"COVID-19 and Heatwave... Seoul City Focuses on Care and Living Expense Support for Vulnerable Groups"

'Seoul-type Emergency Welfare' Additional 500 Million Won Invested... Medical Expenses and Utility Bills Due to Heatwave Also Supported

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] Seoul City announced on the 26th that it will focus on identifying and supporting vulnerable groups suffering from economic difficulties caused by the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) and the hot weather conditions such as heatwaves, heavy rain, and tropical nights as the summer season begins in earnest.

In particular, this summer is expected to be even more challenging for vulnerable groups due to the unprecedented special situation of COVID-19, so the city plans to carefully and meticulously examine households facing economic difficulties as well as those having caregiving challenges.

To support this 'Seoul-type Emergency Welfare,' the city will strengthen practical support needed to endure the COVID-19 heatwave by investing an additional 500 million won, doubling last year's summer heatwave support budget.

First, households struggling due to job loss, leave, or business closure caused by the heatwave will receive cooling supplies in kind or living expenses ranging from 300,000 won to a maximum of 1,000,000 won depending on the number of household members. Vulnerable groups with high medical expenses due to heat-related illnesses (heatstroke, prickly heat, burns, air conditioning sickness, etc.) caused by the heat will receive medical expense support up to 1,000,000 won. Additionally, up to 500,000 won will be provided for utility bills such as cooling costs and electricity charges under other categories.

If the individual or a family member requires care, temporary admission to home care facilities or visiting care services can resolve caregiving crises, and through the Care SOS Center, caregiving services such as hospital accompaniment, meal delivery, and simple home repairs necessary for daily life can also be supported.

The city also plans to overcome difficulties caused by COVID-19 and heatwaves by linking public support with welfare communities such as Sharing Neighbors and Sharing Stores, which enable residents in the area to care for neighbors in need, and by maximizing cooperation with private organizations such as the Community Chest of Korea and the Korean Red Cross.

Jung Jin-woo, Director of Welfare Planning at Seoul City, said, "The lives of vulnerable groups such as elderly living alone, residents of small rooms, and people with severe disabilities are becoming more difficult due to COVID-19 and summer heatwaves," adding, "We will do our best to identify and protect households in crisis so that neighbors in need can get through the summer smoothly within a thorough quarantine system to prevent the spread of infectious diseases."

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