Care · Services · Discounts

Child Care Service (아이돌봄서비스, Hourly and Full-Day Infant Care): How to Apply, Amount & Eligibility (2026)

2026 hourly basic type KRW 12,790 per hour (comprehensive type KRW 16,620)....

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: 2026 hourly basic type KRW 12,790 per hour (comprehensive type KRW 16,620). Government support by income type: Type A (75% or less of median income), Type B (75~120%), Type C (120~150%), Type D (150~250%) with differing support ratios, and full out-of-pocket above 250%. Type A out-of-pocket is about KRW 1,918 per hour (reported). Government support within 960 hours per year (1,080 hours for single parents, grandparent-grandchild households, persons with disabilities, and teen parents). Full-day infant care is also based on KRW 12,790 per hour.
Who is eligible: Households with a childcare gap (dual-income households, etc.) with a child aged 3 months to 12 years. Income at 250% or less of median income (기준중위소득).
When to apply: Households with a child aged 3 months or more and 12 or under. Advance application for government support is required, and there is no retroactive application.
How to apply: Apply for a government support decision at Bokjiro (복지로) or the eup/myeon/dong community service center (주민센터) -> sign up on the Child Care Service website (idolbom.go.kr) and apply for the service -> a caregiver is connected through the regional service provider.
Important notes: Use before the government support decision is made cannot be applied retroactively. There is a periodic income re-determination for households using the service. Inquiries: service providers such as 1577-2514.
Note: In 2026, the eligible income criterion expands from 200% to 250% or less of median income (기준중위소득), the infant care allowance rises from KRW 1,500 to KRW 2,000 per hour, and a toddler care allowance of KRW 1,000 per hour is newly introduced (Policy Briefing). The out-of-pocket ratios and amounts by income bracket (Types B, C, D) are based on reports, so re-check the exact government support ratios at idolbom.go.kr. For households with a childcare gap, such as dual-income households.

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

Child Care Service (아이돌봄서비스, Hourly and Full-Day Infant Care): who can receive it?

Households with a childcare gap (dual-income households, etc.) with a child aged 3 months to 12 years. Income at 250% or less of median income (기준중위소득).

Child Care Service (아이돌봄서비스, Hourly and Full-Day Infant Care): how do I apply?

Apply for a government support decision at Bokjiro (복지로) or the eup/myeon/dong community service center (주민센터) -> sign up on the Child Care Service website (idolbom.go.kr) and apply for the service -> a caregiver is connected through the regional service provider.

Child Care Service (아이돌봄서비스, Hourly and Full-Day Infant Care): how much will I receive?

2026 hourly basic type KRW 12,790 per hour (comprehensive type KRW 16,620). Government support by income type: Type A (75% or less of median income), Type B (75~120%), Type C (120~150%), Type D (150~250%) with differing support ratios, and full out-of-pocket above 250%. Type A out-of-pocket is about KRW 1,918 per hour (reported). Government support within 960 hours per year (1,080 hours for single parents, grandparent-grandchild households, persons with disabilities, and teen parents). Full-day infant care is also based on KRW 12,790 per hour.

Child Care Service (아이돌봄서비스, Hourly and Full-Day Infant Care): when can I apply?

Households with a child aged 3 months or more and 12 or under. Advance application for government support is required, and there is no retroactive application.