Average Increase of 13,000 Won in Energy Vouchers for Low-Income Households

An electricity meter is installed in a residential area in Dobong-gu, Seoul, on the 30th, ahead of Korea Electric Power Corporation's announcement of the fuel cost adjustment unit price for electricity rates in the fourth quarter. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Sejong=Reporter Dongwoo Lee] The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced on the 11th that it will raise the average support amount per household for energy vouchers by 13,000 KRW to alleviate the energy cost burden on vulnerable groups due to rising energy prices.

The ministry explained that households receiving energy vouchers can receive support for energy costs needed for winter heating and other purposes at the increased amount from 9 a.m. on the 12th until April 30 of next year.

The support amounts are ▲ 148,100 KRW for single-person households (increased by 10,900 KRW) ▲ 203,600 KRW for two-person households (increased by 14,100 KRW) ▲ 278,000 KRW for three-person households (increased by 19,100 KRW) ▲ 372,100 KRW for four-person households (increased by 25,100 KRW), etc.

Earlier, the government temporarily increased the support amount per household for energy vouchers by 45,000 KRW (from 127,000 KRW to 172,000 KRW) through the second supplementary budget at the end of May this year, but decided to increase it further considering the rise in electricity and city gas prices after the second supplementary budget.

The support targets are 1,176,000 households among recipients of livelihood, medical benefits, and housing and education benefits (temporary in 2022) under the National Basic Livelihood Security Act, including elderly, disabled, infants, pregnant women, patients with severe, rare, and intractable diseases, single-parent families, and children from youth and girl-headed households (including foster care children).

Energy vouchers can be used until April 30 of next year and can be utilized through the National Happiness Card payment method or automatic deduction via billing statements. The National Happiness Card can be used for direct card payments to each energy supplier such as Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) and city gas. For kerosene, briquettes, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), energy vouchers can be used at affiliated stores (sales outlets), and payments must be made within the voucher usage period.

The automatic deduction method via billing statements is designed for those with mobility difficulties, apartment residents, and those who find it inconvenient to use the National Happiness Card and prefer automatic deduction. Deductions can only be made on electricity, city gas, and district heating bills issued during the usage period. Eligible households for energy voucher support can apply through their resident registration address's eup/myeon/dong administrative welfare center or the Bokjiro website by December 30.

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