Social insurance (BHXH) is one of the most important social welfare policies, ensuring workers’ benefits when facing risks such as job loss, illness, maternity, and retirement. From July 1, 2025, the amended Social Insurance Law will come into effect, bringing many significant changes aimed at improving welfare for participants. These changes will not only affect contribution rates and benefits but also the duration of contributions and the retirement age. Therefore, staying updated on the latest information about social insurance is essential for workers to proactively protect their rights. This article will help you understand the key changes in social insurance for 2025, the current social insurance policies, and provide simple and effective guidance on how to participate in BHXH.
What is Social Insurance?
Social insurance (BHXH) is an important social welfare policy organized and managed by the state to ensure income for workers when they face risks such as illness, occupational accidents, maternity, unemployment, or retirement. BHXH provides workers with a stable income when they are no longer able to work or lose their job, thereby reducing the financial burden on individuals and their families.
Concept of Social Insurance
According to the 2014 Social Insurance Law, social insurance (BHXH) is a social welfare system established to replace or partially compensate the income of workers when their ability to work is reduced or lost due to external factors. BHXH operates on the principle of contribution – entitlement, meaning that both workers and employers must contribute to BHXH during the working period to be able to receive benefits when necessary.
Types of Social Insurance
Social insurance is divided into two main types:
- Compulsory Social Insurance: Applied to employees working under labor contracts with enterprises, organizations, and government agencies. Employers are responsible for contributing to BHXH along with employees at the rate set by the state.
- Voluntary Social Insurance: Designed for freelancers, individual business owners, or anyone not under the compulsory social insurance coverage but who still wishes to participate in pension and survivorship schemes. Participants in voluntary BHXH contribute based on their selected income level.
Who Can Participate in Social Insurance
All Vietnamese citizens who meet the legal conditions can participate in BHXH, including:
- Employees working under labor contracts of one month or more.
- Workers in government agencies, enterprises, and non-governmental organizations.
- Participants in voluntary BHXH, including freelancers, farmers, small traders, and other groups.
- Foreigners working in Vietnam under labor contracts lasting one year or more.
Benefits for Social Insurance Participants
When participating in BHXH, workers are entitled to various benefits depending on the type of social insurance they join, including:
- Sickness Benefits: Financial support when workers suffer from illness or accidents not caused by work-related accidents.
- Maternity Benefits: Support for women during pregnancy, childbirth, or adoption of children under six months old.
- Retirement Pension: A monthly pension for workers who meet the retirement conditions.
- Survivorship Benefits: Financial support for the family members of a worker upon their death.
- Unemployment Insurance: Provides temporary income for workers who lose their job.
- Occupational Accident and Disease Insurance: Supports treatment and compensation for workers who suffer from work-related accidents or occupational diseases.
Principles of Contribution and Entitlement in Social Insurance
BHXH operates based on the following core principles:
- Contribution – Entitlement: Workers contribute to BHXH throughout their working life and receive benefits when they face risks or reach retirement age.
- Benefits Corresponding to Contributions: The more a worker contributes to BHXH and the longer the contribution period, the higher the benefits they will receive.
- Risk Sharing Among Participants: The BHXH fund is formed from contributions by many workers, providing support to those facing challenges due to life risks.
Current Social Insurance Policies
Social insurance includes various policies aimed at protecting workers’ rights against risks such as illness, maternity, occupational accidents, unemployment, and old age. Each policy has specific eligibility requirements and different benefit levels to help ensure a more stable life for workers. Below are the current social insurance policies according to the latest regulations:
Compulsory Social Insurance
Compulsory social insurance is a form of BHXH regulated by the state, requiring all workers and employers to participate. The groups required to participate in compulsory social insurance include:
- Employees working under labor contracts of 1 month or more.
- Civil servants, public employees, military personnel.
- Business managers who receive a salary.
- Foreign workers with labor contracts of 1 year or more working in Vietnam.
Both employees and employers contribute to the social insurance fund at the prescribed rate, so that in the event of risks or upon reaching retirement age, they can receive benefits according to the policies.
Voluntary Social Insurance
Voluntary social insurance is for individuals who are not required to participate but still want to join in order to enjoy retirement and survivorship benefits.
- Participants can choose the contribution level according to their financial capacity.
- The state provides support for contributions for poor households, near-poor households, and other disadvantaged groups.
- Participants must contribute for at least 1 year to be eligible for a pension.
Unemployment Insurance
Unemployment insurance helps workers maintain income when they lose their job. The conditions for receiving unemployment insurance benefits include:
- Having contributed to unemployment insurance for at least 12 months within the 24 months before unemployment.
- Submitting the unemployment benefits application on time.
- Not finding a new job after unemployment.
The unemployment benefit is calculated at 60% of the average salary for the last 6 months before losing the job. Workers are also supported with vocational training and job placement services.
Occupational Accident and Disease Insurance
This scheme supports workers who suffer from occupational accidents or diseases while working. The benefits include:
- Medical and rehabilitation cost allowances.
- One-time or monthly compensation depending on the degree of disability.
- Support for occupational retraining if the worker is unable to continue their previous job.
Retirement and Survivorship Benefits
- Retirement Benefits: Workers who meet the retirement age and social insurance contribution duration will receive a monthly pension. From 2025, the minimum number of years required to contribute to BHXH to receive a pension will be reduced to 15 years instead of the previous 20 years.
- Survivorship Benefits: When a worker passes away, their family will receive funeral allowances and monthly or one-time survivorship benefits, depending on the case.
These social insurance benefits help ensure social welfare and reduce the financial burden when workers face risks or reach retirement age. Workers need to understand their rights to plan their participation in BHXH appropriately and ensure maximum benefits.
Current Social Insurance Benefits Include:
- Sickness Insurance: Provides workers with paid leave during their treatment period.
- Maternity Insurance: Aimed at supporting women during pregnancy and childbirth, providing financial support during maternity leave.
- Retirement Insurance: Provides monthly pensions for workers after they reach the retirement age.
- Unemployment Insurance: Supports workers when they lose their job, helping them maintain income while seeking new employment.
- Occupational Accident and Disease Insurance: Provides financial support and medical assistance when workers suffer from work-related accidents or occupational diseases.
The Latest Changes in Social Insurance from 2025
Starting in 2025, many new regulations regarding social insurance will come into effect to make it easier for workers to participate in and benefit from social insurance policies. These changes not only expand the coverage of social insurance but also ensure better benefits for workers, especially those with short contribution periods. Below are the key points of the social insurance policy in 2025:
Reduction in the Minimum Number of Years for Pension Eligibility
Under the new regulation, the minimum number of years required to qualify for a pension will decrease from 20 years to 15 years. This will expand the number of people eligible for a pension, especially benefiting older workers or those with interrupted work periods. The pension amount will be calculated based on the number of years contributed to social insurance, meaning that the longer a worker contributes, the higher the pension they will receive.
Adjustment of Monthly Pension Amounts
From 2025, the monthly pension amount will be adjusted according to inflation rates to ensure the real value of pensions does not diminish over time. Additionally, the formula for calculating pensions will be modified to encourage workers to contribute to social insurance for longer periods. Workers who contribute for more than the minimum required period will receive an additional percentage added to their monthly pension, improving their income upon retirement.
New Regulations on One-Time Withdrawal of Social Insurance
A significant change in the new Social Insurance Law is the regulation regarding the one-time withdrawal of social insurance. Workers will only be allowed to withdraw a maximum of 50% of the amount they have contributed to the pension fund if they are not yet eligible for a pension. The remaining amount will be preserved to ensure benefits when the worker reaches retirement age. This regulation aims to limit the early withdrawal of social insurance, helping workers maintain a stable income in their later years.
Reduction of the Age for Receiving Social Pension Benefits
The amended Social Insurance Law also reduces the age for receiving social pension benefits from 80 to 75 years old. This change allows many elderly people who do not meet the pension qualification criteria to receive social pension benefits earlier, alleviating financial difficulties when they are no longer able to work. Workers who have not contributed enough to social insurance or lack stable income will benefit significantly from this regulation.
Adjustment of Social Insurance Contributions Based on Inflation Rates
To ensure the real value of the social insurance fund, the contribution rates will be adjusted according to inflation. This mechanism will help maintain the sustainability of the social insurance fund in the long term, preventing devaluation due to inflation. This means that monthly contributions to social insurance may slightly increase over time, but it will ensure a higher pension when workers retire.
These changes reflect the trend of reforming social insurance policies in Vietnam, aiming to expand participation, increase flexibility, and provide better benefits for workers. Workers should stay updated with the latest information on social insurance to plan their contributions accordingly and ensure maximum benefits when they retire.
Benefits of Social Insurance for Workers
Social insurance (BHXH) is not only an important social welfare policy but also a financial solution that helps workers ensure their livelihood when facing risks in work and life. By participating in BHXH, workers gain access to many important benefits that help them maintain a stable life, both while working and after retirement.
Ensuring Income After Retirement
One of the biggest benefits of BHXH is the retirement pension scheme. Workers who meet the required number of contribution years and retirement age will receive a monthly pension. This provides a stable source of income, ensuring financial security for workers when they are no longer able to work. The new regulations from 2025 also allow workers with fewer years of contributions (at least 15 years) to still receive a pension.
Financial Support in Case of Risk
In the event that a worker faces risks such as occupational accidents, work-related diseases, or loss of working ability, BHXH will provide allowances to offer financial support. This helps reduce the economic burden and allows the worker time to recover. The allowances may include one-time payments, monthly benefits, or support for vocational rehabilitation depending on the degree of disability.
Maternity and Healthcare Benefits
BHXH also provides significant benefits for female workers through the maternity scheme. Female workers who give birth will receive maternity benefits, allowing them to take rest without financial pressure. Additionally, BHXH also supports male workers whose wives give birth in specific cases.
Accompanying Health Insurance
When participating in BHXH, workers are provided with a health insurance card (BHYT), which helps reduce the costs of medical care. The integration of BHXH and BHYT allows workers to access medical services at lower costs, reducing the financial burden when facing health issues.
Unemployment Support
Unemployment insurance is an important part of the BHXH system, helping workers maintain temporary income while looking for a new job. When losing a job, workers can receive unemployment benefits and be supported with vocational training to quickly find suitable employment. This helps reduce financial difficulties and maintain a stable life.
BHXH not only provides immediate benefits but also ensures the future security of workers. Full and proper participation in BHXH helps individuals lead a safer life when faced with unexpected situations in life and work.
Guide to Joining and Checking Social Insurance
Social insurance (BHXH) is an important right for workers. To ensure their rights, workers need to understand how to register, check their information, and complete procedures related to social insurance. Below is a detailed guide on how to join and check BHXH.
How to Register for Social Insurance
Depending on the type of social insurance the worker wants to join, the registration process will vary:
- Compulsory Social Insurance: Workers employed in businesses or organizations with labor contracts of 1 month or more will have their BHXH contributions made by their employer according to the regulations. The employer is responsible for registering and contributing to BHXH on behalf of the worker at the local BHXH office.
- Voluntary Social Insurance: Freelancers can register for voluntary BHXH at the district or county BHXH offices or through postal services. When registering, participants need to fill out a form and select a contribution level based on their income.
How to Check Your Social Insurance Number
Workers can check their BHXH number and contribution history through the following methods:
- On the Vietnam Social Insurance website: Visit the official website of BHXH Vietnam, enter personal information and your BHXH number to check.
- Through the VssID application: The Social Insurance digital application (VssID) provides information on your BHXH number, contribution history, and the social insurance benefits you are participating in.
- Contact the local BHXH office: Workers can visit their local BHXH office to request information.
How to Calculate BHXH Contributions and Benefits
The contribution amount for BHXH depends on the worker’s salary or income:
- Compulsory Social Insurance: Workers contribute 8% of their monthly salary to the pension and survivorship fund. The employer contributes the remaining amount as required by the state.
- Voluntary Social Insurance: Participants can choose their contribution level, which is 22% of their declared monthly income. The minimum contribution is based on the rural poverty standard, and the maximum is 20 times the base salary.
Social Insurance Benefits: Workers can enjoy benefits such as pensions, sickness allowances, maternity benefits, occupational accident compensation, and survivorship benefits, depending on their contribution period and amount.
Procedures for Receiving Social Insurance Benefits
To receive social insurance benefits, workers need to prepare and submit their documents at the BHXH office or through the National Public Service Portal:
- Documents required: Benefit application form, proof of eligibility (e.g., medical certificate, unemployment confirmation), ID card or citizenship ID, and the BHXH book.
- Processing time: Depending on the benefit type, processing time can range from 5 to 20 working days.
Support Channels from the BHXH Office
Workers can contact the BHXH office for support through the following channels:
- BHXH Vietnam Hotline: Call 1900 9068 for support on BHXH-related issues.
- BHXH Electronic Portal: Visit https://baohiemxahoi.gov.vn for the latest updates.
- VssID Application: Check information and register for a personal BHXH account.
- Local BHXH Office: Visit your local district/county BHXH office for detailed guidance.
Social insurance plays a crucial role in protecting workers’ rights, helping them maintain a stable life even in the face of health risks, unemployment, or retirement. With the new changes starting in 2025, the BHXH system is becoming more flexible, expanding participation and increasing support for workers. Therefore, every individual should proactively learn, register, and fully participate in order to secure maximum benefits for themselves and their families.
For any inquiries, contact Wacontre Accounting Services via Hotline: (028) 3820 1213 or email info@wacontre.com for prompt assistance. With a team of experienced professionals, Wacontre is committed to providing dedicated and efficient service. (For Japanese clients, please contact Hotline: (050) 5534 5505).
