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Self-Sufficiency Work Programs (자활근로사업·자활 프로그램): How to Apply, Amount & Eligibility (2026)

Connects recipients and near-poverty people able to work to jobs, education and self-sufficiency enterprises (participation pay varies by program type)

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: Participation in self-sufficiency work (work-maintenance, social service, intern-helper and market-entry types), the Gateway course (competency exploration and basic education), and support for self-sufficiency enterprises (joint startups by 2 or more people). Because 2026 unit rates for participation pay and the Naeil Keum Savings Account (내일키움통장, self-sufficiency incentive) were not confirmed, check with your Local Self-Sufficiency Center (지역자활센터).
Who is eligible: Basic livelihood recipients and near-poverty people able to work (mainly ages 18-64).
When to apply: Anytime – recruited by Local Self-Sufficiency Centers
How to apply: Consult the city/county/district office or community service center (주민센터), then be referred to a Local Self-Sufficiency Center. Check Bokjiro (복지로).
Important notes: Recruitment timing varies by region.
Note: Conditional recipients (livelihood benefit) may be required to take part in self-sufficiency programs. Pay varies by program type and region.

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

Self-Sufficiency Work Programs (자활근로사업·자활 프로그램): who can receive it?

Basic livelihood recipients and near-poverty people able to work (mainly ages 18-64).

Self-Sufficiency Work Programs (자활근로사업·자활 프로그램): how do I apply?

Consult the city/county/district office or community service center (주민센터), then be referred to a Local Self-Sufficiency Center. Check Bokjiro (복지로).

Self-Sufficiency Work Programs (자활근로사업·자활 프로그램): how much will I receive?

Participation in self-sufficiency work (work-maintenance, social service, intern-helper and market-entry types), the Gateway course (competency exploration and basic education), and support for self-sufficiency enterprises (joint startups by 2 or more people). Because 2026 unit rates for participation pay and the Naeil Keum Savings Account (내일키움통장, self-sufficiency incentive) were not confirmed, check with your Local Self-Sufficiency Center (지역자활센터).

Self-Sufficiency Work Programs (자활근로사업·자활 프로그램): when can I apply?

Anytime – recruited by Local Self-Sufficiency Centers