On September 12, 2025, a series of developments across Vietnam have cast a spotlight on the struggles and support systems for the country’s most vulnerable populations. From the introduction of sweeping new social retirement benefits to the stories of individual hardship and community generosity, the social safety net in Vietnam is evolving—sometimes in ways that surprise even those closest to the issues.
According to CafeF, a major change took effect on July 1, 2025: Decree 176/2025/ND-CP now grants social retirement benefits to Vietnamese citizens aged 75 and above, as well as to members of poor and near-poor households aged 70 to under 75, provided they do not already receive a pension or their monthly social insurance is lower than the new social retirement allowance. The numbers are staggering—an estimated 1.5 million people aged 75 to 80 are eligible for this lifeline.
What does this mean in practical terms? Eligible seniors receive a monthly stipend of 500,000 VND. That might not sound like much by international standards, but for many elderly Vietnamese, it’s a crucial buffer against hunger and insecurity. And there’s more: provincial governments can propose additional support, depending on local budgets and socio-economic realities. The ultimate goal, as outlined by local authorities, is to “ensure stable and continuous benefits for citizens as they age.”
But the financial assistance doesn’t stop at cash. Recipients of the social retirement benefit are also granted free health insurance cards. This is a big deal in a country where out-of-pocket medical costs can quickly overwhelm families. For those who were already receiving monthly social assistance before transitioning to the new retirement benefit, the state continues to pay their health insurance premiums, covering 100% of their medical treatment costs within the insurance’s scope. Others in the program, while still supported, receive an 80% coverage rate in line with Vietnam’s health insurance law.
“This policy aims to provide both financial and medical security for the elderly, particularly those who have fallen through the cracks of the existing pension system,” stated a Ministry of Health official in a recent circular to the Ministry of Finance and provincial governments, as reported by CafeF. The hope is that this safety net will catch those who need it most, especially as Vietnam’s population continues to age at a rapid clip.
Yet, for many, the journey toward security is still fraught with obstacles. Take the story of Ms. Dinh Thi Dung, featured in SGGP on September 12, 2025. Ms. Dung, a resident of Ha Tinh, lost her sight at age 30 due to congenital cataracts. Poverty prevented her from seeking treatment, and her health has steadily declined ever since. The loss of her husband to lung cancer in 2015 left her alone and unable to work. Her children, though grown, are themselves poor—some laboring as hired hands, others having moved south in search of factory work.
Life has not been kind to Ms. Dung. In recent years, she has developed heart disease and debilitating joint problems, leaving her unable to afford even basic medications or hospital visits. Her sole income is a disability allowance of just over 520,000 VND per month—barely enough for daily necessities, let alone medical care. But on this September day, there was a small glimmer of hope: the leadership of Huong Xuan Commune handed her 9 million VND, a donation gathered by compassionate readers of SGGP. “I am deeply moved and grateful to SGGP and its readers for helping me continue my treatment and manage my life,” Ms. Dung said, her voice trembling with emotion.
Her story is both a testament to the power of community and a sobering reminder of the challenges that persist. Even as national policy expands, it’s often these acts of grassroots generosity that make the difference between despair and survival for people like Ms. Dung.
Communities and organizations are stepping up in other ways, too. In Dong Thap Province, the Cof May social fund has emerged as a beacon of support for students and families facing hardship. As reported on September 12, 2025, the fund, headquartered at 134 Nguyen Cu Trinh Street in Sa Dec Ward, operates as a fully legal entity with its own account and governance structure. Its founders—Pham Minh Thien, Pham Huu Hoan, and Huynh Vo Nhat Huy—have a clear mission: to provide financial support and assistance to struggling students and families in Dong Thap, including those studying outside the province and poor households living and working locally.
Unlike many charitable efforts, the Cof May fund is designed for sustainability. Its capital comes from the founders’ initial contributions and grows through donations and sponsorships from organizations and individuals, both within Vietnam and abroad. The fund operates on a strictly non-profit basis, guided by principles of transparency and accountability. All income and expenditures are public, and assets cannot be distributed during its operation. Oversight is provided by the provincial People’s Committee, with input from departments of Education, Health, and other relevant agencies.
“We are committed to ensuring that every dong donated is used effectively and transparently to help those in need,” a representative of the fund said. The organization not only provides direct support but also manages and disburses assets entrusted by donors for specific purposes, always in line with its mission and legal requirements.
It’s a model that has drawn praise for its rigor and openness. By accepting assets and donations from both domestic and international sources, and by sticking to clear rules about transparency and non-distribution of assets, the Cof May fund hopes to avoid the pitfalls that have plagued other charities in the past. For students struggling to pay tuition or families teetering on the edge of poverty, the fund represents a crucial safety net—one that complements, rather than replaces, state support.
But even as these initiatives take root, the scale of the challenge remains daunting. Vietnam’s rapid demographic transition means that the number of elderly citizens—and the demand for social protection—will only grow in the coming years. While 1.5 million people are now eligible for the new social retirement allowance, countless others, like Ms. Dung, still fall through the cracks, relying on the kindness of strangers and the patchwork of local support systems.
Some experts argue that broader reforms are needed. While the 500,000 VND monthly stipend and free health insurance are steps in the right direction, the amounts may not be enough to cover the true costs of aging and illness in modern Vietnam. Local authorities, for their part, are exploring ways to supplement the national program, proposing additional support where budgets allow. Yet, the balance between fiscal responsibility and social justice remains a delicate one.
For now, the stories of Ms. Dung, the Cof May fund, and the millions of elderly Vietnamese navigating the new social retirement system paint a complex picture—one of progress, perseverance, and the enduring power of community. It’s a reminder that even as governments act, it’s often the small acts of kindness and the dedication of local organizations that truly change lives.
