Cash · Vouchers
Basic Pension (기초연금)
Up to KRW 349,700 per month for a single person; KRW 279,760 each for a couple (after reduction). Recognized income at or below KRW 2.47 million (single) / KRW 3.952 million (couple)
See eligibility · how to apply · cautions
- Details
- 2026 selection criterion amount: KRW 2.47 million (single), KRW 3.952 million (couple) (previous year KRW 2.28 million / 3.648 million, +8.3%). Maximum monthly amount KRW 349,700 (+2.1% from the previous year). If both spouses receive it, each is reduced by 20% (KRW 279,760 per person). Recognized income = assessed income + income-converted value of assets. May be partly reduced when linked with the National Pension. The monthly amount varies with National Pension benefits and asset size, so only some people receive the maximum. Recipients of civil servant, private school, military and special post office pensions and their spouses are excluded.
- Eligibility
- Korean nationals aged 65 or older with recognized income at or below the selection criterion amount (roughly the lower 70% of income). Residing in Korea.
- Timing
- You can apply from 1 month before the month of your 65th birthday (in 2026, those born in 1961 onward). Apply anytime.
- How to apply
- Administrative welfare center (행정복지센터), National Pension Service (국민연금공단) branch office, Bokjiro (복지로, bokjiro.go.kr). Inquiries: National Pension Service 1355.
- Caution
- Late applications are not paid retroactively, so apply in advance in the month before your birthday. Check your income and assets with the Bokjiro simulation.
Cash · Vouchers
National Pension Old-Age Pension (국민연금 노령연금, Early or Deferred Option)
Paid for life with 10 or more years of contributions. Age 65 for those born in 1969 or later; early up to 5 years (0.5% per month reduction), deferred up to 5 years (0.6% per month increase)
See eligibility · how to apply · cautions
- Details
- With 10 or more years of contributions, the old-age pension starts at the eligible age by birth year (born 1961-64: age 63; 1965-68: age 64; 1969 or later: age 65). Early old-age pension can be taken up to 5 years early with a 6% reduction per year (0.5% per month), up to 30%. Deferred pension adds 0.6% per month, up to 5 years and 36%. 2026 pension amounts adjusted +2.1% for inflation. While receiving an early pension, working in an income-earning job may reduce or suspend the benefit. Affects the linked reduction in the Basic Pension (기초연금).
- Eligibility
- 10 or more years in the National Pension + reaching the eligible age (apply 5 years early for early pension). Apply by visiting a Service branch office, by mail, online or via the app.
- Timing
- Apply before reaching the eligible age (deferral applications are made before the pension starts). Anytime.
- How to apply
- National Pension Service (국민연금공단) branch office, mail, 'National Pension By My Side' (내 곁에 국민연금, nps.or.kr), mobile app. Inquiries 1355.
- Caution
- Claim within 5 years of acquiring the right (statute of limitations if unclaimed). Early or deferred choices are hard to withdraw once made, so decide after checking your estimated amount.
Jobs · Education
Senior Jobs – Public Service Type (노인일자리 공익활동형)
30 or more hours of activity per month, about KRW 290,000 per month, 11 months a year
See eligibility · how to apply · cautions
- Details
- In 2026 there are a total of 1.152 million senior jobs (a record high). The public service type has about 709,000 slots; for 30 hours a month (within 3 hours per day), KRW 290,000 per month, 11 months of activity (January-November). Includes senior-to-senior care, volunteering at childcare facilities and support at public facilities. Priority goes to those meeting income and asset criteria such as Basic Pension recipients (check each local government notice). Cannot take part in another senior job program at the same time.
- Eligibility
- Persons aged 65 or older able to do physical activity who are Basic Pension recipients (or occupational pension recipients meeting income and asset requirements) (per the implementing organization's notice).
- Timing
- Regular recruitment once a year (for 2026, recruited in December 2025); additional and vacancy recruitment from time to time. Check city/county/district and implementing organization notices.
- How to apply
- Administrative welfare center (행정복지센터), visit the implementing organization, or apply online at Senior Jobs Here (노인일자리여기, seniorro.or.kr).
- Caution
- The recruitment period is short, so check notices every November-December. If recruitment has closed, wait for vacancies.
Care · Services · Discounts
Long-Term Care Insurance for the Elderly (노인장기요양보험) – Grade Application and Home Care Benefits
2026 monthly home care limits: Grade 1 KRW 2.513 million, Grade 2 KRW 2.331 million, Grade 3 KRW 1.505 million, Grade 4 KRW 1.390 million, Grade 5 KRW 1.196 million
See eligibility · how to apply · cautions
- Details
- 2026 monthly home care benefit limits: Grade 1 KRW 2,512,900, Grade 2 KRW 2,331,200, Grade 3 KRW 1,504,620, Grade 4 KRW 1,389,520, Grade 5 KRW 1,195,920, Cognitive Support Grade KRW 676,320 (increases of KRW 18,920-247,800 by grade). Monthly home visit care sessions expanded to 44 for Grade 1 and 40 for Grade 2. Copayment: 15% for home care, 20% for facility care. Facility benefits use daily rates with no monthly limit. Non-covered items (meals, premium room charges, etc.) are paid in full by the user. 2026 premium rate 0.9448%. New services planned for the second half include hospital escort and fall-prevention home modification (up to KRW 1 million).
- Eligibility
- Age 65 or older, or under 65 with a senior-related illness such as dementia, cerebrovascular disease or Parkinson's. People who need help with daily living (grade assessment).
- Timing
- Apply anytime. After application, a home visit and grade assessment committee review (generally about 30 days) precede the grade notification.
- How to apply
- National Health Insurance Service (국민건강보험공단) branch office, phone 1577-1000, Long-Term Care Insurance website (longtermcare.or.kr), app.
- Caution
- Apply for renewal within the grade validity period. Medical aid recipients and those eligible for reductions must submit income proof when applying.
Medical · Checkups
Free Flu and COVID-19 Vaccination for Seniors (어르신 독감·코로나19 무료 예방접종, 2026-27 Season)
Free flu (trivalent) vaccine for people aged 65 or older; COVID-19 vaccination also free
See eligibility · how to apply · cautions
- Details
- 2026-27 season influenza vaccination for people 65 or older begins: age 75 or older 10/6, ages 70-74 10/12, ages 65-69 10/15 (announced by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency on 10/2). COVID-19 starts 10/12 for ages 70 or older and 10/15 for ages 65-69; high-risk groups such as the immunocompromised can be vaccinated from 10/6. Free at designated medical institutions nationwide and public health centers. You can be vaccinated at any nearby designated medical institution regardless of address. Start dates apply by age (may be adjusted earlier).
- Eligibility
- Born on or before 1961-12-31 (age 65 or older).
- Timing
- Starting 2026-10-06, phased by age (check KDCA notices for the flu vaccination period).
- How to apply
- Visit a designated medical institution or public health center (보건소) with your ID. Vaccination Helper (예방접종도우미, nip.kdca.go.kr).
- Caution
- Until the vaccination period ends. Schedule and vaccine types change every year.
Cash · Vouchers
National Pension Voluntary Continued Enrollment and Lump-Sum Refund Choice (국민연금 임의계속가입·반환일시금 선택)
If you reach age 60 with less than 10 years of contributions, you can meet the pension requirement through voluntary continued enrollment until age 65
See eligibility · how to apply · cautions
- Details
- If mandatory enrollment ends at age 60 with less than 10 years of contributions, you may either receive a lump-sum refund or apply for voluntary continued enrollment up to age 65 to secure pension rights. Lump-sum refund eligible age: born 1961-64 age 63; 1965-68 age 64; 1969 or later age 65. You pay the full premium yourself (no employer contribution, unlike workplace subscribers). After receiving the lump-sum refund, that same period is not recognized as pension time.
- Eligibility
- Persons aged 60 or older and under 65 who have not met 10 years of contributions (voluntary continued enrollment). Not eligible if already receiving a pension (old-age pension).
- Timing
- Apply anytime after reaching age 60. Statute of limitations for claiming the lump-sum refund is 5 years.
- How to apply
- National Pension Service (국민연금공단) branch office, phone 1355, nps.or.kr.
- Caution
- If you receive the lump-sum refund first, you cannot continue enrollment voluntarily. Consider also making retroactive payments (추후납부, 추납).
Cash · VouchersOfficial confirmation needed
National Pension Survivor's Pension and Death Lump-Sum (국민연금 유족연금·사망일시금, After Death)
When a member or recipient dies, a survivor's pension or death lump-sum is paid to survivors (spouse, children, parents)
See eligibility · how to apply · cautions
- Details
- When an old-age pension recipient or a member with 10 or more years of contributions dies, the survivor's pension is paid in the order of spouse, children, parents, grandchildren, grandparents. The pension amount is 40-60% of the basic pension depending on the contribution period. If the requirements are not met, a death lump-sum is paid. Detailed figures need rechecking because the official page was not confirmed. If you receive both the survivor's pension and your own old-age pension, overlapping payments are adjusted (you choose). The right ends upon remarriage.
- Eligibility
- Survivors of National Pension members and recipients.
- Timing
- Claim after the death; statute of limitations 5 years.
- How to apply
- National Pension Service (국민연금공단) branch office, mail, 1355.
- Caution
- Statute of limitations 5 years. Coordinate with the death report (within 1 month).
Housing
Housing Pension (주택연금, Pension Secured by Your Home)
For homes priced at KRW 1.2 billion or less where one spouse is 55 or older, lifetime monthly payments (age 72, KRW 400 million home: KRW 1.338 million, raised on 3/1)
See eligibility · how to apply · cautions
- Details
- Pledged home with an assessed value of KRW 1.2 billion or less, and one spouse aged 55 or older. For new applications from 2026-03-01, monthly payments rise 3.13% (age 72, KRW 400 million home: KRW 1.297 million to KRW 1.338 million); initial guarantee fee 1.0% (previously 1.5%), annual guarantee fee 0.95%. From 6/1, expanded preference for lower-priced homes and exceptions to the actual-residence requirement for reasons such as illness or care. For owners of multiple homes, confirm conditions such as a combined value of KRW 1.2 billion or less. Not applied retroactively to existing subscribers. On death, accounts are settled and any remaining amount goes to heirs.
- Eligibility
- One spouse aged 55 or older, combined value of owned homes KRW 1.2 billion or less (based on assessed value, etc.), a home the applicant lives in.
- Timing
- Apply anytime. Enroll after consulting the Korea Housing Finance Corporation (한국주택금융공사).
- How to apply
- Apply after a prior consultation at a Korea Housing Finance Corporation branch or hf.go.kr; linked banks.
- Caution
- Monthly payments are set by the time of enrollment, age and home price, so decide after consultation.
Medical · Checkups
Long-Term Care Copayment Reduction and Exemption (장기요양 본인부담 감경·면제)
Copayment 15% for home care and 20% for facility care; with reduction, home 9%/6% and facility 12%/8%; exempt for Medical Aid Type 1
See eligibility · how to apply · cautions
- Details
- The general copayment is 15% for home care and 20% for facility care. Type 1 recipients under the Medical Care Assistance Act pay nothing. Medical Aid Type 2 and similar are reduced by 60% (home 6%, facility 8%). Those under the income and asset thresholds set by the Ministry of Health and Welfare get a 40% reduction (home 9%, facility 12%) or 60% reduction. Non-covered items such as food ingredient costs are paid in full by the user. Reduction applications are approved after a separate income and asset investigation. There is also a reduction based on health insurance premiums.
- Eligibility
- Persons with a long-term care grade who are Medical Aid recipients or have income and assets below set thresholds (such as based on health insurance premiums).
- Timing
- Apply anytime, when applying for a grade or while using services.
- How to apply
- National Health Insurance Service (국민건강보험공단) branch office or longtermcare.or.kr, 1577-1000.
- Caution
- Reapply when the validity period or proof expires.
Care · Services · Discounts
Customized Care Services for Seniors (노인맞춤돌봄서비스)
Support for safety, daily living, social participation and health management. Intensive care 20-40 hours per month, general care 8-16 hours per month of visits and check-ins
See eligibility · how to apply · cautions
- Details
- For seniors aged 65 or older who are basic livelihood recipients, near-poverty group or Basic Pension recipients and need care, such as those living alone, in grandparent-grandchild households or elderly couples. Intensive care group (ADL score below 75) 20-40 hours per month; general care group 8-16 hours per month; specialized (after hospital discharge, depression, risk of lonely death) up to 44 hours per month. Use for 1 year from the day after approval (renewable). A copayment by income bracket may apply, so check with your local government. Cannot be combined with long-term care grade holders (adjusted).
- Eligibility
- Persons aged 65 or older who are basic livelihood, near-poverty or Basic Pension recipients and need care (selection investigation).
- Timing
- Apply anytime. In emergencies, service may be provided first with approval afterward.
- How to apply
- Administrative welfare center (행정복지센터), Bokjiro (복지로), 129.
- Caution
- Usage period is 1 year, renewal review. Hour figures vary by local government and type.
Medical · Checkups
Dementia Treatment Management Fee Support (치매 치료관리비 지원)
Support for copayments on dementia medication prescriptions and visits up to KRW 30,000 per month (KRW 360,000 per year)
See eligibility · how to apply · cautions
- Details
- For persons aged 60 or older diagnosed with dementia and taking dementia medication, actual costs of dementia drugs and the visit copayment on the day of prescription are supported up to KRW 30,000 per month (KRW 360,000 per year). The recommended income criterion is at or below 140% of median income (120-140% depending on the region). Available to health insurance subscribers, dependents and Medical Aid recipients alike. Income criteria differ by local government.
- Eligibility
- Persons aged 60 or older diagnosed with dementia and taking dementia medication, meeting income and asset criteria (at or below 120-140% of median income).
- Timing
- Apply anytime.
- How to apply
- Submit the application form, consent form for income and asset investigation, bankbook copy, prescription (within 1 year) and resident registration abstract to your public health center (보건소) or Dementia Care Center (치매안심센터).
- Caution
- Recognized only for costs after you apply for support; apply after preparing documents.
Medical · Checkups
National Health Insurance Support for Dentures and Implants (틀니·임플란트 건강보험 지원)
Age 65 or older: 2 implants per lifetime and dentures once every 7 years, 30% copayment
See eligibility · how to apply · cautions
- Details
- For people aged 65 or older, national health insurance covers up to 2 implants per lifetime (partial edentulism) and dentures (complete or partial) once every 7 years (one remake allowed within 7 years), with a 30% copayment. Implants for complete edentulism are not covered. Check with the National Health Insurance Service about Medical Aid and low-income copayment reduction. Non-covered material costs vary depending on the dental clinic you choose.
- Eligibility
- National health insurance members and dependents aged 65 or older (coverage applies at a registered dental clinic).
- Timing
- Anytime. Apply for the national health insurance implant at the time of dental treatment.
- How to apply
- Visit a dental clinic or hospital that accepts national health insurance and register. Inquiries: National Health Insurance 1577-1000.
- Caution
- Mind the lifetime count and the 7-year remake cycle.
Medical · Checkups
Eye Surgery Cost Support for Seniors (노인 안질환 수술비 지원, Cataracts, etc.)
Support for pre-surgery tests and surgery copayments for low-income seniors aged 60 or older (cataract average KRW 240,000; retina average KRW 1.05 million)
See eligibility · how to apply · cautions
- Details
- Senior eye surgery support from the Korea Foundation for the Prevention of Blindness (한국실명예방재단). Supports pre-surgery test costs and surgery copayments for cataracts, retinal diseases, glaucoma, etc. (reported averages: cataract KRW 240,000 per case, retinal disease KRW 1.05 million). Some local governments run separate programs, such as up to KRW 120,000 per eye for cataracts. Age and support limits vary by local government program. You must apply before surgery.
- Eligibility
- Basic livelihood recipients and near-poverty group (including single-parent families) aged 60 or older who need surgery as diagnosed by an ophthalmologist.
- Timing
- Apply anytime during the year, before surgery.
- How to apply
- Submit documents at the public health center (보건소) → approval by the Korea Foundation for the Prevention of Blindness (www.kfpb.org, 02-718-1102). Health and Welfare Counseling Center 129.
- Caution
- Surgery must take place after selection notice for support. Claims after surgery are not possible.
Medical · Checkups
Knee Replacement Surgery Cost Support for Seniors (어르신 무릎 인공관절 수술비 지원)
Low-income people aged 60 or older: up to KRW 1.2 million per knee (KRW 2.4 million for both)
See eligibility · how to apply · cautions
- Details
- Supports the copayment portion of test, treatment and surgery costs up to KRW 1.2 million per knee (up to KRW 2.4 million for both knees). For patients meeting the national health insurance criteria for knee joint replacement. Private room fees, non-covered items and spending before selection are excluded. Run by the Senior Medical Sharing Foundation (노인의료나눔재단) (commissioned by the Ministry of Health and Welfare). No support if surgery is done before the selection notice.
- Eligibility
- Basic livelihood recipients, near-poverty group and single-parent families aged 60 or older who need joint replacement surgery.
- Timing
- Apply anytime during the year (before surgery).
- How to apply
- Apply at the public health center (보건소) or its branch (보건지소) with a diagnosis or medical opinion (within 1 month) → approval by the Senior Medical Sharing Foundation (02-711-6599, ok6595.or.kr).
- Caution
- Surgery not allowed before the selection notice; submit cost receipts after surgery.
Medical · Checkups
National Pneumococcal Vaccination for Age 65 or Older (65세 이상 폐렴구균 국가예방접종)
One free dose of the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23)
See eligibility · how to apply · cautions
- Details
- Eligible in 2026: born on or before 1961-12-31, age 65 or older. One free dose of PPSV23 (not eligible for revaccination if already vaccinated after age 65). Public health centers and designated medical institutions. Those vaccinated before age 65 decide on revaccination after consulting a doctor. Other vaccines, such as the 13-valent, are not covered.
- Eligibility
- Born on or before 1961-12-31 (age 65 or older), with no prior vaccination history.
- Timing
- Anytime during the year.
- How to apply
- Visit a public health center (보건소) or designated medical institution with your ID. KDCA call center 1339.
- Caution
- Supported once per lifetime.
Medical · CheckupsOfficial confirmation needed
Senior Health Checkups, National Cancer Screening and Cognitive Function Test (노인 건강검진·국가암검진·인지기능검사)
NHIS general checkup (every 2 years) and national cancer screening free or with reduced copayment; Life Transition Checkup at age 66
See eligibility · how to apply · cautions
- Details
- General health checkups for national health insurance members are every 2 years from age 40 (odd or even birth year), every year for non-office workers. At age 66, the Life Transition Checkup (including physical and cognitive function tests for seniors). National cancer screening (stomach, colorectal, breast, lung, etc.) has eligible ages by cancer type and a 10-20% copayment (exempt for low-income). Confirm exact ages and cycles with the National Health Insurance Service. Check the NHIS's individual notice for your eligible year and copayment. The official page was not confirmed.
- Eligibility
- National health insurance members and dependents aged 40 or older (ages differ by item).
- Timing
- Eligible people are notified every year. Visit a screening institution during the year.
- How to apply
- National Health Insurance Service (국민건강보험공단) (check eligibility in the nhis.or.kr mobile app); book a designated screening institution.
- Caution
- Get screened by December 31 of that year. Eligibility lapses if not screened.
Care · Services · DiscountsOfficial confirmation needed
Senior Fare Benefits (경로우대, Free Subway, Free Palaces, Rail Discounts)
Age 65 or older: free urban rail travel, free palaces and royal tombs, rail discounts (vary by train)
See eligibility · how to apply · cautions
- Details
- Senior benefits under the Welfare of Senior Citizens Act: people aged 65 or older ride free on urban rail such as the Seoul metropolitan subway (ID required), are exempt from admission fees to national heritage sites such as the 4 palaces, Jongmyo and the Joseon Royal Tombs, and get Korail senior discounts (vary by train type; about 30%, to be confirmed). Age and method differ by local government and mode of transport. There is discussion of raising the free-ride age, so check local government notices. Check separately whether this can be combined with the K-Pass (K-패스) and similar.
- Eligibility
- Age 65 or older (verified by resident registration card or senior benefit card).
- Timing
- Year-round.
- How to apply
- Show your ID at the station ticket office or when boarding. Reserve senior discounts through Korail Talk (코레일톡) or the website.
- Caution
- Check for changes in the operator's terms.
Care · Services · DiscountsOfficial confirmation needed
Health Insurance Dependent Status or Voluntary Continued Enrollment After Retirement (은퇴 후 건강보험 피부양자·임의계속가입)
Manage health insurance premiums after retirement by registering as a dependent or voluntary continued enrollment (up to 3 years)
See eligibility · how to apply · cautions
- Details
- If you lose workplace subscriber status after retirement, you can choose (1) registering as a dependent of a workplace subscriber such as your child (meeting income and asset requirements), (2) switching to a regional subscriber, or (3) voluntary continued enrollment (premium at the level before retirement, up to 36 months). Dependent income requirement: annual income of KRW 20 million or less and total property tax base of KRW 540 million or less (with income by bracket), etc. Check officially whether this changes in 2026. Apply for voluntary continued enrollment within 2 months of receiving your first regional premium notice after retirement. Check income and asset requirements with the National Health Insurance Service.
- Eligibility
- Retired workplace subscribers (dependents: family relationship with the workplace subscriber plus income and asset requirements).
- Timing
- Report right after retirement. Voluntary continued enrollment within 2 months from the day you receive the first notice.
- How to apply
- National Health Insurance Service (국민건강보험공단) branch office, 1577-1000, Health Insurance website.
- Caution
- Voluntary continued enrollment is not possible after the 2-month deadline passes.
Care · Services · DiscountsOfficial confirmation needed
Peace of Mind Inheritance One-Stop Service (안심상속 원스톱서비스, Deceased Person's Asset Inquiry)
Apply once to look up the deceased's financial, land, building, vehicle, national and local tax, and pension assets
See eligibility · how to apply · cautions
- Details
- After a death, heirs can apply at the city/district office, eup/myeon/dong office or online (Government24 정부24) to look up financial transactions, land and buildings, vehicles, national and local taxes, National Pension and other assets and debts in one request. Results are notified by text message or mail. The official page was not confirmed. Can be applied for together with the death report (within 1 month). Proof of heir ranking required.
- Eligibility
- Heirs of the deceased (first-order heirs take priority).
- Timing
- Apply within 1 year from the end of the month in which the death occurred (official confirmation needed).
- How to apply
- City/district office at your address, eup/myeon/dong office, Government24 (정부24, gov.kr).
- Caution
- Separate deadlines apply: death report within 1 month, renunciation of inheritance or limited acceptance within 3 months, inheritance tax return within 6 months, etc.
Cash · Vouchers
National Pension Childbirth and Military Service Credits (국민연금 출산·군복무 크레딧)
12 months of additional contribution period recognized from the first child; military service up to 12 months (expanded in 2026)
See eligibility · how to apply · cautions
- Details
- From 2026, the childbirth credit recognizes 12 months from the first child (previously from the second), and the 50-month cap is abolished. The military service credit expands from a maximum of 6 months to 12 months. Recognized periods count toward the old-age pension contribution period and pension amount. The state bears the cost of crediting. Confirm with the National Pension Service the range of birth and enlistment dates the credit applies to.
- Eligibility
- National Pension members (those expected to receive the old-age pension) with a history of childbirth or military service in the relevant period.
- Timing
- Apply for the credit when applying for the pension or follow the Service's guidance. Anytime.
- How to apply
- National Pension Service (국민연금공단) branch office, nps.or.kr. Inquiries 1355.
- Caution
- Check your recognized period before applying for the old-age pension.
Cash · VouchersOfficial confirmation needed
Relief from Old-Age Pension Reduction for Those with Work Income (노령연금 소득 있는 업무 종사 감액 완화)
2026 relaxed reduction: reduction abolished for recipients with monthly income under about KRW 5.09 million (per reports, needs confirmation)
See eligibility · how to apply · cautions
- Details
- A Ministry of Health and Welfare press release states that the reduction is abolished for old-age pension recipients with monthly income under KRW 5.09 million. The National Pension Service page lists about KRW 5.19 million, so the criterion amounts are inconsistent. Above the threshold, reductions continue according to the excess monthly income. Be sure to confirm the exact threshold with the National Pension Service. Early old-age pension recipients are subject to a separate rule (suspended if they have income).
- Eligibility
- Recipients of the old-age pension who have earned or business income.
- Timing
- Income is reflected once a year (automatic lookup by the Service).
- How to apply
- Inquire with the National Pension Service at 1355. No separate application needed.
- Caution
- Because of the inconsistent threshold, check the exact figure with the Service.
Care · Services · DiscountsOfficial confirmation needed
Emergency Safety and Reassurance Service for Seniors Living Alone (독거노인 응급안전안심서비스, ICT Equipment Installation)
Free installation of emergency call, fire and activity detection equipment at home, linked to 119 and care managers in an emergency
See eligibility · how to apply · cautions
- Details
- One of the safety support programs under the Customized Care Services for Seniors (노인맞춤돌봄서비스). Emergency call devices, fire detectors and activity sensors are installed in households of seniors living alone, linked to emergency managers and 119 in an emergency. Detailed eligibility (elderly couples, age) varies by local government and the official page was not confirmed. Equipment installation is free, but the eligible scope differs by local government. Selection for Customized Care Services for Seniors often comes first.
- Eligibility
- Persons aged 65 or older living alone (in some areas elderly couples or households of seniors with disabilities) who are vulnerable in care (local government criteria).
- Timing
- Apply anytime.
- How to apply
- Administrative welfare center (행정복지센터) or a Customized Care Services for Seniors provider.
- Caution
- Limited by each local government's quantity and budget.
Medical · Checkups
Free Early Dementia Screening at Dementia Care Centers (치매안심센터 무료 치매 조기검진)
Free dementia screening for people aged 60 or older (Dementia Care Centers nationwide)
See eligibility · how to apply · cautions
- Details
- People aged 60 or older can receive a free screening test (cognitive screening test) at the nearest Dementia Care Center (치매안심센터); where needed, referral to diagnostic and differential tests at partner hospitals and partial support for test costs by income criteria are run by each local government. Check with your local government for detailed support limits. The level of support for differential test costs varies by local government. If dementia is diagnosed, linked to treatment management fees, shelters and family classes.
- Eligibility
- Local residents aged 60 or older (available anywhere in the country).
- Timing
- Walk in or book anytime.
- How to apply
- Visit or call your Dementia Care Center (Dementia Counseling Call Center 1899-9988).
- Caution
- None. Early screening is recommended.
Care · Services · DiscountsOfficial confirmation needed
Dementia Public Guardianship Program (치매공공후견사업)
Partial support for guardianship adjudication filing costs and activity fees for low-income seniors with dementia who need a guardian
See eligibility · how to apply · cautions
- Details
- For dementia patients (low-income) with no guardian, such as those living alone, public guardians are matched and part of the guardianship adjudication filing costs and guardian activity fees are supported. Detailed income criteria and support amounts differ by local government and the Central Dementia Center guidelines, and the official page was not confirmed. Appointment of a guardian requires a family court ruling. A public support program separate from ordinary adult guardianship.
- Eligibility
- Low-income seniors diagnosed with dementia who need a guardian (check the guidelines).
- Timing
- Consultation anytime.
- How to apply
- Consult a Dementia Care Center (치매안심센터) or public health center (보건소) for referral.
- Caution
- Within each local government's budget.
Medical · CheckupsOfficial confirmation needed
Shingles Vaccination Support (대상포진 예방접종 지원, Local Governments)
No national support. Some local governments support vaccination costs for low-income people aged 65 or older, etc.
See eligibility · how to apply · cautions
- Details
- The shingles vaccine is not part of the National Immunization Program, so it is basically not covered by insurance. Some local governments support recipients and near-poverty people aged 65 or older through their own programs (eligibility and amounts vary by region). Reports say 168 local governments provide support, but no official tally was confirmed. Be sure to check with your local public health center. In areas without support, you pay yourself.
- Eligibility
- Varies by local government (low-income people aged 65 or older, etc.).
- Timing
- Until each local government's budget runs out.
- How to apply
- Inquire at your local public health center (보건소).
- Caution
- Varies by local government.
Care · Services · Discounts
Senior Centers (경로당), Senior Welfare Centers (노인복지관) and Senior Classes (노인교실)
Free or low-cost use of senior centers, welfare centers and senior classes (leisure, health, lifelong education)
See eligibility · how to apply · cautions
- Details
- Senior leisure welfare facilities include senior centers (socializing, information exchange, health promotion), senior welfare centers (counseling, case management, health, lifelong education, leisure) and senior classes (hobby, health and daily life education). Age requirements are described as varying by facility (senior centers 65 or older, senior welfare centers and senior classes 60 or older), so check with your local government. Programs and senior center subsidies vary by local government. Check with your local government about regional allowances such as filial piety allowances.
- Eligibility
- Age 60 or older (age 65 depending on facility or local government).
- Timing
- Year-round.
- How to apply
- Visit the senior center or senior welfare center at your address, Bokjiro (복지로), or the local administrative welfare center (행정복지센터).
- Caution
- Recruitment timing varies by program.
Care · Services · DiscountsOfficial confirmation needed
Adult Guardianship System (성년후견제도, Protecting Property and Person of Seniors with Dementia or Mental Limitations)
Choose adult guardianship, limited guardianship, specific guardianship or voluntary guardianship by family court ruling
See eligibility · how to apply · cautions
- Details
- The family court appoints a guardian for adults whose capacity to handle affairs has declined due to illness, old age, etc. (adult, limited and specific guardianship). Voluntary guardianship, where the person selects a guardian in advance, is also possible. Public guardianship support for low-income dementia patients is a separate program. You bear the guardianship filing costs and the guardian's fees. The public guardianship program provides support if income requirements are met.
- Eligibility
- Filed by the person, spouse, relatives within the fourth degree, a prosecutor or a local government head.
- Timing
- File anytime when needed.
- How to apply
- File with the competent family court; consult the Korea Legal Aid Corporation (대한법률구조공단) (132).
- Caution
- No deadline. Advance preparation is recommended.