The Ministry of Health has submitted a proposal to the government to increase the standard of social assistance and pension benefits from 500,000 VND to 540,000 VND per month, which corresponds to an 8% increase. This proposal comes in response to concerns raised by constituents in Lang Son province regarding the adequacy of current pension and social assistance levels, especially for those who retired before 1990.

Since 2007, the government has issued five adjustments to increase the standard of social assistance for vulnerable groups, including the elderly and people with disabilities. Despite these efforts, many beneficiaries feel that the current assistance is insufficient to meet their living needs. The constituents have urged the government to consider raising these benefits to ensure a better quality of life for those dependent on social support.

The Ministry of Health noted that the proposed increase is part of ongoing efforts to enhance social welfare policies, which are crucial given the challenging budgetary conditions faced by the government. The new draft regulation aims to replace the existing Decree No. 20/2021/ND-CP, which outlines social assistance policies for vulnerable groups.

This adjustment reflects the government's commitment to social security and aims to provide better support for the elderly and other disadvantaged groups in society. The Ministry of Health is optimistic that this increase will help alleviate some of the financial burdens faced by these individuals.

As the proposal is reviewed, it is expected to contribute positively to the ongoing discussions about improving social welfare systems in Vietnam, ensuring that they align with the country’s economic growth and social development objectives.