out flexibly, creatively, using multiple channels to reach each population group, especially vulnerable groups or those at risk of being "missed" in the social security network.
It can be affirmed that the amended Law on Social Insurance 2024, approved by the National Assembly with the full name of Social Insurance Law No. 41/2024/QH15, clearly demonstrates the State's strategic orientation in expanding the social security network, towards the goal of universal social insurance. Therefore, the drastic and effective implementation of this new policy will contribute to strengthening the social security system, better meeting the needs of the people in the new context.
My Hanh
Source: https://baoquangtri.vn/luat-bao-hiem-xa-hoi-mo-rong-quyen-loi-huong-den-bao-phu-toan-dan-195735.htm
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