Increase in Living Support and Menstrual Product Subsidies for At-Risk Youth

Youth at Risk Living Support Fund 550,000 KRW → 650,000 KRW
Low-Income Female Youth Menstrual Product Support Fund 12,000 KRW → 13,000 KRW

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Jinju] The Ministry of Gender Equality and Family recently announced an increase in living support funds for low-income and at-risk youth struggling with rising prices.

On the 21st, the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family stated that starting in August, the upper limit of living support funds for special support for at-risk youth will be raised from 550,000 KRW to 650,000 KRW. The support amount for sanitary products for low-income youth will also increase from 12,000 KRW to 13,000 KRW starting in July.

The Ministry provides living, academic, health, independence, counseling, legal, activity, and other support funds to at-risk youth aged 9 to 24 who have no guardians or do not receive effective protection from guardians and face social and economic difficulties. Since last September, the support target for at-risk youth has been expanded from ages 9-18 to ages 9-24.

This year, to alleviate the burden of living expenses caused by inflation, the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family has increased living, counseling, activity, and other support funds and newly introduced tuition fees for academic subjects and cultural experience expenses. Living support is 550,000 KRW, counseling support is up to 300,000 KRW per month, psychological test fees are up to 400,000 KRW per year, and activity and other support funds are up to 300,000 KRW per month. Starting in August, the upper limit of living support funds will be raised to 650,000 KRW.

Applications for the service can be made by the youth themselves, guardians, youth counselors, youth leaders, teachers, social workers, or public officials by visiting the administrative welfare center in the youth’s jurisdiction or by accessing the Bokjiro website to apply directly.

The support amount for purchasing sanitary products will also increase by 8.3% to 13,000 KRW starting in July. The Ministry supports sanitary product purchase vouchers for low-income female youth and has expanded the support target from ages 11-18 to ages 9-24 starting this year. Eligible recipients include female youth aged 9-24 who receive livelihood, medical, housing, or education benefits, those in the legally designated lower-income bracket, and those eligible under the Single-Parent Family Support Act.

Applications can be made by the youth themselves or guardians (parents or primary caregivers) by visiting the local community service center in the youth’s jurisdiction or by accessing the Bokjiro website or mobile app. To use the purchase voucher, after applying for the service, the youth or guardian must obtain a National Happiness Card in their name, and sanitary products can be purchased at designated online and offline affiliated stores specified by each card company.

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