From the 11th, Apply for 'Emergency Disaster Relief Fund' on Card Companies' Websites... How to Donate?

Recharge with Beneficiary Credit (Check) Card Points
Receive Support Funds Excluding 'Donation Amount' or
Automatic Donation Processing Even Without Support Application
Applications Accepted at Banks and Community Centers from the 18th

On the 4th, when the government began distributing emergency disaster relief funds in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, a banner providing information about the relief funds was hung at a community center in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Priority recipients are 2.8 million households deemed in urgent need of support, such as those receiving livelihood benefits, basic pensions, or disability pensions, and the funds are provided in cash. Citizens who are not eligible for cash payments can choose to receive the support funds via credit or debit cards, paper/mobile/card local gift certificates, or prepaid cards. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bo-kyung] The government will begin accepting applications for the 'Emergency Disaster Relief Fund' through credit card company websites starting from the 11th. The support fund will be credited as points to the beneficiary's credit (or debit) card. On the same day, applications for donations of the Emergency Disaster Relief Fund will also be accepted.

The government recently provided the Emergency Disaster Relief Fund in cash to low-income groups and announced that from the 11th, applications for the fund will be accepted through credit card company websites. Two days after applying, the support fund will be credited as points to the applicant's credit or debit card. From the 18th, applications can also be made at bank counters linked with credit card companies and local community centers.

The government will also accept applications for donations of the Emergency Disaster Relief Fund starting on the 11th. There are three ways to apply for donations: ▲indicating refusal at the time of fund application ▲applying for donation after receiving the fund ▲not applying for the fund within three months.

First, when applying for the fund through the credit card company website, bank counters linked with credit card companies, or local governments, selecting the 'donation amount' will result in the fund being paid excluding that amount. Donations can also be processed by applying and transferring the donation amount through the Korea Workers' Compensation & Welfare Service website or the dedicated information center (1644-0074).

If the fund is not applied for within three months from the start date of application, it will be considered as an intention to donate, and the amount will be processed as a donation.

Donations of the Emergency Disaster Relief Fund are eligible for tax deductions under the Income Tax Act. A 15% tax credit is applied during year-end tax settlement. However, if the total annual donation amount exceeds 10 million KRW, a 30% tax credit is possible.

Donations will be incorporated into the Employment Insurance Fund and used for employment retention and job creation for citizens facing difficulties due to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Additionally, those wishing to make voluntary donations can also apply through the Korea Workers' Compensation & Welfare Service. The funds will be used as resources (Workers' Welfare Promotion Fund) for unemployment countermeasure projects for unemployed persons, special-type workers, self-employed individuals, and others.

Im Seo-jung, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Employment and Labor, stated, "Based on the mature civic consciousness of the people, we will do our best to ensure that the precious resources voluntarily donated are used to stabilize employment and create jobs for vulnerable groups suffering from COVID-19."

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