In a recent discussion regarding amendments to the Social Insurance Law, various localities in Vietnam have shown agreement on the proposal to lower the retirement benefit age for individuals without pensions. This initiative is particularly aimed at supporting elderly citizens who are not receiving regular pensions and are facing economic hardships.

The Department of Home Affairs in Son La province reported that current regulations allow individuals aged 75 and above to receive social retirement benefits. However, those aged 70 to under 75 can only qualify if they belong to poor or near-poor households and meet specific conditions.

Many elderly individuals without pensions fall outside these categories, making it difficult for them to secure stable incomes, especially when unexpected health care costs arise. This situation is particularly dire for those living alone or in economically disadvantaged areas.

To address these challenges, Son La's Department of Home Affairs has proposed that authorities consider gradually lowering the retirement benefit age. They suggest that individuals aged 70 and above without pensions or monthly social insurance benefits should also be eligible for support.

In addition to lowering the age, the province recommends that eligibility criteria be expanded to include factors such as personal income levels, living alone, lack of caregivers, disabilities, and ongoing medical needs, rather than solely relying on poverty status.

Similarly, the Department of Home Affairs in Ha Tinh province has suggested a phased approach to reduce the retirement benefit age from 75 to 70 years.

In response to these local opinions, the Ministry of Home Affairs has acknowledged the feedback and included it in the draft amendments to the Social Insurance Law. Two proposals are being considered: maintaining the current regulations or allowing the government to decide on a gradual reduction of the retirement benefit age to 70, based on socio-economic conditions and budgetary capabilities.

The aim of these proposed changes is to broaden the coverage of social security policies, ensuring that more elderly individuals have a stable income after retirement. According to the latest data from the Social Insurance Agency, over 3.5 million people were receiving pensions and monthly social insurance benefits as of the first quarter of 2026, with projections indicating this number could exceed 3.54 million by the end of the year. Currently, approximately 2.5 million individuals are receiving social retirement benefits, costing the state nearly 7 trillion VND.