Narrowing the social security gap

The amended Social Insurance Law of 2024, effective from July 1, 2025, includes many important changes that have attracted widespread public attention. Accordingly, the benefits for those participating in voluntary social insurance will be expanded, and the sustainability of the social insurance system will be enhanced. Notably, the required social insurance contribution period for pension benefits will be reduced from 20 years to 15 years, and those participating in voluntary social insurance will also be entitled to maternity benefits.

The Social Insurance Office of Region XIX is coordinating the dissemination of information on health insurance policies.

Voluntary social insurance is a form of insurance organized and implemented by the State, allowing participants to choose their contribution level and payment method according to their income. In recent years, voluntary social insurance has not been truly attractive to self-employed workers, small business owners, farmers, etc., because participants only receive retirement and death benefits. The latest changes in voluntary social insurance policy not only increase benefits for participants but also demonstrate the Party and State's concern for this group. With these specific policy changes, voluntary social insurance will become more attractive to workers, encouraging them to participate voluntarily.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Ngoc, a small business owner at Phan Thiet market (Minh Xuan ward), shared: "Previously, although I had been advised about the voluntary social insurance policy, I was hesitant to participate due to some limitations. Recently, after receiving information from local social insurance officials about the new points of the amended Social Insurance Law, including maternity benefits for both men and women, I decided to participate."

It is known that when employees contribute to social insurance for at least 6 months within the 12 months before giving birth or adopting a child, they will receive a one-time allowance of 2 million VND per child. Although the allowance is not very large, for low-income families and self-employed individuals in difficult circumstances, this is a necessary amount of money to help reduce the burden of childbirth costs. In particular, the law also stipulates that if both parents participate in voluntary social insurance and meet the conditions of the maternity benefit scheme, they are both entitled to the allowance.

The Social Insurance Office of Region XIX is coordinating the dissemination of information on voluntary social insurance policies for self-employed workers.

According to Ms. Nguyen Thi Kim Dung, Head of the Propaganda and Participant Support Department of the Social Insurance Region XIX, the addition of maternity benefits to voluntary social insurance is a positive policy that contributes to reducing the gap between compulsory and voluntary social insurance, bringing benefits to workers of reproductive age, and increasing the attractiveness of voluntary social insurance to self-employed workers.

Along with the addition of maternity benefits, the amended Social Insurance Law also stipulates a reduction in the required pension entitlement period from 20 years to 15 years. Specifically, from July 1st, those participating in voluntary social insurance who have reached the retirement age and have contributed to social insurance for at least 15 years will receive a monthly pension. Those who participated in voluntary social insurance before January 1st, 2021, and have contributed for 20 years can choose to receive their pension earlier instead of waiting until retirement age. According to the roadmap, by 2030, the required voluntary social insurance contribution period for receiving a monthly pension may be further reduced to 10 years. Thus, self-employed workers can more easily access their right to receive a pension and other retirement benefits without having to contribute too many years to voluntary social insurance.

Mr. Pham Huy Long, a self-employed worker in Che Den residential area, An Tuong ward, shared that for many young people who have just started working and do not yet have the opportunity to participate in voluntary social insurance, adjusting the contribution period is very significant. Currently, I am 35 years old and can only participate in voluntary social insurance then. With 15 years of contribution, I can fully participate to receive a pension and healthcare in my old age.

The amended Social Insurance Law, effective from July 1, 2025, with specific adjustments and additions focused on workers, has increased the attractiveness of voluntary social insurance. This contributes to expanding insurance coverage and ensuring sustainable social security.

Text and photos: Nhat Quang

Source: https://baotuyenquang.com.vn/xa-hoi/202507/rut-ngan-khoang-cach-an-sinh-3df328c/