Humane and practical policy on enhancing senior welfare

Following the Government’s Decree No. 176, dated June 30, 2025, detailing and guiding the implementation of articles of the Law on Social Insurance regarding social pensions, departments, agencies and local authorities in Khanh Hoa Province have swiftly rolled out pension benefits for elderly citizens. These benefits target individuals aged 75 and above, as well as those aged 70 to under 75 from poor households who do not receive monthly pensions or social insurance. This humane and practical initiative helps enhance senior welfare, significantly improving the quality of life for seniors and earning widespread praise from the community.

Joyful recipients

These days, public administrative service centers of communes and wards in the province have welcomed many elderly people applying for social pension benefits. At the headquarters of the People's Committee of Suoi Hiep commune, commune officials, especially those in charge of justice and civil status, culture and society, have arranged staff to give timely guidance and support. Their efforts ensure that seniors receive clear instructions and assistance throughout the application process, reflecting the province’s commitment to compassionate and efficient public service.

Youth Union members of Suoi Hiep Commune helps Tran Lan with procedures for retirement benefits.

78-year-old Pham Thi Nhong in Binh Loc Village, Suoi Hiep Commune, happily said, “I am old and have no pension or allowance; my daily life depends completely on my children and grandchildren. After completing the procedures, I was told to be eligible for a monthly allowance of VND500,000. I am so happy. This amount of money will help me to cover part of my living expenses.”

After being guided by the commune officials to complete the procedures and submit the application, 77-year-old Tran Lan in Hoi Phuoc Village, Suoi Hiep Commune said, "I am so happy to hear that both my wife, Dinh Thi He, 76, and I will receive a monthly allowance of VND500,000. This money helps partly ease the financial burden and makes life a little more comfortable for us.”

In Thuan Bac Commune, in recent days, local authorities have arranged officials to provide guidance related to social pension applications. 76-year-old Nguyen Thi Tam in An Dat Village, Thuan Bac Commune, went to the Thuan Bac Commune Public Administration Service Center to complete the procedures for the social pension. She happily said, “The allowance is a meaningful support to help me pay electricity and water bills and buy some medicines. I’m so grateful for the policy that makes us feel cared for and valued.

Proactive outreach

According to Tran Thi Anh Tuyet, Vice-Chairperson of the Phan Rang Ward People's Committee, the locality has intensified efforts to raise awareness about social pension policies via loudspeakers and at residential meetings, while officials have been directed to assist residents with application procedures. Special attention is given to elderly individuals with mobility challenges or difficulties with paperwork, ensuring that all eligible cases are reached and supported promptly.

Up to now, the ward has received and processed applications of 18 people aged 70 to under 75 from to poor and marginally poor households and 602 aged 75 and above who do not have a pension or social allowance.

Thuan Bac Commune officials receive and process applications for social allowances.

According to the leader of the People's Committee of Thuan Bac Commune,  under current regulations, the locality is required to review and verify social pension applications within 10 working days from the date of receipt. Once approved, a decision is issued and benefits are disbursed in accordance with the law. To streamline the process and enhance convenience, the commune also encourages elderly applicants to provide an existing bank account number or open a new account to receive their monthly allowance via direct deposit.

Vo Binh Tan, Vice-Chairman of the Provincial Elderly Association, emphasized the significance of the new pension policy: “The implementation of social pension benefits for those aged 70 to under 75 from poor and near-poor households, and for individuals aged 75 and above without pensions or allowances, is a humane and practical initiative of the Party and State. It not only provides essential material support but also helps improve the lives of the elderly, affirming their role and value in society. Elderly Associations at all levels have coordinated with local authorities to promote the policy and guide eligible individuals to submit their applications in accordance with regulations.”

Trinh Ngoc Hiep, Deputy Director of the Department of Health: To implement the social pension policy, the department has issued documents guiding and directing 65 communes, wards and a special zone to ensure seniors get informed and those eligible receive timely support in accessing their benefits. In 2025, communities will double-check new beneficiaries of social pension benefits, prepare budget estimates and propose funding requirements to the Department of Finance and the Department of Health and report to the Provincial People's Committee. From 2026 onwards, every year, the People's Committees of communities will prepare budget estimates for social pension benefits and submit them to the Department of Finance for onward submission to the competent authorities, ensuring sufficient funding for the social pension benefits in the locality.

V.G

Translated by N.T