Social allowances increase, millions of people benefit from new policies

The Government has just issued Decree No. 335/2026 regulating social assistance policies, which increases the standard social assistance level from 500,000 to 540,000 VND/month.

Accordingly, the new social assistance standard applied from July 1, 2026 is 540,000 VND/month (old regulation was 500,000 VND).

In case the local socio-economic conditions are guaranteed, the Provincial People's Committee shall submit to the People's Council of the same level for decision: The standard level of social assistance, the level of social assistance applied in the area is higher than the standard level of social assistance and the level of social assistance specified in the decree; other disadvantaged subjects not yet specified in the decree are entitled to social assistance policies.

The Decree stipulates the groups of subjects entitled to regular social assistance in the community.

Monthly social allowance level

The monthly allowance is calculated as 540,000 VND multiplied by a coefficient depending on each group of subjects.

Children under 4 years old who are socially protected are entitled to a coefficient of 2.5, equivalent to 1.35 million VND/month. People from 4 years old and older in this group are entitled to a coefficient of 1.5, equivalent to 810,000 VND/month.

People with severe disabilities enjoy a coefficient of 2, equivalent to 1.08 million VND/month; children or elderly people with severe disabilities enjoy a coefficient of 2.5, equivalent to 1.35 million VND/month.

Elderly people from poor households without caregivers are entitled to a coefficient of 1.5 if they are from 60 to under 75 years old and a coefficient of 2 if they are from 75 years old or older. Cases that meet the conditions but cannot live in the community and have caregivers in the community are entitled to a coefficient of 3.

In case one person belongs to many groups and is entitled to allowances, in principle, only the highest level is enjoyed. Poor single mothers raising children and also belonging to some other groups are entitled to both regimes as prescribed.

The Decree also stipulates that people eligible for social assistance who are studying from preschool to university are entitled to education and training support policies according to regulations.

Millions of people benefit from new policies

According to the Ministry of Health, in 2025, the whole country has about 4.5 million people receiving monthly social allowances and social pensions.

With this amount, the state budget is expected to spend an additional VND 304 billion per month, equivalent to VND 1,824 billion in 2026 (calculated from July 1).

This spending level is still assessed to be within the budget balance capacity for the 2026-2030 period.

According to current regulations, people from 75 years old who do not have a pension and do not receive social insurance benefits are entitled to a social pension of 500,000 VND/month. For poor and near-poor households, the age group applied is from 70 to under 75 years old.

In fact, many localities have proactively increased support levels and expanded health insurance coverage for the elderly depending on their budget capacity.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Thi An - former National Assembly Deputy, Director of the Institute of Natural Resources, Environment and Community Development - said that raising the social assistance standard to 540,000 VND/month helps disadvantaged groups have more support and be more assured in daily life.