The work of disseminating information and providing explanations needs to be intensified.

(Baonghean)Since May 2012, Nghe An, along with 11 other provinces nationwide, has been piloting the payment of pensions through the post office. After nearly a year of implementation, this method has shown advantages and conveniences in managing and distributing pensions. However, some inconveniences in the procedures remain...

Mr. Ngo Duc Hy, 86 years old, from Quynh Ba commune, Quynh Luu district, complained to Nghe An Newspaper about some grievances regarding the Quynh Luu Social Insurance's notice requiring pensioners to bring photo identification, a pension and allowance collection authorization form (for those collecting on behalf of others), and a guardianship certificate when collecting their pensions. According to him, the requirement to go to the commune office each month to certify the authorization form for someone else to collect the pension on their behalf is causing difficulties for people, especially the elderly, those who are unable to travel, those who are sick and hospitalized, or those who are away from home for extended periods. He also pointed out that for families with 5-7 people receiving pensions, it's unreasonable to require everyone to be present every month. Otherwise, they would have to go to the commune office every month to obtain an authorization form, which is inconvenient and time-consuming.

“These are mandatory regulations that pensioners must comply with since the Nghe An Social Insurance agency piloted the payment of pensions through the post office in 11 districts and towns, including Quynh Luu district. Although this is not a new feature, it has been in place for many years, but previously, due to lax management, many agencies ignored these requirements when distributing pensions,” said Mr. Le Truong Giang, Deputy Director of the Provincial Social Insurance agency. The implementation of this new payment method also stems from existing shortcomings. Previously, pension payments were usually made through agencies hired by the People's Committees of communes and wards. However, these were often individual agents without legal standing, making it difficult to resolve issues such as incorrect payments or lost money. Now, through the post office, with a large number of staff directly involved in payments and transportation to each payment point, the payment time can be shortened and the security of cash can be ensured.

In implementing the above policy, in addition to documents from the Government and the province, the Social Insurance agency and the Provincial Post Office have also issued numerous documents for implementation. As a result, after nearly a year of piloting the program, the management of beneficiaries, payments, allowances, and settlements have been carried out promptly and fully by both parties in accordance with the signed contract, meeting the requirements of the Social Insurance sector.

Da Son Commune Cultural Post Office (Do Luong District).

However, alongside the achievements, the pilot implementation also revealed some limitations and shortcomings. Because the payment officers were new to the job, they were not yet fully familiar with the social insurance and health insurance policies and regulations, and could not answer all questions regarding their entitlements. Some questions still had to be forwarded to the insurance agency for written or direct responses to the beneficiaries. The beneficiaries were mostly elderly, frail, and had difficulty traveling, yet there were instances of inappropriate behavior, causing public dissatisfaction.

Regarding the management of beneficiaries, since this is a completely new task for the postal sector, there was initial confusion, leading to delays in the disbursement process in some areas. Concerning the regulations that pensioners must follow when receiving their pensions and social benefits, Mr. Le Truong Giang added: Because this is a pilot program aimed at finding the most suitable payment method for the people, questions and shortcomings are inevitable. The social insurance agency will receive suggestions from the public; if it is within its authority to handle, it will consider and resolve them. If it is outside its authority, it will forward the suggestions to the Vietnam Social Insurance Agency for proposed amendments.

Currently, Nghe An Social Insurance pays out over 400 billion VND per month in pensions and social insurance benefits. This is a significant amount, so determining the most convenient payment method remains a priority for the social insurance agency. In the past, the provincial social insurance agency has implemented various payment methods, including direct payments through agents, ATM card payments, and home delivery for retired officials, such as in Thai Hoa town. While each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, with some successful and others unsuccessful, the common goal remains convenience for beneficiaries.

Regarding pension payments via postal services, although only piloted in some localities of our province, since April 17, 2013, the Prime Minister has issued Document No. 3069/VPCP – KTTH agreeing to expand the payment of monthly pensions and insurance benefits through the postal system nationwide from 2013. To expand this payment method, the key issue now is to effectively disseminate information so that officials, civil servants in the sector, and beneficiaries understand the purpose and requirements of the new payment method, creating high public consensus. During implementation, regular monitoring and inspection are necessary to promptly address any difficulties and provide thorough explanations to the public, ensuring maximum effectiveness for participating units and beneficiaries.

Text and photos: My Ha