Households Receiving 'Seoul Disaster Emergency Living Expenses' Also Receive All 'Government Emergency Disaster Relief Funds'

Seoul City to Start '5-Day Rotation' Registration from the 11th... Credit and Debit Card Applications Available on 9 Card Companies' Websites

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] The Seoul Metropolitan Government, together with the central government and local governments, will begin accepting online applications for the 'Government Emergency Disaster Relief Fund' for all citizens starting on the 11th. Regardless of income or property, every household can receive a minimum of 400,000 KRW (for single-person households) up to a maximum of 1,000,000 KRW (for households of four or more).

Ahead of the government emergency disaster relief fund application, Seoul City provided detailed guidance on various application methods and procedures, usage precautions, and whether there is overlap with the 'Seoul Emergency Living Expenses' payment plan.

First, households with a median income of 100% or less who have already received the Seoul Emergency Living Expenses can receive both the government emergency disaster relief fund, which is paid to all households. For a household of four, the Seoul Emergency Living Expenses applied for via the Seoul Love Gift Certificate amount to 440,000 KRW, and when combined with the government support fund, the total can reach up to 1,440,000 KRW.

The government emergency disaster relief fund can be received by choosing one of the following: credit/check card (charge method), Seoul Love Gift Certificate (mobile local gift certificate), or prepaid card (direct receipt). The funds will be quickly disbursed within three days from the application date.

The application method varies depending on the chosen form of receipt. For credit/check cards, the head of the household applies through the websites of nine card companies or bank branches linked to those card companies, and the amount is charged to the respective card. For the Seoul Love Gift Certificate, the head of the household applies through apps that support local gift certificate registration (such as Beeple Zero Pay, Check Pay, Money Tree, etc.) or the Seoul City Hall website. For prepaid cards, applicants visit the local community service center to apply and receive the card immediately for use.

Regardless of the form of receipt, the government emergency disaster relief fund can be used throughout Seoul. Unlike the Seoul Emergency Living Expenses, which can only be used within the respective district when received as Seoul Love Gift Certificates, the government emergency disaster relief fund received as Seoul Love Gift Certificates can be used citywide.

However, to maximize the revitalization effect of small business local markets affected by COVID-19, the fund cannot be used at department stores, entertainment bars, or large supermarkets, and online payments are also restricted.

The support funds must be fully used by August 31, and any unused balance after the deadline will be automatically reclaimed.

When online applications begin on the 11th, a '5-day rotation system' will be applied on weekdays during the first week (May 11?15), similar to the Seoul Emergency Living Expenses, allowing heads of eligible households to apply only on the day corresponding to the last digit of their birth year. From the weekend of the 16th, the 5-day rotation system will be lifted, and anyone can apply anytime.

From the 18th, on-site applications will also be available. The 5-day rotation system will be implemented similarly to online applications, and weekend visits will not be accepted.

Meanwhile, applicants can choose to donate part or all of the government emergency disaster relief fund at the application stage if they wish. Donations can be registered in units of 10,000 KRW at all application points, including card company websites, bank branches linked to card companies, community service centers, and Seoul Love Gift Certificates (Zero Pay). Donated amounts will be used for the 'Employment Insurance Fund.'

Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon explained, "Seoul citizens can receive both the Seoul Emergency Living Expenses and the government emergency disaster relief fund, and with additional support such as survival funds for self-employed individuals, we expect to provide more substantial support to citizens facing difficulties due to COVID-19. The Seoul Love Gift Certificate, which has no merchant payment fees, has expanded its usage area throughout Seoul and can be shared among family members."

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