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Viet Nam Social Security (VSS) has made efforts on effectively implementing the 2024 Law on SI. Ahead of and right after the Law took effect on July 1, 2025, VSS released multiple directives and guidelines to help local offices grasp and apply the new provisions. Administrative procedures have been streamlined, and digital systems for processing SI benefits were upgraded to provide more convenient services for participants and beneficiaries.

As of the end of September 2025, nearly 19.9 million people nationwide were participating in SI - an increase of about 798,000 compared to the same period in 2024. Of these, approximately 17.7 million were under compulsory SI scheme, and more than 2.13 million under voluntary SI. The number of unemployment insurance (UI) participants reached over 16 million, up by 694,300 compared to the same period last year.

Regarding benefit settlement and payment, over 144,000 people received monthly SI benefits. More than 5.3 million received sickness benefits, nearly 981,500 received maternity benefits, and over 587,000 people obtained unemployment allowances.

Remarkably, the number of people requesting lump-sum benefits fell by around 23% compared to the same period in 2024. Meanwhile, there has been an increase in public interest and understanding of the new provisions of the 2024 SI Law, reflecting growing awareness of the importance of SI policy in people’s lives.

The reduction of the minimum contribution period for pension eligibility from 20 years to 15 years, has created a chance to qualify for pensions, especially those with shorter contribution periods. Another positive change is the introduction of the maternity benefit for voluntary participants, with a one-time allowance of VND 2 million for eligible mothers. The policy has been warmly welcomed, as it provides not only long-term retirement benefits but also meaningful short-term support.

The adjustment of the eligibility age for social pension allowances, and the introduction of a monthly allowance for those who reach retirement age but have not contributed long enough to qualify for a pension, have also been appreciated. In practice, the policy has enabled many workers, particularly the elderly, the poor and the near-poor, to access and benefit from the policy in a timely and appropriate manner.

Under the new Law, the scope of compulsory SI coverage has been expanded to reassure workers, helping them allocate a part of their monthly income for SI contributions. That will be a meaningful and long-term investment in their future well-being.

The implementation of the 2024 Law on SI is expected to drive further positive changes in public awareness and compliance with SI regulations among both individuals and businesses.

Although the implementation of the 2024 Law on SI has faced many challenges, VSS remains firmly committed to innovation and effective enforcement of the Law. Achieving this goal requires not only the efforts of VSS, but also strong engagement from the entire political system, particularly local Party committees and authorities along with the active participation of citizens and businesses./.