Up to 500,000 Won 'Emergency Disaster Living Expenses' Support for 1,177,000 Households in Seoul

Households with Median Income Over 100%... Budget of 327.1 Billion Won Allocated
Existing Supplementary Budget Support Targets Excluded... Choice Between Local Love Gift Certificates or Prepaid Cards

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] On the 18th, the Seoul Metropolitan Government announced that it will provide up to 500,000 KRW per household as "Disaster Emergency Living Expenses," the first of its kind nationwide, to support citizens whose livelihoods have become difficult due to the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

The support targets households with a median income of 100% or less, including low-income workers, small business owners, and non-regular workers (part-time workers, freelancers, daily construction workers, etc.) who fall into the blind spots of existing support systems. The support amount will be paid once according to the number of household members: 300,000 KRW for 1-2 person households, 400,000 KRW for 3-4 person households, and 500,000 KRW for households with 5 or more members.

It is expected that a total of 1,177,000 households will receive support through this measure. Among 1.91 million households in Seoul with a median income of 100% or less (4-person household 기준 4,749,174 KRW), 730,000 households receiving government support through supplementary budgets and other measures were excluded to prevent duplicate support. Households receiving COVID-19 government support benefits, unemployment benefits recipients, emergency welfare recipients, and other youth allowance recipients are excluded.

To lead the recovery of the sluggish economy, recipients can directly choose to receive the support amount either as local love gift certificates (mobile) or prepaid cards, which must be used by the end of June. Those who choose local love gift certificates will also receive an additional 10% benefit.

Applications will be accepted from the 30th of this month through each community service center, and once the applicant's income is verified through the "Happiness e-um System (Ministry of Health and Welfare Social Security Integrated Information System)," payment will be decided within 3-4 days.

The city plans to invest a total budget of 327.1 billion KRW, covering the required funds through the "Disaster Management Fund" and securing any shortfall through supplementary budgets.

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