Vietnam’s Monthly Unemployment Benefit Cap to Rise to 28.5 Million Dong in 2027
Vietnam will raise minimum wages in four regions from January 1, 2027. The monthly unemployment benefit cap in Region I will rise from 26.55 million to 28.5 million dong, while the maximum salary used to calculate unemployment insurance contributions will also increase. Actual benefits depend on an individual’s insured salary and eligibility.
Vietnam’s government has issued Decree No. 399/2026, adjusting minimum wages for employees under labor contracts. It takes effect on January 1, 2027, and replaces Decree No. 293/2025. Monthly minimum wages in the four regions will rise by 310,000 to 390,000 dong from current levels. The increase will also raise the caps on unemployment benefits and salaries used to calculate unemployment insurance contributions.
Under Article 38 of the 2025 Employment Law, monthly unemployment benefits are calculated at 60% of the average monthly salary used for unemployment insurance contributions over the last six months of contributions before unemployment. The benefit cannot exceed five times the regional minimum wage. Under the new rates, the monthly benefit cap in Region I will rise from 26.55 million to 28.5 million dong, an increase of 1.95 million dong.
Vietnam’s minimum wage adjustment will raise the monthly unemployment benefit cap.（VietVance）
The monthly unemployment benefit caps in Regions II, III and IV will rise to 25.4 million, 22.25 million and 20.2 million dong, respectively. These figures are ceilings, not fixed payments received by every unemployed worker. Actual benefits depend on an individual’s salary used for unemployment insurance contributions and whether they meet the eligibility requirements.
From 2027, the monthly unemployment benefit caps will rise in Vietnam’s four regions.（VietVance）
The monthly salary ceiling for unemployment insurance contributions is 20 times the regional minimum wage. Under the new rates, the monthly ceilings in Regions I through IV will be 114 million, 101.6 million, 89 million and 80.8 million dong, respectively. The minimum wage increase may also affect social insurance contributions: if employers raise wages included in the contribution base to meet the new minimum, employees’ contributions and some benefits calculated from insured salaries may also increase. Specific benefits still depend on the length of coverage, contribution history and the calculation rules for each program.
Source: VietVance
