Expansion of Supplementary Textbook and School Supply Support for Low-Income Students

Seoul Office of Education Operates Intensive Application Period for 'Education Expenses and Education Benefits Support' Until the 20th

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] The education expenses and education benefits provided to support educational opportunities for vulnerable groups in the Seoul area have been slightly increased compared to last year. The supplementary textbook fees for high school students, which had been supported at the same amount as for middle school students, have been significantly expanded to provide more practical assistance.

The Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education announced on the 2nd that it will operate a concentrated application period for 'education expenses and education benefits for elementary, middle, and high school students' targeting low-income families until the 20th of this month.

Eligible recipients will receive support for high school tuition fees (admission fees, tuition, school operation support fees), high school meal fees, after-school free course vouchers, educational informatization (internet communication fees), and other beneficiary-borne expenses (small-scale themed educational trip expenses, training activity fees). However, students eligible for free education and free meal fees are excluded from high school tuition and meal fees support.

Education expenses support students from households with income and property below 60% of the median income (monthly recognized income of 2.84 million KRW or less for a family of four), covering tuition, meal fees, after-school free course vouchers, and beneficiary-borne expenses for elementary and middle school students. For high school students, beneficiary-borne expenses are also supported if the household income is below 50% of the median income (monthly income of 2.37 million KRW or less).

Education benefits provide supplementary textbook fees of 134,000 KRW for elementary students, 212,000 KRW for middle school students, and 339,200 KRW for high school students, and school supplies fees of 72,000 KRW for elementary students and 83,000 KRW for middle and high school students, for households below 50% of the median income.

In particular, the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education increased the maximum annual support amount for after-school free course vouchers from 780,000 KRW to 800,000 KRW in 2020, and raised the supplementary textbook fees for high school students in education benefits from 209,000 KRW to 339,200 KRW, a 62% increase (130,200 KRW).

Parents wishing to apply for education expenses and education benefits can visit their local community service center or apply online via 'Bokjiro' or 'Education Expense One-Click'. Applications can be submitted year-round, but applying during this concentrated application period is advantageous to receive support immediately from the new school year.

Those already receiving education benefits or education expenses do not need to reapply. However, if there is a sibling receiving support but a child is entering elementary school, a new application must be submitted.

For additional inquiries, contact the Ministry of Education Central Counseling Center (1544-9654) or the Ministry of Health and Welfare Call Center (129).

An education office official said, "With the increased support rates for education expenses and education benefits this year, we hope that economically disadvantaged students will receive more comprehensive educational welfare benefits throughout the year."

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