Ho Chi Minh City raises cash aid for women having 2 children before 35 to $190

The decision was approved on Thursday by the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Council as part of a broader resolution outlining incentives for individuals and organizations contributing to population efforts in the city.

Starting September 1, 2025, Vietnamese women residing in the city who meet the criteria will be eligible for the increased support.

According to the council’s Culture and Society Committee, the allowance has been raised by VND2 million ($76) from the previous rate of VND3 million (US$114), which was established in a December 2024 resolution.

Officials say the increase aligns with the city’s current socioe-conomic conditions and aims to encourage families to have two children.

The financial support will be funded through the state budget in accordance with Vietnam’s Law on State Budget and relevant guidelines.

With this resolution, Ho Chi Minh City now offers the highest childbirth incentive in the country.

The move comes as Ho Chi Minh City’s fertility rate currently stands at just 1.43 children per woman, far below the replacement level of 2.1.

The city hopes to raise this to 1.6 by 2030, in line with Vietnam’s national population development goals.

Experts have cautioned that continued low fertility rates could lead to long-term consequences, including a shrinking labor force, faster population aging, and increased pressure on the country’s social welfare and insurance systems.

Ngo Van Huan, a lecturer at the Ho Chi Minh City Cadre Academy, noted that rising living costs, economic stress, and changing lifestyles have contributed to the decline in birth rates.

He warned that the trend could pose significant socio-economic challenges, including labor shortages and the burden of an aging population.

Huan called for broader, long-term pro-birth policies that go beyond financial aid.

He recommended investments in early education, expanded childcare for children under six, and the creation of a more supportive social environment.

He also urged the adoption of workplace reforms, such as shorter working hours and greater support for pregnant women and mothers of young children, especially those raising a second child or more.