Cash · Vouchers
Energy Voucher (에너지바우처)
Heating and cooling voucher from KRW 295,000 per year for 1 person to KRW 701,000 for 4 or more persons (2026)
See eligibility · how to apply · cautions
- Details
- 2026, by household size: 1 person KRW 295,200; 2 persons KRW 407,500; 3 persons KRW 532,700; 4 or more persons KRW 701,300. Used to pay electricity, city gas, district heating, kerosene, LPG and briquette costs. Summer use July 1-September 30; winter use October 1 through May 31, 2027. Can be used together with the city gas reduction (the reduction is adjusted). Applications are automatic if you received support the previous year and your information has not changed.
- Eligibility
- Livelihood, medical, housing and education benefit recipients, plus households with a member who is elderly (born before 1961), an infant or young child (born 2019 or later), a person with a disability, a pregnant woman, a person with a serious illness, a single parent, a child head of household, or part of a multi-child family, etc.
- Timing
- Apply from 2026-06-15 to 12-31; winter use begins October 1
- How to apply
- Visit the administrative welfare center (행정복지센터) at your registered address, apply online via Bokjiro (복지로), or via ex officio application. Consultation 1600-3190 (energyv.or.kr)
- Caution
- Apply by 12-31 (apply early to secure winter use)
Cash · Vouchers
National Basic Livelihood Security Livelihood Benefit (국민기초생활보장 생계급여)
Cash for households at or below 32% of median income (2026: up to KRW 820,556 for 1 person; KRW 2,078,316 for 4 persons)
See eligibility · how to apply · cautions
- Details
- Selection criterion amount = maximum benefit. 1 person KRW 820,556 / 2 persons 1,343,773 / 3 persons 1,714,892 / 4 persons 2,078,316 / 5 persons 2,418,150 / 6 persons 2,737,905 / 7 persons 3,044,848. Actual benefit = criterion amount minus recognized income. About 40,000 new recipients expected in 2026. Can be received together with medical, housing and education benefits. Only the difference is paid when recognized income is at or below the criterion amount, so the amount varies by individual depending on income and assets.
- Eligibility
- Households with recognized income at or below 32% of the standard median income (기준 중위소득). The support obligor is excluded only if annual income exceeds KRW 130 million or assets exceed KRW 1.2 billion.
- Timing
- Apply anytime. Investigation and decision after application (generally 30 days, up to 60 days if extended)
- How to apply
- Visit the community service center (주민센터) at your registered address or apply via Bokjiro (복지로, bokjiro.go.kr); a simulation is available. Consultation 129.
- Caution
- Benefits start from the application date, so you cannot receive benefits for the period before you apply. Objections within 90 days of the decision.
Medical · Checkups
Medical Aid (의료급여) Type 1 and Type 2
Households at or below 40% of median income: Type 1 outpatient KRW 1,000-2,000, inpatient free; Type 2 inpatient 10%
See eligibility · how to apply · cautions
- Details
- Selection criterion 40% (1 person KRW 1,025,695; 4 persons KRW 2,597,895). Type 1: outpatient KRW 1,000 at primary care to KRW 2,000 at tertiary care, no inpatient copayment. Type 2: outpatient KRW 1,000 at primary care and 15% at secondary and tertiary care, inpatient 10%. Annual benefit-day limit of 380-400 days (extension may be approved). Livelihood benefit recipients are generally Type 1. The support obligor criterion for medical aid is being relaxed in stages, so check details with your city, county or district office.
- Eligibility
- Households with recognized income at or below 40% of the standard median income (eligible recipients). Special provisions for facility residents, North Korean defectors, etc. are separate.
- Timing
- Apply anytime
- How to apply
- Apply at the community service center (주민센터) or via Bokjiro (복지로) (accepted together with the basic livelihood security benefit application).
- Caution
- Applies from the application date. Type 1 recipients using a designated medical aid institution may be exempt from outpatient copayments.
Cash · Vouchers
Emergency Welfare Support System (긴급복지지원제도)
In a crisis: livelihood support from KRW 783,000 per month for 1 person to KRW 2,636,700 for 6 persons, medical up to KRW 3 million, etc.
See eligibility · how to apply · cautions
- Details
- If income is at or below 75% of median (1 person KRW 1,923,179; 4 persons KRW 4,871,054) and the asset criteria are met, support is provided first and investigated afterward. Monthly livelihood support (1-6 persons) KRW 783,000 / 1,286,600 / 1,644,000 / 1,994,600 / 2,324,400 / 2,636,700 (KRW 286,900 added per person for 7 or more). Medical up to KRW 3 million (2 times), housing about KRW 190,000-870,000 per month. Livelihood support for 3 months (extendable). General assets have a regional ceiling (about KRW 120-240 million); financial assets up to KRW 8.564 million per person. Check details on medical and housing support with your local government.
- Eligibility
- Crisis reasons such as job loss, business closure, serious illness, injury, death of a household member, domestic violence or fire, plus meeting the income and asset criteria.
- Timing
- Anytime – apply immediately when a crisis occurs (129 provides 24-hour consultation)
- How to apply
- Call the Health and Welfare Counseling Center (보건복지상담센터) 129, or visit a community service center (주민센터) or city/county/district office. Online application is also available via Bokjiro (복지로).
- Caution
- Support is provided first after the crisis is confirmed; income and assets are investigated afterward.
Tax
Earned Income Tax Credit (근로장려금, Regular Application)
Annual refund of up to KRW 1.65 million for single, KRW 2.85 million for single-earner and KRW 3.3 million for dual-earner low-income households with earned or business income
See eligibility · how to apply · cautions
- Details
- For tax year 2025 (applied for in 2026): total income under KRW 22 million (single), KRW 32 million (single-earner), KRW 44 million (dual-earner); total household assets (as of 2025-06-01) under KRW 240 million (if KRW 170 million or more, 50% of the calculated amount is paid). Regular applications paid on 8/27. Can be combined with the Child Tax Credit. Must be applied for every year. Professionals who are business owners and households over the asset limit are excluded.
- Eligibility
- Single, single-earner and dual-earner households with earned or business income (meeting income and asset requirements). Korean nationality.
- Timing
- Regular application every year from May 1 to May 31 (until 6/1 in 2026). The next regular application is in May 2027.
- How to apply
- HomeTax (홈택스), Sontax (손택스) mobile app, National Tax Service 126, or visit/mail a tax office.
- Caution
- After the 2026 regular application closed (6/1), use the 'late application' (until 12/1).
Tax
Earned and Child Tax Credit Late Application (근로·자녀장려금 기한후 신청, Until December 1)
If you missed the regular application, apply by 2026-12-01 and receive 95% of the calculated amount
See eligibility · how to apply · cautions
- Details
- If you did not apply for the tax year 2025 earned and child tax credits during the regular period (5/1-6/1), you can file a late application until December 1, 2026. Only 95% of the calculated credit is paid (5% reduction). Paid within about 4 months after applying (reported). Requirements (income and assets) are the same as for the regular application. Claims cannot be made after 12/1, so applying now (October 2026) is recommended.
- Eligibility
- Households that met the tax year 2025 earned or child tax credit requirements but did not apply during the regular period.
- Timing
- 2026-06-02 to 2026-12-01
- How to apply
- HomeTax (홈택스), Sontax (손택스) app, or visit a tax office. National Tax Service 126.
- Caution
- Closes 2026-12-01 – closing soon. After that, the next application is the regular application in May 2027.
Care · Services · Discounts
Basic Livelihood Security Application and Decision Process and Simulation (기초생활보장 신청·결정 절차 및 모의계산)
6 steps: application → investigation → decision → benefit → verification; check your eligibility in advance with the Bokjiro simulation
See eligibility · how to apply · cautions
- Details
- Where to apply: community service center (주민센터) at your address (ex officio applications and private referrals are also possible). Documents: social security benefit application form, consent form for financial information, lease contract, proof of income and assets. Decision after investigation (objections within 90 days of the decision). Annual verification. Livelihood benefit = selection criterion amount minus recognized income. Use the 'simulation' on Bokjiro (복지로). Benefits start from the application date, so apply first if you think you may qualify. The support obligor criterion for the livelihood benefit applies only when annual income exceeds KRW 130 million or assets exceed KRW 1.2 billion.
- Eligibility
- All households with difficulty in income and assets (the eligible person, relatives and other related persons).
- Timing
- Year-round
- How to apply
- Community service center (주민센터) or online with simulation at Bokjiro (복지로, bokjiro.go.kr). 129.
- Caution
- Delaying your application means losing that much benefit. A decision generally comes within 30 days (60 days if extended).
Medical · Checkups
Near-Poverty Group Copayment Reduction (차상위계층 본인부담 경감, National Health Insurance)
Reduced copayments for near-poverty people with rare, severe intractable or chronic diseases and those under 18 (inpatient exemption, fixed outpatient fees, etc.)
See eligibility · how to apply · cautions
- Details
- Household recognized income at or below 50% of median. Inpatient copayment exempted for those with rare intractable or severe diseases (20% for meals); chronic disease patients pay 14% for outpatient care (fixed fee KRW 1,000-1,500); 5-15% for dentures for those 65 or older. Premiums for regional subscribers are subsidized by the national treasury (per the National Health Insurance Service). Chronic disease patients are re-checked every 6 months. Copayments are much lower than for ordinary national health insurance members.
- Eligibility
- Rare intractable or severe disease patients, chronic disease patients (treated for 6 months or longer) and those under 18, with recognized income at or below 50% of median and meeting the support requirement.
- Timing
- Apply anytime
- How to apply
- Apply for 'near-poverty copayment reduction eligible person' (차상위본인부담경감대상자) at a National Health Insurance Service branch or community service center (주민센터). NHIS 1577-1000.
- Caution
- Approved after eligibility check. Verified and renewed every year.
Tax
Child Tax Credit (자녀장려금)
KRW 500,000-1,000,000 per year per dependent child (under age 18)
See eligibility · how to apply · cautions
- Details
- Requirements for tax year 2025: total household income under KRW 70 million, total assets under KRW 240 million (50% paid if KRW 170 million or more), KRW 500,000-1,000,000 per dependent child under 18 (by income bracket). Paid at the end of August. Can be combined with the Earned Income Tax Credit. Single-person households are excluded. Amounts differ by income bracket.
- Eligibility
- Households with a dependent child under 18, total income under KRW 70 million and assets under KRW 240 million.
- Timing
- Regular application May 1-31 every year (until 6/1 in 2026); late application until 12/1 (95%)
- How to apply
- HomeTax (홈택스), Sontax (손택스) app, National Tax Service 126, or tax office.
- Caution
- For 2026, late applications close 12/1 (95% paid).
Cash · Vouchers
Low-Income Telecom Fee Reduction (저소득층 통신요금 감면)
Reduction of up to KRW 33,500 per month for livelihood and medical benefit recipients; up to KRW 21,500 per month for housing, education benefit recipients and the near-poverty group
See eligibility · how to apply · cautions
- Details
- Livelihood and medical benefit recipients: KRW 26,000 off the monthly fee plus 50% off call charges (up to KRW 33,500 per month). Housing and education benefit recipients and near-poverty group: KRW 11,000 off the monthly fee plus 35% off call charges (up to KRW 21,500 per month). Housing and education benefit recipients can apply to up to 4 lines. Conditions differ by MVNO (budget carrier) and plan. The actual discount may vary depending on the monthly bill.
- Eligibility
- Basic livelihood recipients and near-poverty group (near-poverty self-sufficiency, disability allowance, single parents, etc.) subscribers.
- Timing
- Accepted anytime
- How to apply
- Carrier customer center (114) or 1523, administrative welfare center (행정복지센터), or online via Bokjiro (복지로) and Government24 (정부24).
- Caution
- Supporting documents (recipient certificate) required.
Cash · Vouchers
Child Rearing Allowance for Single-Parent Families (한부모가족 아동양육비)
Low-income single-parent households: KRW 230,000 per month per child under 18, plus an additional KRW 100,000 per month (where applicable)
See eligibility · how to apply · cautions
- Details
- Single-parent and grandparent-grandchild families with recognized income at or below 65% of median (expansion reported for 2026); child rearing allowance KRW 230,000 per month per child. Teenage single parents (age 24 or younger): KRW 400,000 per month for ages 0-1 and KRW 370,000 per month for age 2 or older. Additional child rearing allowance of KRW 100,000 per month for unmarried single parents, grandparent-grandchild families with a child aged 5 or under, and children of young-adult single parents. School supplies allowance about KRW 100,000 per year. Amounts for teenage single parents and the additional allowance were not confirmed in official sources. Restrictions on overlapping with other benefits may apply.
- Eligibility
- Single-parent and grandparent-grandchild families raising a child under age 18, with recognized income at or below 65% of median (separate criteria for teenage single parents).
- Timing
- Apply anytime (decision in 2-4 weeks)
- How to apply
- Apply at the community service center (주민센터) at your address or online via Bokjiro (복지로). Inquire at a Single-Parent Family Support Center (한부모가족지원센터).
- Caution
- Paid from the month of application. Annual verification.
Jobs · Education
Self-Sufficiency Work Programs (자활근로사업·자활 프로그램)
Connects recipients and near-poverty people able to work to jobs, education and self-sufficiency enterprises (participation pay varies by program type)
See eligibility · how to apply · cautions
- Details
- 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). Conditional recipients (livelihood benefit) may be required to take part in self-sufficiency programs. Pay varies by program type and region.
- Eligibility
- Basic livelihood recipients and near-poverty people able to work (mainly ages 18-64).
- Timing
- 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).
- Caution
- Recruitment timing varies by region.
Cash · Vouchers
Hope Savings Account I and II (희망저축계좌Ⅰ·Ⅱ, formerly Hope Keum Account 희망키움통장)
Working recipient or near-poverty households that save KRW 100,000 per month get a government match of KRW 100,000-300,000 per month (3 years)
See eligibility · how to apply · cautions
- Details
- Type I: working livelihood and medical benefit recipient households; the government matches KRW 300,000 when you save KRW 100,000 per month. Type II: working housing and education benefit recipient households and near-poverty group; for KRW 100,000 saved per month, a match of KRW 100,000-300,000 by year (from 2025: months 1-12 1:1, 13-24 1:2, 25-36 1:3). 3-year enrollment; can be closed for housing, education, startup or self-sufficiency purposes. 2026 Type II 3rd recruitment: 10/1-10/26. Stated as not allowed together with the Youth Tomorrow Savings Account (청년내일저축계좌). You must keep working while enrolled; savings can be paused for up to 12 months.
- Eligibility
- Working livelihood and medical benefit recipient households (Type I); working housing and education benefit recipient households and near-poverty group (Type II).
- Timing
- Type II 2026 3rd recruitment 10/1-10/26. Type I: 4 times in total between March and November (details on Asset e-Roomter 자산e룸터).
- How to apply
- Visit the community service center (주민센터) (online not available) – bring proof of employment and ID. Asset e-Roomter (자산e룸터) hope.welfareinfo.or.kr.
- Caution
- Type II 3rd recruitment closes 2026-10-26.
Care · Services · DiscountsOfficial confirmation needed
Just Give (그냥드림), Food Bank and Food Market (푸드뱅크·푸드마켓) – Free Groceries and Free Meals
Groceries and daily necessities provided in a crisis without income or asset testing (per-visit limit and number of visits vary by local government; example KRW 20,000)
See eligibility · how to apply · cautions
- Details
- 'Just Give' (그냥드림): anyone facing sudden hardship can use basic groceries and daily necessities at food markets and food banks (after consultation), expanded to 3 times a week from August 2026 (reported). The per-visit limit varies by region (Pohang KRW 20,000 as an example). Free meal programs are run separately by local governments and social welfare centers. 2026 changes are based on media reports. Usage limits and methods vary by region, so ask your nearest food market.
- Eligibility
- Anyone struggling to make ends meet due to sudden job loss, reduced income, high prices, etc. (no separate income test). Recipients and near-poverty group can use food markets.
- Timing
- Year-round (operating days vary by region)
- How to apply
- Visit the nearest food market or food bank (National Food Bank foodbank1377.org, 1688-1377), or the community service center (주민센터).
- Caution
- On a return visit, you may be given a basic consultation and linked to welfare services.
Care · Services · Discounts
Identifying and Applying for Households in Welfare Crisis (복지위기가구 발굴·신청, 129, Hope Welfare Support Team 희망복지지원단)
Direct application or neighbor reports for households in crisis (utility arrears, job loss, etc.); integrated case management and links to public benefits and private resources
See eligibility · how to apply · cautions
- Details
- Customized welfare at the eup/myeon/dong level (outreach visits, integrated case management, public benefit support, links to private resources) operates at 3,472 sites nationwide. Anyone, whether yourself or a neighbor, can report a crisis through 129, the community service center (주민센터) or Bokjiro (복지로). Households showing crisis signs such as utility arrears are actively identified. No separate amount – a gateway that links to benefits and services. Use 'Report Welfare Crisis for Me and My Neighbors' on Bokjiro.
- Eligibility
- All residents who need help, especially crisis households in welfare blind spots.
- Timing
- Year-round (129 is available 24 hours)
- How to apply
- 129 (no area code), community service center (주민센터), Bokjiro (복지로, bokjiro.go.kr).
- Caution
- Benefit decisions come after income and asset investigation. Urgent crises are linked to Emergency Welfare Support (긴급복지).
Care · Services · Discounts
Summary of Recognized Income and Asset Criteria (소득인정액·재산 기준 요약, Housing Asset Deduction, etc.)
Recognized income = assessed income + income-converted value of assets (housing: 1.04% monthly; general: 4.17% monthly; financial: 6.26% monthly)
See eligibility · how to apply · cautions
- Details
- Assessed income = actual income minus household-specific expenses and earned income deduction (2026: youth earned income deduction expanded to ages 34 and under, additional deduction from KRW 400,000 to KRW 600,000). Basic asset amount deducted by region (Seoul KRW 99 million, Gyeonggi KRW 80 million, elsewhere KRW 53 million, etc.). Financial assets converted at 6.26% per month, vehicles at 100% per month. Housing asset and vehicle criteria (e.g., 2,500cc) are revised every year. Conversion rate details may differ by applicant category.
- Eligibility
- Information for understanding the basic livelihood security and near-poverty selection criteria (all applicant households).
- Timing
- Year-round (investigated at the time of application)
- How to apply
- Bokjiro (복지로) simulation, consultation at the community service center (주민센터).
- Caution
- Figures are as of 2026. Exact deductions and conversions are finalized during the investigation stage.
Cash · Vouchers
Childbirth Benefit and Funeral Benefit (해산급여·장제급여, Basic Livelihood Security)
KRW 700,000 per newborn when a recipient gives birth; KRW 800,000 per death
See eligibility · how to apply · cautions
- Details
- In a basic livelihood security recipient household, KRW 700,000 per newborn for a childbirth (Childbirth Benefit) and KRW 800,000 per deceased person for a death (Funeral Benefit) (Ministry of Health and Welfare 2026 benefit level page). Apply after the birth or funeral. Recipient eligibility is judged as of the date the event occurred.
- Eligibility
- Births or deaths in basic livelihood security recipient households.
- Timing
- When the event occurs
- How to apply
- Apply in person at the community service center (주민센터).
- Caution
- Ask the community service center about the application deadline and required documents (proof of birth or death).
Cash · Vouchers
TV License Fee Exemption (TV 수신료 면제)
Exemption from the TV license fee for TVs owned by livelihood and medical benefit recipients
See eligibility · how to apply · cautions
- Details
- TV sets owned by basic livelihood security livelihood and medical benefit recipients are exempt from the KBS TV license fee (Ministry of Health and Welfare recipient reduction program). Housing and education benefit recipients are often stated as not eligible. Since the end of the integrated collection with the KEPCO bill (July 2023), the collection method has changed and where to apply may differ.
- Eligibility
- Livelihood or medical benefit recipients (the TV set they own).
- Timing
- Apply anytime
- How to apply
- After obtaining a recipient certificate, apply to the KBS license fee inquiry office or the community service center (주민센터).
- Caution
- Because the way the fee is charged has changed, check the latest place to apply (medium confidence).
Tax
Various Exemptions for Basic Livelihood Recipients (기초수급자 각종 감면: Resident Tax, Vehicle Inspection, Fees, etc.)
Resident tax exemption for recipients; exemption from vehicle inspection fees and ID reissue fees for livelihood and medical benefit recipients
See eligibility · how to apply · cautions
- Details
- Resident tax exemption for livelihood, medical, housing and education benefit recipients; exemption from regular and comprehensive vehicle inspection fees for livelihood and medical benefit recipients; exemption from the resident registration card reissue fee; reductions in water and sewer charges and volume-based waste bags under local government ordinances. Varies by local government (water and sewer, etc.).
- Eligibility
- Basic livelihood security recipients (varies by type of benefit).
- Timing
- Year-round
- How to apply
- After obtaining a recipient certificate, inquire at the relevant agency (community service center, inspection station).
- Caution
- Check local government ordinances.
Care · Services · DiscountsOfficial confirmation needed
Social Service Electronic Voucher (사회서비스 전자바우처, excluding maternal and elderly care)
If income criteria are met, community social service vouchers (developmental rehabilitation, speech, emotional, etc.); copayments vary by income
See eligibility · how to apply · cautions
- Details
- Social service electronic vouchers cover many programs for people with disabilities, children and families (activity support, developmental rehabilitation, language development, energy, diapers, menstrual products, etc.). Income criteria and copayments differ by program, so check individually (call center 1566-3232). Varies by program and local government. Restrictions on overlapping use may apply.
- Eligibility
- Varies by program (children, adults, persons with disabilities, etc. who meet the income criteria).
- Timing
- Varies by program
- How to apply
- Community service center (주민센터), Bokjiro (복지로), or the social service electronic voucher website (socialservice.or.kr), 1566-3232.
- Caution
- Requirements vary by program – low confidence.