Gyeonggi-do Opens Welfare Crisis Counseling Specialized Call Center on the 5th

[Asia Economy (Suwon) = Reporter Lee Young-gyu] Gyeonggi Province will officially open the '120 Emergency Welfare Counseling Call Center' on the 5th, where residents facing welfare crises, such as the 'Suwon Three Mothers' case, can receive emergency counseling, welfare support linkage, and follow-up management with just one phone call.

Anyone struggling with financial difficulties, or even their neighbors, can call '031-120' and press 1 (Welfare) following the voice guidance to receive emergency welfare-related counseling. The province plans to continue operating the temporary hotline, which was established on the 25th of last month, for the time being.

Six public officials from the health and welfare sector are assigned to the Emergency Welfare Counseling Call Center, providing counseling from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day, including weekends. The center will operate normally during this Chuseok holiday as well. From 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. the next day, only counseling reservations are available, and health and welfare officials will contact the callers directly after arriving at work.

The province has established a linkage system with relevant departments in Gyeonggi Province and local governments to ensure prompt action after initial counseling. Counselors manage cases until they are closed.

Meanwhile, as of 1 p.m. on the 1st, the temporary hotline opened on the 25th of last month has received a total of 177 cases (110 calls and 67 texts). Among these, 94 were welfare-related counseling inquiries excluding general complaints. Of these, 10 cases have been closed, 73 are under review for support after professional counseling, and 11 are still in progress.

In a major case, Mr. B, residing in City A, underwent cancer surgery several years ago and suffers from aftereffects, compounded by sequelae from a traffic accident, making it impossible for him to work. His income consists solely of about 200,000 won in benefits, with rent overdue for 5 to 6 months and apartment maintenance fees overdue for 2 months. Although he wants to work, as a cancer patient, no one hires him, leaving him in despair. After seeing the news, he learned about the emergency welfare hotline and sought help. The Emergency Welfare Hotline Center connected the case to City A after the call, and Mr. B consulted with the assigned welfare officer. City A is pursuing a solution by applying for a support project operated by a private organization to cover Mr. B’s overdue rent. Mr. B is also considering getting a work ability assessment at the administrative welfare center to find employment.

Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dong-yeon said on his social media on the 25th of last month, "I have also felt despair, thinking I was at a dead end in life during difficult times," and urged, "Welfare is not charity but a right. Please do not hesitate to contact the hotline."

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