1 Trillion Won in Living Support Funds Released in Gyeongbuk in May... "Maximizing Economic Ripple Effects"

Emergency Living Expenses for 383,000 Households in Gyeongbuk
Government Support of 749.7 Billion Won Released at Once with 229.2 Billion Won
Gyeongbuk Province Evaluates "Appropriate Use According to Local Conditions"

On the 18th, Lee Cheol-woo, Governor of Gyeongbuk Province, is seen taking a commemorative photo with the mayors and county heads of 11 basic local governments, including Andong City, a tourism hub city, at the "Gyeongbuk Tourism Boom-Up Business Agreement" held in Andong City.

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Park Dong-wook] Gyeongsangbuk-do announced on the 19th that it has completed providing disaster emergency living expenses totaling 229.2 billion KRW to 383,000 households affected by the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

During the application period last April, 774,000 households, accounting for 63% of all households in Gyeongbuk, applied for the disaster emergency living expenses, and payments were made to 383,000 households. This is 47,000 households more than the initially expected 335,000 households, which were set based on 85% or less of the median income.

Gyeongsangbuk-do applied income and property criteria in the selection process, reflecting the recognized income amount (85% or less of the median income) through the Happy e-um (Social Security Information System). Government-supported recipients such as public officials, employees of public institutions, military personnel, and unemployment benefit recipients were excluded to prevent duplicate benefits.

During this process, complaints continuously arose regarding the exclusion of about 167,500 households, including low-income temporary living support recipients (basic livelihood security and near-poverty class), emergency welfare project recipients, unemployment benefit recipients, and national and local government officials, as explained about the situation at the time.

Starting from 500,000 KRW for single-person households up to 800,000 KRW for four-person households, the total of 229.2 billion KRW in Gyeongbuk’s own disaster emergency living funds, combined with 749.7 billion KRW in government disaster support funds, amounted to a total budget of about 1 trillion KRW. This budget was appropriately used in 23 cities and counties through local love gift certificates, Onnuri gift certificates, prepaid cards, and other means tailored to local circumstances, which Gyeongbuk Province believes contributed to stabilizing the lives of marginalized groups and the economic recovery of small business owners within the province.

Governor Lee Cheol-woo stated, "The successful completion of this disaster emergency living expenses project was thanks to the tireless efforts of public officials in 23 cities and counties and the cooperation of all Gyeongsangbuk-do residents who understood and encouraged the initiative." He added, "We will actively consider support measures for the livelihood and economic recovery of residents in preparation for the post-COVID era."

Meanwhile, Gyeongbuk Province is operating a temporary emergency welfare support system with a budget of 67.7 billion KRW to actively protect low-income crisis households facing difficulties in maintaining their livelihoods due to job loss, business suspension, or closure caused by COVID-19.

The temporary emergency welfare support targets households with 75% or less of the median income who are in crisis situations, providing support for living expenses, medical care, housing, education, and heating costs.

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