The government has issued Decree No. 136/2026/ND-CP, revising income eligibility criteria for purchasing social housing by increasing the income ceiling by VND5-10 million (US$200-400) depending on applicant categories.

The newly issued decree amends and supplements several provisions of Decree No. 100/2024/ND-CP, which details the implementation of the Housing Law on the development and management of social housing. The regulation had previously been revised under Decree No. 261/2025/ND-CP and Decree No. 54/2026/ND-CP. The latest changes took effect on April 7.

Under Decree 136/2026/ND-CP, Clause 1 of Article 30 has been amended to raise the income ceiling for social housing eligibility compared to previous regulations.

Specifically, for single applicants, the average monthly income must not exceed VND25 million (US$1,000), an increase of VND5 million (US$200) from the previous cap.

For single individuals raising minor children, the maximum income threshold has been increased to VND35 million per month (US$1,400), also up by VND5 million.

For married applicants, the combined average monthly income of both spouses must not exceed VND50 million (US$2,000), an increase of VND10 million (US$400).

In addition, the decree revises Clauses 1 and 2 of Article 67 regarding income eligibility for members of the people’s armed forces. The new rules expand the definition of income to include regional allowances for those working in remote, border, and island areas with difficult conditions.

At the same time, the method for determining the income ceiling in cases where one spouse does not fall under eligible categories has been adjusted. Instead of applying a fixed multiplier of 1.5 times the income of a Colonel, the new formula is more flexible - combining the income of a Colonel with the salary level stipulated in Point a, Clause 1, Article 30.

Accordingly, for single applicants, monthly income must not exceed the total income of an officer holding the rank of Colonel, including base salary and allowances, with confirmation from the relevant agency or unit.

For married applicants, if both spouses fall under eligible categories as defined in Clause 7, Article 76 of the Housing Law, their combined monthly income must not exceed twice the income of a Colonel.

If one spouse does not fall under the eligible category, the combined income must not exceed the income of a Colonel plus the salary level specified in Point a, Clause 1, Article 30, with verification from the relevant agency, organization, or enterprise.

In cases where a spouse belongs to the category defined in Clause 5, Article 76 of the Housing Law but does not have a labor contract, income verification will follow the provisions set out in Clause 2, Article 30 of the decree.

The decree also stipulates that documents verifying income eligibility for social housing support, issued before the effective date of this regulation, will remain valid for 12 months from the date of certification.

Article 30. Income conditions

For subjects specified in Clauses 5, 6, and 8, Article 76 of the Housing Law, income conditions are defined as follows:

a) For applicants who are unmarried or officially recognized as single, the average monthly income must not exceed VND25 million (approximately US$1,000), based on salary and wage records certified by the employer.

For unmarried applicants raising minor children, the average monthly income must not exceed VND35 million (US$1,400), as certified by the employer.

b) For married applicants, the combined average monthly income of both spouses must not exceed VND50 million (US$2,000), based on certified salary records.

c) The period for determining income eligibility is the 12 consecutive months prior to the date of certification by the competent authority.

d) Based on regional income conditions, housing policies for public officials and employees, and the number of dependents as prescribed by law, provincial People’s Committees may adjust the income coefficients specified in Points a and b. However, such adjustments must not exceed the ratio between local per capita income and the national average. Provinces may also introduce policies to encourage access to social housing for households with three or more dependents.

 
Ngan Anh