The fruit of perseverance

Propagating social insurance and health insurance policies for Kien Xuong people.

Ms. Pham Thi Men, residing in Minh Quang commune (Vu Thu), started participating in social insurance in 2014. At that time, she worked as a worker for a local textile enterprise and was required to pay social insurance by her employer. When the Covid-19 epidemic broke out, the company's production situation encountered many difficulties, leading to her and many other workers having to quit their jobs. Instead of withdrawing social insurance at once, she persisted in continuing to pay voluntary social insurance. By April 2025, she had at least 10 years of continuous participation, and it was also the time when she reached retirement age, so she paid all at once for the remaining 10 years according to regulations. Recently, she was given a decision by Vu Thu district social insurance to enjoy monthly pension benefits. Ms. Men excitedly said: I am very excited because from now on I have a pension, have been issued a health insurance card with the right to pay up to 95% of medical examination and treatment costs. That means a lot, it helps me feel more secure when I get old because I can be financially independent and not have to depend on my children. In particular, the free health insurance card will be a "golden card" to help me reduce the financial burden if I am unlucky enough to get sick or ill.

The joy of Mrs. Men is also the joy of Mrs. Truong Thi Than in Phuc Thanh commune (Vu Thu). She joined the social security network in 2009 when she was a worker at a garment company in Phuc Khanh industrial park ( Thai Binh city). However, her participation in social insurance was interrupted at times due to her resignation from the company. Unlike many people who choose to withdraw social insurance at one time to cover their immediate living expenses, Mrs. Than tried to pay voluntary social insurance in addition to her previous participation. By March 2025, she was eligible to receive a pension of over 1.3 million VND/month. Mrs. Than shared: In fact, I used to think that only state officials could receive a pension, but thanks to the propaganda and mobilization of social insurance officials, I persevered in participating in voluntary social insurance and have now received the "sweet fruit". Having a pension is extremely meaningful for the elderly in rural areas like us. No matter how little or much, it is a very valuable source of finance for me to cover my living expenses. And then I get a free health insurance card.

The voluntary social insurance policy opens up opportunities for all citizens aged 15 and over to participate and accumulate payment time to receive a pension. With flexible payment levels, suitable for income conditions, and support policies from the State, voluntary social insurance is becoming a long-term financial solution for many self-employed workers. To be eligible for a pension, voluntary social insurance participants must have enough years of social insurance contributions and be of the prescribed retirement age. The Social Insurance Law No. 41/2024/QH15, effective from July 1, 2025, has changed the regulations on pension eligibility compared to the Social Insurance Law 2014. Accordingly, employees who reach retirement age and have paid social insurance for 15 years or more are entitled to receive a monthly pension. This regulation applies to those who have participated in social insurance before the effective date of the amended Social Insurance Law. In particular, with the superiority of the social insurance policy, currently, employees only need to have at least 10 consecutive years of participation and if they reach retirement age, they are allowed to pay voluntary social insurance at one time for the remaining years to receive pension immediately.

Due to unstable income, the mentality of "you're still young, don't worry about old age" or not seeing the long-term benefits clearly, many people easily interrupt the process of participating in voluntary social insurance. However, if they give up halfway, the time they have paid will not only not bring full benefits but also cause waste and great disadvantages when they get old. Ms. Le Thi Thom, Binh Thanh commune (Kien Xuong) shared: I have participated in voluntary social insurance for 5 years now with a monthly payment of 297,000 VND. Although my finances are not too abundant, thinking that in my old age, no one will take care of me better than myself, I still try to pay regularly. With 10 more years to qualify for retirement, I see that my decision is the right one. Ms. Thom's story is a clear proof that perseverance today is "savings" for the future, pensions will help each person have an independent and stable old age.

Voluntary social insurance is not only a humane policy but also a smart investment for the future. Effectiveness only comes when participants have perseverance and a long-term vision. Start today, sooner or later, but the important thing is not to give up halfway because pensions do not come from luck but are the result of each person's efforts, persistence and perseverance.

Do Hong Gia

Source: https://baothaibinh.com.vn/tin-tuc/9/223801/thanh-qua-cua-su-kien-tri