Strengthening Local Government Responsibility for Homeless Protection... Government Finalizes 'Comprehensive Welfare and Self-Reliance Support Plan'

Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum is speaking while presiding over the 26th Social Security Committee held at the Government Seoul Office on the 24th.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-ju] The responsibility of local governments to protect homeless people is being strengthened, and measures to provide more robust protection for vulnerable groups are being promoted.

On the 24th, the government held the 26th Social Security Committee meeting chaired by Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum and finalized the "2nd Comprehensive Plan for the Welfare and Self-Reliance Support of the Homeless, etc."

In his opening remarks, Prime Minister Kim said, "Low-income groups, elderly living alone, and homeless people suffer greater hardships whenever social and economic crises occur," adding, "Especially at times like these, we will prioritize support projects that can be implemented even under difficult conditions."

The plan includes establishing on-site medical clinics in major homeless concentration areas to build a regional cooperation system. It also discussed measures to alleviate COVID-19 disparities, such as the gradual relaxation of the medical benefits' support obligor criteria and increases in housing and education benefits.

Emergency welfare support will be strengthened to prevent vulnerable groups from falling into poverty due to sudden income loss or health deterioration, and a pilot project for sickness benefits will be promoted simultaneously. Childcare allowances for children of low-income single-parent families will be doubled this year, and plans to continuously expand public daycare centers and care centers are also included.

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