In 2025, Vietnam marks a significant shift in its social insurance policy. Specifically, the funeral assistance program for the relatives of deceased retirees will be governed by two different laws: the 2014 Social Insurance Law before July 1, and the 2024 Social Insurance Law from July 1 onwards.
Funeral Assistance Regulations Before July 1, 2025
According to Article 66 of the 2014 Social Insurance Law, funeral assistance is calculated at 10 times the minimum wage at the time of the retiree’s death. With the current minimum wage set at 2.34 million VND, the total funeral assistance amount is 23.4 million VND.
New funeral assistance for relatives of deceased retirees
Funeral assistance regulations before July 1, 2025 (Image: Phạm Nguyễn; Graphics: Tùng Nguyên).
Eligible recipients include individuals or organizations responsible for arranging the funeral. If a retiree is declared dead by the court, their relatives will receive this assistance.
Funeral Assistance Regulations From July 1, 2025
Starting July 1, 2025, funeral assistance will follow the provisions outlined in Article 85 of the 2024 Social Insurance Law. While the basic structure remains similar to the 2014 law, there are two key differences:
- Reference wage instead of minimum wage: The funeral assistance will be calculated at 10 times the reference wage at the time of the retiree’s death. This reference wage is determined by the government and cannot be lower than the minimum wage. Therefore, even if the minimum wage is abolished, the minimum funeral assistance will still be 23.4 million VND.
- Clearer beneficiary criteria: Under the 2024 Social Insurance Law, the beneficiaries include organizations or individuals directly responsible for the funeral arrangements. If a retiree is declared dead by the court, their relatives will also be eligible for this assistance.
Procedures for Claiming Funeral Assistance
The procedures for claiming funeral assistance are detailed in Decision No. 166/QD-BHXH dated January 31, 2019, issued by the Vietnam Social Security. Required documents include:
- A copy of the death certificate, notice of death, extract of death registration, or court decision declaring the death (all must have legal validity).
- A claim form for the relative, using model number 09-HSB.
Claimants can choose one of the following methods:
- Submit in person: At the post office or local Social Security office managing the deceased retiree’s pension.
- Submit online: Through the official website of the Vietnam Social Security or the National Public Service Portal.
Significance and Benefits
Adjustments to the funeral assistance program reflect updates in social welfare policies and enhance transparency and flexibility in implementation. For the relatives of deceased retirees, this support is practical and helps alleviate financial burdens during difficult times.
Overall, the changes in 2025 demonstrate the government’s commitment to ensuring the rights of workers and their dependents. This is a crucial step towards building a sustainable social security system.
References:
[1] Social Insurance Law 2014
[2] Social Insurance Law 2024
[3] Decision No. 166/QD-BHXH dated January 31, 2019
