Vietnam raises social assistance for vulnerable groups

Vietnam has raised its monthly social assistance base rate to 540,000 dong (or nearly 21 US dollars). The rate is used to calculate payments for vulnerable groups, including children, people with disabilities and eligible older people. 

Depending on their circumstances, monthly support can reach 1.62 million dong, or about 62 US dollars. 

Around 4.5 million people nationwide receive monthly social assistance or social pensions. 

The Ministry of Health estimates the increase will require an additional 304 billion dong, or nearly 11.7 million US dollars, each month from the state budget.