Ms. Nga, born in September 1977, works in the telecommunications industry and has contributed to social insurance for over 22 years, starting from 2002.
“For the past few years, I’ve frequently experienced dizziness and vestibular disorder. Can I retire early? Specifically, in which year can I retire?” Ms. Nga asked.
According to Vietnam Social Security, the conditions for receiving a pension are regulated by Article 169 and Clause 1, Article 219 of the 2019 Labor Code, and Decree No. 135/2020/ND-CP.
Regarding age, starting from January 1, 2021, the normal retirement age for workers is 60 years and 3 months for males, and 55 years and 4 months for females. After that, the retirement age will increase by 3 months each year for male workers until it reaches 62 years in 2028, and by 4 months each year for female workers until it reaches 60 years in 2035.
Based on the above regulations, the normal retirement age in 2025 will be 61 years and 3 months for male workers and 56 years and 8 months for female workers.
According to Ms. Nga’s birth date, her normal retirement time will be in October 2037, when she reaches 60 years of age.
However, employees may retire up to 5 years earlier than the normal retirement age if they have contributed social insurance for 20 years or more and fall into one of the following four cases:
Firstly, having at least 15 years of experience in occupations or jobs that are arduous, hazardous, dangerous, or especially arduous, hazardous, and dangerous, as stipulated in the list issued by the Ministry of Labor – Invalids and Social Affairs.
Secondly, having at least 15 years of working in regions with exceptionally difficult socio-economic conditions (including time working in areas with a regional allowance coefficient of 0.7 or higher before January 1, 2021).
Thirdly, having a total duration of at least 15 years in arduous, hazardous, or dangerous occupations/jobs and/or working in regions with exceptionally difficult socio-economic conditions (including time working in areas with a regional allowance coefficient of 0.7 or higher before January 1, 2021).
Fourthly, having a working capacity reduction of 61% or more.
If Ms. Nga falls into one of these four cases, she will be eligible for early retirement 5 years earlier, with her pension benefit starting in June 2031, when she turns 53 years and 8 months old.
Employees may retire up to 10 years earlier than the normal retirement age if they have contributed social insurance for 20 years or more and meet one of the following two additional conditions:
Firstly, having at least 15 years of working in underground coal mining.
Secondly, having a working capacity reduction of 81% or more.
If Ms. Nga falls into one of these two cases, she would be eligible to retire 10 years earlier than the normal retirement age, meaning at 46 years and 8 months old in 2025. In this specific scenario, Ms. Nga would already meet the conditions for early retirement.
Additionally, employees who have contributed social insurance for 20 years will be eligible for immediate early retirement if they fall into one of the following two cases:
Firstly, contracting HIV/AIDS due to occupational accidents or risks.
Secondly, having a working capacity reduction of 61% or more and at least 15 years of experience in particularly arduous, hazardous, or dangerous occupations or jobs listed by the Ministry of Labor – Invalids and Social Affairs.
