Seoul City Adds Online and Mobile Support for 'Seoul-style Paid Sick Leave' Applications

Support for Living Expenses During Hospitalization and Medical Examination Periods for Daily Workers and Special Employment Types

[Asia Economy Reporter Kiho Sung] The 'Seoul-type Paid Sick Leave Support,' which provides up to 14 days of living expenses support during hospitalization or outpatient treatment for daily workers, special-type employment workers, and one-person small business owners who cannot receive treatment or even health checkups due to lack of paid leave, will become easier to apply for and receive.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced on the 20th that, until now, applications required visiting the local community service center or public health center in person or submitting documents by mail or fax. However, starting this month, applicants can fill out the application form online via computer (PC) or smartphone and immediately take photos of the required documents to upload them. The progress of the review and other procedures can also be checked online all at once.

To improve convenience for vulnerable workers applying for paid sick leave and to ensure faster processing and support, Seoul has launched the 'Seoul-type Paid Sick Leave Support Online Application Site' and started accepting applications. The city plans to stabilize the system through a pilot operation period until the end of January next year.

The 'Seoul-type Paid Sick Leave Support' project provides partial living expenses during hospitalization or medical examination periods to vulnerable workers who postpone hospital visits due to reduced income when injured or ill and unable to work. It was first launched nationwide in June 2019, and as of the 15th, 23,030 people have received support.

Eligible applicants are working Seoul citizens who are National Health Insurance regional subscribers, including daily workers, special-type workers, part-time workers, and one-person small business owners. Starting next year, the support will be provided for up to 14 days at 89,250 KRW per day, based on the Seoul-type living wage (for next year).

The newly established online application for 'Seoul-type Paid Sick Leave Support' can be accessed via both PC and smartphone. The biggest feature is that applicants do not need to download or print the application form separately but can fill it out directly on the site. Additionally, the convenience is enhanced by allowing applicants to take photos of the required documents and upload them immediately.

Applications for the Seoul-type Paid Sick Leave Support online can be made from today on the designated site. If online application is difficult, applicants can still apply by visiting the local community service center or public health center, or by mail or fax as before.

Jo Wan-seok, Seoul City Labor Policy Officer, said, "We plan to efficiently promote the Seoul-type Paid Sick Leave Support project so that workers do not avoid going to the hospital or postpone health checkups due to reduced income when taking time off work because of illness."

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