Hanoi Proposes Raising Income Thresholds for Poverty Standards

Hanoi is seeking public input on a draft regulation to establish new multidimensional poverty standards for the period of 2027 to 2030. The proposal aims to provide a clearer framework for identifying poor, near-poor, and middle-income households within the city.

The draft presents two distinct options for income criteria. In the first option, the monthly income threshold for poverty is set at 3 million VND per person in rural areas and 3.5 million VND in urban areas. The second, more ambitious option, proposes raising these thresholds to 3.5 million VND per person for rural residents and 4 million VND per person for urban residents.

These proposed income levels represent a significant increase of 1 to 1.5 million VND per person compared to the current standards set in Decision No. 13/2021 for the 2022-2025 period. Beyond income, the new standards will continue to utilize a multidimensional approach, assessing deficiencies in access to essential social services. These services fall into six categories: employment, healthcare, education, housing, information, and water supply, sanitation, and environment, measured by 12 specific indicators.

The draft defines a poor household as one whose income does not exceed the stipulated threshold and who lacks access to at least three basic social services. Near-poor households meet the income criteria but lack access to fewer than three services. The proposals also outline standards for middle-income households, with income thresholds varying based on location and the chosen option. These updated standards will serve as the basis for measuring and monitoring poverty, determining eligibility for social welfare policies, and informing Hanoi's socioeconomic development planning for the upcoming years.