Yeongdeungpo-gu to Provide Longevity Celebration Allowance Starting at Age 95

Elderly Birthday Month Payment: 50,000 KRW for Ages 95-99, 100,000 KRW for 100 and Older

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Yeongdeungpo-gu (Mayor Chae Hyun-il) is about to enter a super-aged society and will expand the longevity congratulatory allowance payment starting in 2021.

The district has been providing an annual longevity congratulatory allowance of 100,000 KRW per person to residents registered and actually living in the area who are aged 100 or older.

Since its inception in 2008 until 2020, the allowance was paid every October during Senior Citizens' Month.

From this year, the district has lowered the eligibility age for the longevity congratulatory allowance from 100 years old to 95 years old. Considering the expected entry into a super-aged society by 2025 and the continuous increase in welfare demand for the elderly, the payment target has been expanded to those aged 95 and above to benefit more seniors.

However, the payment amount varies by age. Seniors aged 100 and above will receive the same 100,000 KRW as before, while those aged between 95 and 99 will receive 50,000 KRW. The payment will still be made once a year.

Additionally, the payment method has changed from a lump sum payment every October to an individualized payment in the month of the senior's birthday, implementing customized welfare.

The revised longevity congratulatory allowance will be paid from January this year to seniors aged 95 and above who have birthdays. As of 2020, about 350 seniors aged 95 and above reside in Yeongdeungpo, and the budget for the longevity congratulatory allowance this year is approximately 20 million KRW.

To accommodate the convenience of elderly recipients, the procedure of direct application has been omitted. The community center staff identifies eligible seniors registered in the district, verifies their actual residence and well-being, and then submits the list to the Senior Welfare Department of the district office, with payments made around the 25th of each month.

Chae Hyun-il, Mayor of Yeongdeungpo-gu, stated, “Through the payment of the longevity congratulatory allowance, we aim to establish a stable foundation for the elderly in the aging era and support their healthy and vibrant later years. We will continue to strive to provide various welfare services that are tangible and practically helpful to seniors.”

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