Social assistance proposed to increase by 8%: Workers in difficult circumstances expect more support

The Ministry of Justice has just announced the dossier for appraisal of the draft Decree of the Government stipulating social assistance policies and social pension allowances, which was drafted by the Ministry of Health. The draft is being consulted before being submitted to the Government for consideration and decision.

Accordingly, the draft proposes to adjust the standard level of social assistance and social pension benefits from 500,000 VND to 540,000 VND/month, equivalent to an increase of 8%, expected to be applied from July 1.

According to Decree No. 161/2026/ND-CP, the base salary from July 1, 2026 is 2,530,000 VND/month (the current base salary is 2,340,000 VND/month). The base salary increases while adjusting to increase pensions and social insurance allowances by an additional 8% for some benefit groups.

According to calculations, with about 4.5 million people enjoying the policy, adjusting the allowance level to 540,000 VND/month will increase budget spending by about 304 billion VND per month. Total additional spending is expected to increase in 2026 (from July 1) by about 1,824 billion VND.

Sitting selling lottery tickets by the roadside in Hung Phu ward, Can Tho city, Ms. Le Thi Thao (born 1976) said she was very happy to hear the information about the proposal to increase social assistance.

More than 10 years ago, Ms. Thao had a work accident while working at a private brick kiln. While putting soil into the mixer, her leg was caught in the machine, having one leg amputated, suffering about 75% injury.

The accident happened when her two children were young, causing her family's life to fall into a deadlock. Because she works as a freelancer and does not sign labor contracts, she is not entitled to occupational accident insurance or long-term support.

At that time, I just thought if something happened to me, no one would raise my child. My child was too young, so I had to try to live, try to overcome it," Ms. Thao recalled.

In the early years after the accident, she was almost unable to work, walking was difficult and she often fell. After many years of adapting, she started selling lottery tickets to earn extra income and help her husband cover living expenses.

According to Ms. Thao, for people in difficult circumstances, the increased allowance, although not large, is very precious. "Adding a few tens of thousands is also very precious. Money for medicine, food and drinks has also increased now. Whatever money is added, it will be better" - she said.

Not only people with disabilities, many unskilled workers in Can Tho also expect social assistance policies to continue to be expanded to better support vulnerable groups.

Mr. Tran Van Chinh (born in 1983, Cai Rang ward, Can Tho city) said that 19 years ago he was electrocuted while working, leaving serious sequelae that have lasted until now.

Currently, his health has declined, travel is difficult and he is almost unable to work. According to Mr. Chinh, life for many years has mainly depended on the support of his family and local organizations.

He said he highly appreciates the concern of the State, the Can Tho City Labor Federation and organizations that regularly visit and encourage him.

“Gifts and support from organizations are a great source of spiritual encouragement for me. Thanks to that, I have more strength to try to overcome difficulties” - Mr. Chinh shared.

Mentioning the proposal to expand social assistance policies, Ms. Thao expressed her wish that freelance workers, elderly workers or people who unfortunately have accidents will have more support in life.

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