VietNamNet Bridge – Monthly allowances for the elderly will be increased beginning in March, according to a Government decision.

Doctors examine elderly patients in Huong Khe District in the central province of Ha Tinh. Under a Government decision, monthly allowances for the elderly will be increased in March. (Photo: VNS)

"With the additional money, I can buy some more food for our family's meals," she said.

Loan does not have a pension, but her husband receives more than VND2 million (US$100) a month.

Since the price of food has increased because of the prolonged cold spell, Loan's family has to reduce the amount of groceries.

Under the Government's decision, which was issued on January 14, the monthly allowance for the elderly, who are between 60 and 80 years old, will be VND180,000 (US$9) a person instead of VND120,000 (US$6).

For people that are older than 80 years, they will receive VND270,000 (US$13.5) a month, but if they do not have a pension plan or social insurance they will receive VND180,000 ($9) a month.

The elderly being cared for at social sponsoring centres will receive VND360,000 ($18) a month.

Deputy director of the Ha Noi People's Committee's Department of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs Le Tuan Huu said that the elderly who are treated at social sponsoring centres are beneficiaries of social welfare, including invalids' and martyrs' mothers, which explains why they are given a higher allowance.

"The allowance was increased based on the city's budget," said Huu.

Based on each locality's and province's context, chairmen of the municipal people's committees will determine how much their elderly resident's allowance will increase.

The elderly can also benefit from additional preferential policies, including travelling discounts and reductions of ticket prices when they visit museums or cultural sights.

"Municipal authorities' are striving to improve the elderly residents' living standards," said Huu.

VietNamNet/Viet Nam News