Conditions for receiving social pension benefits for the elderly
Ms. NTL (residing in Nghi Loc commune) asked: I am 75 years old this year, and have no pension or other benefits. I heard that the elderly can receive social pension benefits, is this true? What procedures do I need to follow to receive this benefit?
Reply:
According to Article 21 of the Law on Social Insurance 2024, Vietnamese citizens are entitled to social pension benefits when meeting the following conditions: being 75 years of age or older; not receiving pension or any monthly social insurance benefits (except in other cases as prescribed by the Government); and having a written request to receive social pension benefits.
In addition, citizens from 70 to under 75 years old, if they are poor or near-poor households, and meet the two remaining conditions mentioned above (not receiving pension or social insurance benefits and have a written request), will also be considered for social retirement benefits.
According to Decree No. 176/2025/ND-CP dated June 30, 2025, the current social pension allowance is 500,000 VND per month. Depending on the socio-economic conditions and budget balance capacity of each locality, the Provincial People's Committee may submit to the People's Council at the same level for consideration of additional support for beneficiaries.
Regarding procedures, people who need to receive social pension benefits must submit a request in writing according to Form No. 01 (issued with Decree 176/2025/ND-CP) to the People's Committee of the commune where they reside. Within 10 working days from the date of receiving the application, the Chairman of the People's Committee of the commune will organize the verification and authentication of the applicant's information on the national population database. If the conditions are met according to regulations, the People's Committee of the commune will issue a decision and make monthly allowance payments. The time to start receiving the allowance is calculated from the month the Chairman of the People's Committee of the commune signs the decision.
