How are elderly people aged 75 and over entitled to social allowances

Legal Consulting Department of Lao Dong Newspaper answers:

Clause 1, Article 21 of the 2024 Law on Social Insurance stipulates: Vietnamese citizens are entitled to social pension benefits when they meet the following conditions:

a) From 75 years of age or older;

b) Not receiving pension or monthly social insurance allowance, except in other cases as prescribed by the Government;

c) Having a written request for social pension benefits.

Clause 1, Article 2 of Decree 176/2025/ND-CP stipulates that Vietnamese citizens are entitled to social pension benefits when they meet the following conditions:

a) From 75 years of age or older;

b) Not receiving pension or monthly social insurance allowance; or currently receiving pension or monthly social insurance allowance lower than the pension level specified in this Decree;

c) Having a written request for social pension benefits.

Clause 1, Article 31 of Decree 335/2026/ND-CP (effective from October 5, 2026) amends Clause 1, Article 3 of Decree No. 176/2025/ND-CP as follows:

1. Subjects specified in Article 2 of this Decree are entitled to monthly social pension benefits of 540,000 VND/month. In case the subjects specified in Article 2 of this Decree are also subject to monthly social pension benefits, they are entitled to a higher allowance regime.

Article 4 of Decree 335/2026/ND-CP stipulates the standard level of social assistance is 540,000 VND/month. In case 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 this Decree; Other disadvantaged subjects not specified in this Decree are entitled to social assistance policies.

Thus, from October 5, 2026, elderly people aged 75 and over who meet the conditions according to the provisions of law will receive the lowest social allowance of 540,000 VND/month. In case they are also eligible for monthly social allowances, they will receive a higher allowance regime.

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