A solid "safety net" for the people of the capital city.

Over the years, Hanoi has not only developed its economy but also implemented many specific social welfare policies to ensure that all citizens, especially vulnerable groups, can benefit from these achievements.

Many specific support policies

Putting the people at the center of all decisions is not only the guiding principle for Hanoi 's specific policies but also the driving force for the capital to build a sustainable and humane social security network.

To realize that goal, the city has strived to directly improve the living standards of its people. According to Resolution No. 63/2025/NQ-HĐND dated November 27, 2025, of the City People's Council, from January 1, 2026, the standard social assistance level will be raised to 650,000 VND. The beneficiaries include children; people aged 16 to under 22; the elderly; people with serious illnesses in the community; and those in difficult circumstances who are received, cared for, and nurtured in social assistance facilities managed by the Department of Health . In addition, those receiving social retirement benefits will receive an additional monthly support of 150,000 VND, ensuring their total benefit level equals the city's standard social assistance level.

Agencies and units visited and presented gifts to people who rendered meritorious services to the revolution and relatives of martyrs who are being cared for and nurtured at the Hanoi Center for Nurturing and Caring for People with Meritorious Services No. 2. Photo: TT

Along with direct subsidies, Hanoi focuses on creating a social security foundation by supporting people's social insurance contributions. From January 1, 2026, the city will support voluntary social insurance and health insurance contributions for policy beneficiaries. In addition to the voluntary social insurance contribution, the city will provide an additional 50% subsidy for participants from poor households; and an additional 60% subsidy for voluntary social insurance contributions for those from near-poor households.

In line with social insurance policies, the city provides 100% support for health insurance contributions for individuals aged 70 to under 75 who are not subject to mandatory social insurance and do not have a health insurance card; people with mild disabilities; and ethnic minorities who are not subject to mandatory health insurance. Individuals from households engaged in agriculture , forestry, or fisheries with an average standard of living according to the city's standards receive an additional 30% support for health insurance contributions…

Making the happiness of the people the goal of social welfare.

Associate Professor Bui Thi An, former National Assembly representative and Director of the Institute of Resources, Environment and Community Development, noted that the most outstanding aspect is the consistent mindset of Hanoi's city leaders: putting the people first and making the happiness of the people the ultimate goal. With financial support and an increase in monthly social allowances to 650,000 VND, people feel more secure in their daily lives.

In particular, providing 100% support for health insurance premiums for vulnerable groups is a humane policy. This is not just material support, but also a relief from psychological burdens. This empathy has strengthened the people's trust in the government, creating high consensus in the construction and development of the capital city.

Dr. Nguyen Huu Dung, former Director of the Institute of Labor and Social Sciences (under the former Ministry of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs), believes this creates opportunities for the city to implement social support policies more effectively than other localities. However, in the coming time, Hanoi needs to pay special attention to two groups: migrant workers, especially those with low incomes and working in the informal sector; and disadvantaged people in the inner city with low living standards. Along with that, it is necessary to strengthen support for social housing, and provide free or subsidized public transport fares for the poor and migrant workers.

According to Associate Professor Bui Thi An, when implementing the amended Capital City Law, Hanoi needs stronger, more specific policies; it needs to establish a higher urban welfare standard, commensurate with the actual living standards. More importantly, policy thinking needs to shift from support to protection and from protection to providing opportunities. Instead of just providing monthly subsidies, the city needs to create opportunities for people to improve themselves through employment and basic living conditions.

According to experts, Hanoi's implementation of specific policies is not only an urgent requirement but also a strong affirmation of a civilized, modern, and humane capital city. This forms a solid foundation for fostering a happy environment where every citizen feels cared for and no one is left behind.

"Hanoi, in its pioneering role, needs to have specific regulatory policies to ensure that those receiving social assistance, including social pensions, receive assistance equal to the minimum living wage. Similarly, those receiving pensions whose previous social insurance contributions were lower than the minimum living wage must have their contributions adjusted to the minimum wage."

Dr. Pham Dinh Thanh, former Director of the Vietnam Institute of Social Insurance Science (now the Institute of Economic and Financial Strategy and Development, Ministry of Finance)

Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/luoi-an-sinh-vung-chac-cho-nguoi-dan-thu-do-748011.html