Promoting cashless payments

In order to ensure the benefits of pensioners, social insurance benefits and safety regulations for epidemic prevention and control, Vietnam Social Security (VSS) has implemented innovation in the organization of payment of pensions and social insurance benefits. Accordingly, in the third quarter of 2021, Vietnam Social Security (VSS) has directed social security agencies of provinces and cities to coordinate with Post Offices to pay pensions and social insurance benefits compounded for 2 months in the same payment period (Jul - Aug, Sep - Oct) in line with epidemic developments in each locality and flexible payment methods (cash payment at the payment site or at home in high-risk localities; via personal accounts). Also, it has directed the social security offices of provinces and cities to strengthen communication and mobilize people to use non-cash payment means.

Accordingly, the transaction of revenue and expenditure of social and health insurance by means of non-cash payment is an urgent solution, which needs to be strongly deployed towards comprehensive electronic transactions. The whole system of VSS has carried out electronic transactions with all units, enterprises, employees and people about social and health insurance. All transactions of collection and payment of social and health insurance can be done online through the banking system, or on applications such as e-wallets, Internet Banking, Smartphone or electronic payment gateways.

Illustrative image (source: Internet)

Grasping the common spirit, a great number of local social security agencies have issued documents to promote non-cash electronic payments in the area. Especially, Hai Phong Social Security Office has shown its determination to strive by the end of 2021, in urban areas, 71% of people will be receiving pensions and social insurance benefits using non-cash payment means.

In order to effectively implement this, social security agencies of many provinces and cities have written to request the Employment Service Center to guide workers that when registering for unemployment benefits, they need to declare ATM account numbers for the agency to apply for unemployment benefits through that account, instead of receiving cash benefits at the Post Office. In addition, it is suggested that units, organizations and enterprises provide guidance and information for employees to open ATM cards to make non-cash payments.

Instructions for installing and using the VssID application

In the context of the complicated development of the Covid-19 epidemic, the installation and use of VssID application is more and more effective. Employees can receive sickness and maternity benefits through their personal accounts and monitor the process of paying and enjoying their social and health insurance premiums; As for pensioners, social insurance benefits are transferred to personal accounts, etc.

According to the Department of Communication and Audience Development, the Ho Chi Minh Social Security Office and social security offices of districts have been actively propagating and mobilizing pensioners to install VssID. With the installation of VssID, users can easily register to change the form of pensions, social insurance benefits, etc.

Illustrative image (source: Internet)

Ranked 12th nationwide with about 138,000 people who have installed VssID, reaching over 103% of the plan assigned by VSS, thanks to its creativity, Ha Tinh Social Security Office has been spreading VssID to support people to perform administrative procedures. Accordingly, Ha Tinh Social Security Office has applied many flexible solutions, suitable for each group of subjects and each location. Specifically, in order to disseminate to all employees, the provincial social security agency has promoted propaganda about the utility of VssID and sent an official letter requesting the implementation of coordination with the employers in the locality. For employers that need guidance and to register for VssID installation in large numbers and in a concentrated manner, the provincial social security agency will arrange staff to directly support them.

The provincial social security agency has also piloted the coordination with the Public Security to install VssID for people who come to carry out procedures for granting citizen identification in Dong Mon commune (Ha Tinh city). On the first day of implementation, 150 people was guided to install the app. Immediately after, this solution was replicated by the provincial social security office in communes, wards and towns and has brought positive effects.

According to experts, transactions are done mainly through online methods, which is convenient and time-saving. At the same time, with the payment of modes through the account. Also, beneficiaries will limit travel and contact with people and ensure compliance with regulations on Covid-19 epidemic prevention and control.