Joint Circular No. 13/2014/TTLT-BLDTBXH-BTC guiding the recuperation and health restoration regime, provision of assistive devices, orthopedic equipment for persons who have rendered meritorious service to the revolution and their dependents; management of monuments commemorating martyrs

JOINT CIRCULAR

Guidelines on convalescence and health recovery benefits, provision of assistive devices, and orthopedic equipment for persons with meritorious service to the revolution and their dependents; management of memorials for martyrs.

orthopedic devices for persons who have rendered meritorious service to the revolution and their dependents;

management of monuments honoring fallen soldiers

____________________ 

Pursuant to Decree No. 60/2003/NĐ-CP dated June 6, 2003 of the Government detailing and guiding the implementation of the State Budget Law;

Pursuant to Decree No. 106/2012/NĐ-CP dated December 20, 2012, of the Government, stipulating the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs;

Pursuant to Decree No. 215/2013/NĐ-CP dated December 23, 2013, promulgated by the Government stipulating the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Finance;

Pursuant to Decree No. 31/2013/NĐ-CP dated April 9, 2013 of the Government detailing and guiding the implementation of certain provisions of the Ordinance on Preferential Treatment for Those Who Have Contributed to the Revolution.

The Minister of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs and the Minister of Finance jointly issue this Circular to guide convalescence and health recovery benefits, provision of assistive devices, and orthopedic equipment for persons with meritorious service to the revolution and their dependents; management of memorials for martyrs.

Chapter 1

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of Regulation

This Circular guides convalescence and health recovery benefits, provision of assistive devices, and orthopedic equipment for persons with meritorious service to the revolution and their dependents; management of memorials for martyrs.

Article 2. Sources of Funds

1. The funds for implementing the regimes stipulated in this Circular shall be guaranteed from the central budget from the source of funds for implementing the Preferential Treatment Ordinance for Persons with Meritorious Service to the Revolution.

2. The funds for transporting persons with meritorious service to the revolution for centralized convalescence; the funds for constructing, renovating, and upgrading memorials for martyrs as prescribed in Clause 4, Article 61 of Decree No. 31/2013/NĐ-CP dated April 9, 2013 of the Government and other expenses (if any) shall be guaranteed from the local budget.

3. Encouragement is given to enterprises, organizations, and individuals to support funds for constructing, renovating, and upgrading memorials for martyrs.

Article 3. Preparation of budget estimates, allocation of budget estimates, management, utilization, and settlement of accounts for funds

The preparation of budget estimates, allocation of budget estimates, management, utilization, and settlement of accounts for funds shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions of Joint Circular No. 47/2009/TTLT-BTC-BLDTBXH dated March 11, 2009 of the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs guiding the issuance, management, and utilization of funds for implementing preferential policies for persons with meritorious service to the revolution and persons directly participating in the resistance war managed by the Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs sector (hereinafter referred to as Joint Circular No. 47/2009/TTLT-BTC-BLDTBXH).

Chapter 2

SPECIFIC PROVISIONS

Section 1

REGIME FOR CONVALESCENCE AND HEALTH RECOVERY

Article 4. Subjects eligible for convalescence and health recovery

1. Subjects eligible for convalescence and health recovery once a year:

a) Persons who were engaged in revolutionary activities before January 1, 1945;

b) Persons who were engaged in revolutionary activities from January 1, 1945 to August 1945;

c) Biological father or mother who has only one child who is a martyr or biological father or mother who has two or more children who are martyrs;

d) Mothers of Vietnam's Heroic People;

đ) War invalids, persons treated like war invalids, and type B war invalids (hereinafter collectively referred to as war invalids), and disease invalids with a disability rate due to injury or illness of 81% or higher;

e) Persons who participated in the resistance war and were affected by chemical toxins with a disability rate due to the impact of chemical toxins of 81% or higher;

g) Persons who have made contributions to the revolution and have been awarded a Commemorative Medal "The State Commends" or a Certificate "Contributed to the Country."

2. Subjects eligible for convalescence and health recovery every two years:

a) Biological father or mother of a martyr; person who raised a martyr when they were young; wife or husband of a martyr; child of a martyr with severe disabilities or extremely severe disabilities;

b) People's Armed Forces Hero, Labor Hero during the resistance war;

c) War invalids and disease invalids with a disability rate due to injury or illness below 81%;

d) Persons who participated in the resistance war and were affected by chemical toxins with a disability rate due to the impact of chemical toxins below 81%;

đ) Persons who were engaged in revolutionary activities or resistance activities and were captured and imprisoned by the enemy;

e) Persons who contributed to the revolution during the resistance war and are currently receiving monthly allowances.

Article 5. Regulations on providing recuperation benefits to restore health

1. Home recuperation:

a) Amount: VND 1,110,000 per person per session;

b) Method: Direct payment to the beneficiary.

2. Group recuperation:

a) Amount: VND 2,220,000 per person per session, including:

- Breakfast and two main meals;

- Nutritional supplements and common medications;

- Gifts for beneficiaries;

- Other expenses not exceeding VND 320,000 (including: face towels, soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, sightseeing, photography, newspapers, magazines, and other items).

b) Method: The Department of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs shall be responsible for implementing group recuperation programs, withdrawing funds from the budget to pay the recuperation facilities based on the actual number of beneficiaries per session.

c) Duration of each recuperation session ranges from five to ten days, excluding travel time. The specific duration of recuperation is determined by the Director of the Department of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs to ensure suitability with local conditions.

d) In cases where, due to objective reasons, the beneficiary stays less than 30% of the total duration of a group recuperation session, the Director of the Department of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs will consider and decide that the beneficiary should participate in the next session; if the beneficiary stays for 30% or more of the session, the remaining recuperation funds will not be reimbursed; the remaining funds will be recovered and submitted to the state budget by the Department of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs.

đ) During the group recuperation period, if the beneficiary falls ill and requires emergency treatment, they will be referred and transported to the nearest medical facility for treatment according to the current health insurance regulations.

3. Expenses for electricity and water serving the group recuperation activities are allocated based on the actual number of beneficiaries, at a rate of VND 220,000 per person per session, and are provided to the recuperation facilities along with the recuperation benefit funds as stipulated in point b, Clause 2, Article 5 of this Circular. The Department of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs is responsible for providing these funds to the recuperation facilities.

Article 6. Implementation of Recuperation Programs

1. The Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs Office compiles a list of beneficiaries entitled to group and home recuperation benefits for the year and sends it to the Department of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs (Form No. 01-CSSK).

2. Based on the list from the Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs Office, the Department of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs decides on the number of beneficiaries for group and home recuperation (Forms No. 2a-CSSK, 2b-CSSK). The decision on the number of beneficiaries for recuperation in a given year must adhere to the following principles:

a) For beneficiaries entitled to recuperation every two years, half of them will be granted recuperation benefits in the current year, while the remainder will be addressed in the subsequent year;

b) Beneficiaries selected for group recuperation must be suitable for local conditions and their health status.

3. In cases where a locality organizes group recuperation sessions in another locality, the Department of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs shall submit a proposal to the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee for approval within the financial capacity as specified in point a, Clause 2, and Clause 3, Article 5 of this Circular; any excess costs beyond the prescribed limit (if any) shall be covered by the local budget.

b) Establish plans and organize the transportation of subjects to centralized convalescent facilities in accordance with the prescribed regulations.

3. In cases where localities organize the transportation of subjects to centralized convalescent facilities in other localities, the Department of Labor - Invalids and Social Affairs shall submit to the Chairman of the People's Committee of the province for decision within the scope of financial capacity according to the levels specified in point a Clause 2 and Clause 3 Article 5 of this Circular; any excess expenditure over this standard (if any) shall be self-funded by the local budget.

Section 2

REGIME FOR PROVIDING ASSISTIVE DEVICES AND ORTHOPEDIC AIDS

Article 7. Principles for Providing Assistive Devices and Orthopedic Appliances

1. Provide funds for beneficiaries to purchase assistive devices and orthopedic appliances.

2. The amount of funds provided for purchasing assistive devices and orthopedic appliances (including funds for purchasing accessories and maintaining the devices) shall be set forth in the annex accompanying this Circular. During implementation, the Ministry of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs shall take the lead and coordinate with the Ministry of Finance to adjust the amounts based on the state budget capacity, taking into account inflation factors.

3. The provision of funds for purchasing assistive devices and orthopedic appliances (including funds for purchasing accessories and maintaining the devices) for the entire usage period shall be carried out in one time.

Article 8. Regulations on Providing Assistive Devices and Orthopedic Appliances

1. War invalids and war veterans shall be provided with assistive devices and orthopedic appliances based on their disability status recorded in their war invalid or veteran files and the recommendations of rehabilitation facilities under the Department of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs or provincial-level hospitals and above (hereinafter referred to as medical facilities), specifically as follows:

a) Prosthetic arm;

b) Plastic arm brace;

c) Prosthetic leg;

d) Plastic leg brace;

đ) A pair of orthopedic shoes or sandals;

e) Thigh and calf braces;

g) Shaping garment;

h) Wheelchair or walker or equivalent monetary value for a wheelchair or walker;

i) Crutches;

k) Hearing aids according to the recommendation of a provincial-level hospital or higher;

l) Artificial eye implantation according to the recommendation of a provincial-level hospital or higher; the cost of artificial eye implantation shall be settled based on the receipt from a provincial-level hospital or higher;

m) Dentures for war invalids based on the number of missing teeth recorded in their war invalid file and the recommendation of a provincial-level hospital or higher; artificial jaw for war invalids with jaw damage due to injury based on the war invalid file and the recommendation of a provincial-level hospital or higher;

n) Purchase of daily living items for war invalids and war veterans who are paralyzed on one side or completely paralyzed or have agitated mental illness;

In cases where they suffer from both agitated mental illness and paralysis on one side or complete paralysis, they shall only be provided with funds for purchasing daily living items once;

o) If a wheelchair or walker is provided simultaneously with a prosthetic leg, the usage period for each device is six years.

2. The following subjects shall be provided with a wheelchair or walker or equivalent monetary value for a wheelchair or walker based on the recommendation of a medical facility:

a) Persons who were engaged in revolutionary activities before January 1, 1945;

b) Persons who were engaged in revolutionary activities from January 1, 1945 to August 1945;

c) Relatives of martyrs receiving monthly allowances;

d) Mothers of Vietnam's Heroic People;

đ) Heroes of the People's Armed Forces, Heroes of Labor during the resistance war;

e) Persons affected by toxic chemicals while participating in the resistance war;

g) Persons involved in revolutionary activities or resistance wars who were captured and imprisoned by the enemy;

h) Persons who have contributed to the revolution and received the Commemorative Medal "The State Commends" or the Certificate "Contributed to the Country."

3. Children of persons affected by toxic chemicals while participating in the resistance war and currently receiving monthly preferential allowances shall be provided with the following based on the recommendation of a medical facility:

a) Wheelchair;

b) Funds for purchasing sunglasses and walking sticks.

Article 9. Support when Obtaining Assistive Devices and Orthopedic Appliances; Receiving Rehabilitation Treatment

1. War invalids and war veterans shall be supported with travel expenses and food costs (based on the distance from their residence to the nearest medical facility capable of providing orthopedic appliances) every year once, as follows:

2. War invalids, war veterans, and children of persons affected by toxic chemicals while participating in the resistance war and currently receiving monthly preferential allowances shall be supported with travel expenses and food costs (based on the distance from their residence to the nearest rehabilitation facility capable of providing orthopedic appliances) when undergoing rehabilitation treatment according to the recommendation of a provincial-level hospital or higher. The support amount shall be implemented according to the provisions of Clause 1 of this Article.

3. Procedures for support:

The Department of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs shall issue an introduction letter for the beneficiary to obtain orthopedic appliances or rehabilitation services based on the beneficiary's request and the Management Book for Assistive Devices and Orthopedic Appliances (hereinafter referred to as the Management Book, form number 06-CSSK) to the nearest facility providing orthopedic appliances or rehabilitation services (form number 03-GGT).

Based on the confirmation of the facility providing orthopedic appliances or rehabilitation services on the introduction letter, the Department of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs shall settle the travel expenses and food costs for the beneficiary.

Article 10. Procedures for Establishing the Assistance Equipment and Orthopedic Device Tracking Book

1. The person receiving assistance equipment and orthopedic devices shall submit to the Department of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs or the care facility for persons who have rendered meritorious service to the revolution under the Department of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs (hereinafter referred to as the Center) the following documents for cases being cared for at the Center:

a) A request form for establishing the Assistance Equipment and Orthopedic Device Tracking Book (Form No. 04-CSSK);

b) A medical facility's directive on the use of assistance equipment and orthopedic devices.

2. The Department of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs or the Center:

a) Within ten working days from the date of receipt of valid documents as stipulated in Clause 1 of this Article, shall be responsible for compiling a list for issuing the Assistance Equipment and Orthopedic Device Tracking Book (Form No. 05-CSSK) along with related documents to the Department of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs;Form No. 05-CSSKtogether with relevant documents sent to the Department of Labor - Invalids and Social Affairs;

In case the submitted documents are not valid, within three working days, they must send a written response detailing the reasons and return all submitted documents to the applicant to complete according to regulations.

b) Establish the Management Book (Form No. 06-CSSK) and issue the Assistance Equipment and Orthopedic Device Tracking Book (hereinafter referred to as the Tracking Book, Form No. 08-CSSK) to the recipient.

- Lead in preparing plans for short-term vocational training for rural labor to be submitted to the provincial People's Committee for approval; implement the plan after approval;

Within fifteen days from the date of receipt of valid documents transferred by the Department of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs or the Center, they shall be responsible for checking and verifying the file, establishing the Management Book (Form No. 06-CSSK); establishing the Tracking Book (Form No. 08-CSSK) for each recipient and transferring it back to the Department of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs or the Center for issuance to the recipient.

In case the submitted documents are not valid, within five working days, they must send a written response detailing the reasons and return all submitted documents to the Department of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs or the Center to complete according to regulations.

Article 11. Procedures for Issuing Assistance Equipment and Orthopedic Devices

1. The Department of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs or the Center:

a) Based on the Management Book, compile a list of revolutionary merit holders and their dependents reaching the age for issuance of assistance equipment and orthopedic devices (hereinafter referred to as the list, Form No. 7b-CSSK) and submit it to the Department of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs.

b) Provide travel and meal allowances to recipients when obtaining assistance equipment and orthopedic devices.

2. The Department of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs shall check and verify the Management Book within ten working days from the date of receipt of the list and issue decisions (Form No. 7a-CSSK, 7b-CSSK).

In case the submitted documents are not valid, within five working days, they must send a written response detailing the reasons and return all submitted documents to the Department of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs or the Center to complete according to regulations.

3. Centers under the Ministry of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs shall base on the Management Book to check and verify, issue decisions (Form No. 7a-CSSK, 7b-CSSK), and submit annual lists of recipients of assistance equipment and orthopedic devices to the Ministry of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs for reporting.

Article 12. Process and Responsibilities for Managing and Allocating Funds for the Issuance of Assistance Equipment and Orthopedic Devices

1. The Department of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs and the Center shall compile annual lists and budgets for the issuance of assistance equipment and orthopedic devices (Form No. 09-CSSK) and submit them to the Department of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs as prescribed.

2. The Department of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs shall compile an annual budget summary for the issuance of assistance equipment and orthopedic devices (Form No. 09-CSSK); implement distribution, management, settlement, and finalization according to Circular Joint No. 47/2009/TTLT-BTC-BLDTBXH.

3. Centers under the Ministry of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs shall compile annual budgets for the issuance of assistance equipment and orthopedic devices (Form No. 09-CSSK) and submit them to the Martyrs' Association Office for consolidation into the Ministry's budget and implement distribution, management, settlement, and finalization according to Circular Joint No. 47/2009/TTLT-BTC-BLDTBXH.

4. Expenses for organizing the issuance and tracking of books; issuance of assistance equipment and orthopedic devices shall be borne by the Department of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs and the Center according to current regulations.

5. The Department of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs shall be responsible for guiding the issuance of assistance equipment and orthopedic devices; introduce recipients to nearby medical facilities meeting technical requirements to obtain assistance equipment, orthopedic devices, and rehabilitation services.

Section 3

CONSTRUCTION AND MANAGEMENT OF MONUMENTS FOR THE REMEMBRANCE OF VICTIMS OF THE REVOLUTION

Article 13. Construction of Martyrs' Graves

1. Martyrs' graves within the same martyrs' cemetery must be constructed uniformly in terms of size, specifications, and content as follows:

a) The outer structure of the martyrs' grave must be built with durable and aesthetically pleasing materials to ensure long-term preservation.

b) The distance between graves, rows of graves, plots of graves, and sections of graves must be spacious and convenient for visiting martyrs' graves.

c) On the tombstone, the following information must be uniformly recorded:

(Five-pointed star emblem)

MARTYRS

Name: ...

Date of Birth: ... day ... month ... year ...

Place of Origin: ... (commune, district, province)

Rank and Position: ...

Unit: ...

Date of Sacrifice: ... day ... month ... year ...

For graves of martyrs where not all the above information is available, only the known information should be recorded on the tombstone in the corresponding line; if there is no information, the tombstone should state "Grave of martyr with unknown information."

d) After relocating remains, the outer structure of the grave must be repaired, and the tombstone should indicate "Remains of martyr have been relocated."

2. New graves without remains shall not be constructed in the martyrs' cemetery. In cases where localities have already constructed such graves, they should be listed as "Grave of martyr without remains" when compiling the list.

Article 14. Management of Martyrs' Cemetery and Martyrs' Graves

1. The management board of the martyrs' cemetery or the People's Committee of the commune where there is no management board of the martyrs' cemetery shall be responsible for:

a) Preparing a layout plan of martyrs' graves, a file of martyrs' graves, and a list of martyrs' graves (Form No. 16-MLS) for storage and submission to the Department of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs.

b) For relocated remains of martyrs, the management list must clearly record the information of the person who relocated the remains and the burial place after relocation.

c) For newly received remains of martyrs, the management list must clearly record the information of the unit that collected the remains or the person who relocated the remains and the burial place of the remains or the burial place before relocation.

2. The Department of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs shall be responsible for:

Compiling a list of martyrs' cemeteries (Form No. 17-MLS), a list of martyrs' graves in the locality (Form No. 16-MLS), and a list of martyrs' graves managed by families (Form No. 18-MLS) for storage and submission to the Provincial Department of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs by December 31 each year.

3. The Provincial Department of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs shall be responsible for:

a) Managing martyrs' cemeteries and martyrs' graves in the locality.

b) For graves of martyrs with complete information, the notification of martyrs' graves shall be implemented.

c) Coordinating with the Department of Education and Training to organize for schools in the national education system to take care of martyrs' cemeteries.

d) Coordinating with the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union and the Department of Education and Training to organize incense offerings and flower presentations at martyrs' cemeteries in the locality at 20:00 on July 26 and during the Lunar New Year every year.

e) Updating lists of graves, martyrs' cemeteries, and layouts of martyrs' graves in the locality and submitting reports to the Ministry of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs (Department of War Veterans) by March 31 each year.

Article 15. Correction of Information on Martyrs' Tombstones

1. Relatives of martyrs or those who worship martyrs may submit a request for correction of information on martyrs' tombstones to the Department of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs managing the martyrs' grave (Form No. 10-MLS).

2. The Department of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs managing the martyrs' grave shall, within ten working days from the date of receipt of the request, be responsible for checking related information about the grave and sending a request to verify the information of the martyr to the Department of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs managing the original file of the martyr.

3. The Department of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs managing the original file of the martyr shall, within five working days, be responsible for checking the information about the martyr and sending the results back to the Department of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs managing the grave.

4. The Department of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs managing the martyrs' grave shall, within twenty days from the date of receipt of the results of the information check about the martyr, be responsible for correcting the information on the martyrs' tombstone.

Article 16. Funding for the construction, renovation, and upgrading of memorials honoring烈士的建设项目、改造和升级资金

The funding for the construction, renovation, and upgrading of memorials honoring martyrs shall be invested from the state budget and contributions from the community as stipulated in Article 61 of Decree No. 31/2013/NĐ-CP dated April 9, 2013 of the Government, including:

1. Central budget:

a) Investment costs for constructing and upgrading martyrs' cemeteries shall be sourced from the annual operational funds allocated to the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs. The total investment amount will be based on the number of graves in the martyrs' cemetery according to the project approved by the provincial People's Committee, taking into account the unified written opinion of the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs regarding the investment policy, planning, scale, investment capital, and implementation period of the project.

b) Support for building new grave markers (including headstones), with a maximum support level of 2,500,000 VND per grave. In cases where repairs or upgrades to existing grave markers (including headstones) are required, the maximum support level will be 70% of the cost of building new ones.

c) Expenditure to assist localities in constructing monuments to martyrs, temples dedicated to martyrs, and houses bearing the names of martyrs, funded from the budget implementing the Preferential Treatment Law for Those Contributing to the Revolution, as follows:

- For localities supplemented by the central government budget, the maximum support level will be 50% of the total value of the project approved by the competent authority; the specific support level will not exceed 5 billion VND for provincial-level projects, 2 billion VND for district-level projects, and 200 million VND for commune-level projects. For repair and upgrade projects, the maximum support level will be 50% of the cost of building new ones.

- For localities that can balance their budgets independently, the funds will be arranged from the local budget.

Each year, the Department of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs will base its budget allocation plan for implementing the provisions of Point c Clause of this Article on the approved budget estimate and guidance from the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs (the Directorate of Persons Contributing to the Revolution). This plan will be submitted to the provincial People's Committee for approval so that relevant units can implement it, while simultaneously reporting to the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs for consolidation and monitoring.

2. Local budget:

a) Expenditure for constructing and upgrading monuments to martyrs, temples dedicated to martyrs, and houses bearing the names of martyrs;

b) Expenditure for regular maintenance and repair of graves, martyrs' cemeteries, monuments to martyrs, temples dedicated to martyrs, and houses bearing the names of martyrs;

c) Expenditure for managing and caring for memorials honoring martyrs within the jurisdiction;

d) Expenditure for organizing ceremonies to receive and bury the remains of martyrs.

Each year, the provincial People's Committee will proactively balance and allocate local budget funds, along with other legitimate sources of funding (if any), together with the funds allocated from the central budget to direct relevant units to implement the construction, renovation, and upgrading, management, and care of memorials honoring martyrs in the locality.

Section 4

SUPPORT FOR VISITING MARTYRS' GRAVES AND MOVING MARTYRS' REMAINS

Article 17. Support for visiting martyrs' graves

1. Procedures and formalities for visiting martyrs' graves:

a) Individuals visiting martyrs' graves shall submit the following documents to the Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs Office at the local place where the original file of the martyr is managed:

- A copy of the certificate recognizing the family of the martyr (Model 11-MLS); - An application for visiting the grave of a martyr (Model or a copy of the Merit Certificate of the Motherland);

- One of the following documents:

+ Notification of the grave of the martyr issued by the Department of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs or confirmation of the grave of the martyr by the management agency of the martyrs' cemetery where the grave is located, in cases where the grave has complete information;

+ Confirmation by the Department of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs in cases where the specific grave cannot be identified in the martyrs' cemetery but the name is listed in the cemetery's management records;

+ Death notice recording the location where the martyr died or notification from the authorized agency issuing the death notice in cases where the grave of the martyr has not been collected into the martyrs' cemetery.

+ Death certificate indicating information about the locality where the fallen soldier died or notification from the competent authority issuing the death certificate in cases where the grave of the fallen soldier has not been reinterred in the martyrs' cemetery.

b) The People's Committee of the commune shall, within one working day, be responsible for confirming the application for visiting the grave of a martyr;

c) The Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs Office shall, within three working days from the date of receiving all valid documents, be responsible for checking and issuing an introduction letter for visiting the grave of a martyr (Model 03-GGT).

In case the submitted documents are not valid, within three working days, they must send a written response detailing the reasons and return all submitted documents to the applicant to complete according to regulations.

2. Place managing the grave or having information about the martyr's sacrifice:

The Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs agency shall, based on the introduction letter, be responsible for confirming the visit to the grave of a martyr.

3. Content and level of support:

Support for travel expenses and food expenses based on the distance from the place issuing the introduction letter to the cemetery containing the martyr's grave or the place where the martyr sacrificed his life. The level of support for one visit per year to visit a martyr's grave is as follows:

4. The Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs Office issuing the introduction letter for visiting the grave of a martyr shall, based on confirmation of the visit to the grave, implement the provision of travel and food support for the relatives of the martyr (up to three people) or the person worshipping the martyr within one working day from the date of receipt of valid documents as prescribed.

Article 18. Support for the relocation of remains of烈士

1. Content and level of support:

a) Support for travel expenses and food for relatives of martyrs or persons authorized by relatives of martyrs or persons who worship martyrs (not exceeding three people) shall be implemented according to the provisions of Clause 3, Article 17 of this Circular.

b) Support for the cost of exhumation and relocation of one set of remains of a martyr: The expenditure amount is 2,000,000 VND.

c) For the remains of martyrs where relatives of martyrs or persons who worship martyrs wish to retain them for construction of graves at family ancestral cemeteries managed by the family (not transferred to martyrs' cemeteries): They will be supported according to the provisions of points a and b of this clause and will also be supported with 2,500,000 VND for the construction of the tomb cover (including the tombstone) of the martyr.

2. The Department of Labor - Invalids and Social Affairs responsible for managing the grave shall check the procedures based on the introduction letter for relocating the remains of martyrs and the document from the Department of Labor - Invalids and Social Affairs regarding the resolution of relocating the remains of martyrs, and provide support according to the provisions of points a and b of Clause 1 of this Article to relatives of martyrs or persons who worship martyrs within one working day from the date of receiving valid documents as prescribed.

3. The Department of Labor - Invalids and Social Affairs responsible for managing the original file of martyrs shall implement support according to the provisions of point c of Clause 1 of this Article to relatives of martyrs or persons who worship martyrs within one working day from the date of receiving valid documents as prescribed, based on the confirmation of the People's Committee of the commune regarding the burial of the grave of the martyr at the family ancestral cemetery managed by the family.

Article 19. Procedures and formalities for the relocation of remains of martyrs

1. Place managing the original file of martyrs:

a) Relatives or persons who worship martyrs wishing to relocate the remains of martyrs shall submit the following documents to the Department of Labor - Invalids and Social Affairs:

- Application for relocation of remains of martyrs (Form No. 12-MLS) with confirmation from the People's Committee of the commune where they reside;

- A copy of the certificate of a martyr's family or a copy of the "National Commendation" medal;

- One of the following documents: notification of the grave of a martyr from the Department of Labor - Invalids and Social Affairs or confirmation of the grave of a martyr from the management authority of the martyrs' cemetery where the grave of the martyr is located;

In cases where the person relocating the remains of martyrs is not a relative or a person who worships martyrs, they must additionally provide a power of attorney from the relative of the martyr or the person who worships the martyr.

b) The People's Committee of the commune shall confirm the application for relocation of remains of martyrs within one working day.

c) The Department of Labor - Invalids and Social Affairs shall issue an introduction letter for the relocation of remains of martyrs (Form No. 03-GGT) within three working days from the date of receipt of the application for relocation of remains of martyrs.

In case the submitted documents are not valid, within three working days, they must send a written response detailing the reasons and return all submitted documents to the applicant to complete according to regulations.

2. Place managing the grave of martyrs:

a) The Department of Labor - Invalids and Social Affairs shall handle the relocation of remains of martyrs based on the documents stipulated in Article 1 of this Circular;

b) The Department of Labor - Invalids and Social Affairs shall be responsible for:

- Cooperating with the Management Board of the Martyrs' Cemetery or the People's Committee of the commune (in cases where there is no Management Board of the Martyrs' Cemetery) to prepare a handover record of the remains of martyrs (Form No. 13-MLS);

- Keeping the application for relocation of remains of martyrs and the handover record of the remains of martyrs;

- Preparing a Report on Relocation of Remains of Martyrs (Form No. 14-MLS) to send to the Department of Labor - Invalids and Social Affairs managing the original file of martyrs and the place where the remains of martyrs are buried (for cases where the remains of martyrs are not buried in the locality managing the original file after relocation) along with the handover record of the remains of martyrs.

3. Place receiving and burying the remains of martyrs:

a) The People's Committee of the commune shall be responsible for:

- Organizing the reception and burial ceremony of the remains of martyrs;

- Confirming the burial of the grave of martyrs managed by the family according to the wishes of relatives of martyrs or persons who worship martyrs (Form No. 15-MLS).

b) The Department of Labor - Invalids and Social Affairs shall be responsible for keeping the Report on Relocation of Remains of Martyrs sent by the Department of Labor - Invalids and Social Affairs managing the grave in the file managing the grave of martyrs.

Chapter III

IMPLEMENTATION PROVISIONS

Article 20. Effective Date

1. This Circular takes effect from July 20, 2014.

2. The convalescence and health recovery benefits prescribed in this Circular shall be implemented from January 1, 2013. In cases from January 1, 2013 to the date this Circular takes effect, labor and social security agencies shall implement the convalescence and health recovery benefits according to the expenditure levels prescribed in Article 4 of Joint Circular No. 25/2010/TTLT-BLDTBXH-BTC-BYT dated September 11, 2010 of the Ministry of Labor - Invalids and Social Affairs, Ministry of Finance, and Ministry of Health amending and supplementing Joint Circular No. 17/2006/TTLT-BLDTBXH-BTC-BYT dated November 21, 2006 and replacing Joint Circular No. 06/2007/TTLT-BLDTBXH-BTC-BYT dated April 12, 2007 of the Ministry of Labor - Invalids and Social Affairs, Ministry of Finance, and Ministry of Health guiding the health care system for those who have rendered meritorious service to the revolution as follows:

a) In cases of convalescence at home: Based on the list of beneficiaries already resolved, the labor and social security agency shall make up the difference for the beneficiary according to the level of 310,000 VND/person.

b) In cases of centralized convalescence: No additional payment shall be made.

3. Beneficiaries who were provided with assistive devices and orthopedic appliances before the effective date of this Circular, if their usage period extends beyond the effective date of this Circular, shall continue to be provided until the end of the usage period as prescribed; they shall not be adjusted according to the expenditure levels prescribed in this Circular.

4. The support system for constructing the tomb cover (including the tombstone) for the graves of martyrs at family ancestral cemeteries managed by families shall be implemented from January 1, 2013.

5. Other preferential systems for those who have rendered meritorious service to the revolution and their relatives prescribed in this Circular shall be applied from January 1, 2014.

6. This Circular replaces the following Joint Circulars:

a) Joint Circular No. 17/2006/TTLT-BLDTBXH-BTC-BYT dated November 21, 2006 of the Ministry of Labor - Invalids and Social Affairs, Ministry of Finance, and Ministry of Health guiding the health care system for those who have rendered meritorious service to the revolution.

b) Joint Circular No. 01/2008/TTLT-BLDTBXH-BTC dated January 29, 2008, issued by the Ministry of Labor - Invalids and Social Affairs and the Ministry of Finance, guiding procedures and levels of support for relatives of martyrs to visit graves and relocate remains of martyrs;

c) Joint Circular No. 14/2009/TTLT-BLDTBXH-BTC dated May 18, 2009, issued by the Ministry of Labor - Invalids and Social Affairs and the Ministry of Finance, guiding Decree No. 16/2007/NĐ-CP dated January 26, 2007, of the Government on searching for, collecting, managing remains of martyrs, graveyards, memorials, and monuments with inscribed names of martyrs;

d) Joint Circular No. 25/2010/TTLT-BLDTBXH-BTC-BYT dated September 11, 2010, issued by the Ministry of Labor - Invalids and Social Affairs, the Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Health, amending and supplementing Joint Circular No. 17/2006/TTLT-BLDTBXH-BTC-BYT dated November 21, 2006, and replacing Joint Circular No. 06/2007/TTLT-BLDTBXH-BTC-BYT dated April 12, 2007, of the Ministry of Labor - Invalids and Social Affairs, the Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Health, guiding health care benefits for persons who have rendered meritorious service to the revolution;

Article 21. Organization of Implementation

1. The Chairperson of the People's Committee of provinces and centrally governed cities shall be responsible for directing, guiding, organizing the implementation, inspecting, and auditing the regimes prescribed in this Circular within their jurisdiction.

2. The Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of Public Security shall guide and budget funds for implementing the regimes stipulated in this Circular for persons who have rendered meritorious service to the revolution under the management of the Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of Public Security.

Any difficulties encountered during the implementation should be reported to the Ministry of Labor - Invalids and Social Affairs and the Ministry of Finance for research and resolution.