Female Adolescents Born in 2009 Are Also Eligible to Apply for Sanitary Pad Vouchers

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] The Ministry of Gender Equality and Family announced on the 2nd that female adolescents born in 2009, who have turned 11 this year, can also apply for sanitary pad purchase vouchers.

The support targets for female adolescents' sanitary pads are female adolescents aged 11 to 18 who are recipients of livelihood, medical, housing, or education benefits under the National Basic Livelihood Security Act, legally designated low-income groups, and those eligible under the Single-Parent Family Support Act. Once registered, support is provided until the end of the year they turn 18, without the need to reapply unless there is a change in eligibility.

The support amount has been increased by 500 KRW from last year to 11,000 KRW per month, provided twice a year (first and second half) in six-month installments, and the vouchers must be used within the year issued.

Applications can be made by the adolescent themselves or their guardian (parent or main caregiver) by visiting the local community service center (eup, myeon, dong) at the adolescent's registered address or through the 'Bokjiro' website, with support starting from the month of application.

To use the vouchers, applicants must first obtain a National Happiness Card, which can be used to purchase items at affiliated online and offline retail stores depending on the card company.

A Ministry of Gender Equality and Family official stated, "We have expanded purchase locations such as Nonghyup Hanaro Mart to enable female adolescents living in rural and fishing villages, where large supermarkets or convenience stores are scarce, to conveniently use the vouchers," adding, "We plan to allow eligible recipients to select and purchase products more conveniently through various methods."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.