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Independence Allowance for Care Leavers (KRW 500,000 per month) (자립준비청년 자립수당): How to Apply, Amount & Eligibility (2026)

Independence allowance of KRW 500,000 per month for youth who have left care (for a set period after leaving care, including those who left before age 18)

This page is a translation of the Korean original and is for reference only. The official Korean guidance is the authoritative source for amounts and conditions, so be sure to confirm on the official website before applying. View Korean original (한국어)

Benefit: An independence allowance of KRW 500,000 per month is paid to young people who have left child care facilities, foster care, group homes and similar care (Policy Briefing, Feb 2024: also paid to those who left care before age 18). The payment period is stated as up to 5 years after leaving care (details need to be confirmed).
Who is eligible: Care leavers within 5 years of leaving care (aged 24 or younger, full age).
When to apply: At the time of leaving care and year-round afterward.
How to apply: Community service center (주민센터) of your eup/myeon/dong of residence, Bokjiro (복지로), independence support counseling at the National Center for the Rights of the Child (아동권리보장원).
Important notes: Within the application period after leaving care (retroactive payment may be limited; please check).
Note: Separate from the independence settlement fund (local government). Some local governments provide additional support.

Go to the official guide →

Based on official sources as of 2026년 10월. Amounts and requirements may change, so please confirm with the official guide before applying.

Frequently asked questions

Independence Allowance for Care Leavers (KRW 500,000 per month) (자립준비청년 자립수당): who can receive it?

Care leavers within 5 years of leaving care (aged 24 or younger, full age).

Independence Allowance for Care Leavers (KRW 500,000 per month) (자립준비청년 자립수당): how do I apply?

Community service center (주민센터) of your eup/myeon/dong of residence, Bokjiro (복지로), independence support counseling at the National Center for the Rights of the Child (아동권리보장원).

Independence Allowance for Care Leavers (KRW 500,000 per month) (자립준비청년 자립수당): how much will I receive?

An independence allowance of KRW 500,000 per month is paid to young people who have left child care facilities, foster care, group homes and similar care (Policy Briefing, Feb 2024: also paid to those who left care before age 18). The payment period is stated as up to 5 years after leaving care (details need to be confirmed).

Independence Allowance for Care Leavers (KRW 500,000 per month) (자립준비청년 자립수당): when can I apply?

At the time of leaving care and year-round afterward.