Additional Heating Cost Support for 50,000 Vulnerable Households... Strengthened Support for Social Welfare Facilities and Jjokbangchon

Ministry Joint Implementation of 'Special Winter Heating Cost Support Measures for Vulnerable Groups'

A resident is moving briquette ashes in the jjokbangchon area of Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] An additional heating cost support will be provided to about 55,000 vulnerable households during the winter, and heating support for social welfare facilities and residents of jjokbang (small rooms) will also be strengthened.

The Ministry of Health and Welfare, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, and the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family announced on the 28th that they have established and will implement a joint inter-ministerial "Special Winter Heating Cost Support Measures for Vulnerable Groups" in response to the recent cold wave and surge in energy prices.

President Yoon Seok-yeol instructed the urgent preparation of countermeasures at the Cabinet meeting the day before, saying, "In response to the ongoing cold wave and heavy snowfall, the government and local communities must work together to closely monitor and provide more substantial care so that no blind spots remain."

First, through this measure, an additional 5.49 billion KRW will be temporarily and urgently provided to 55,400 households that were already receiving support. For 50,000 households receiving briquette coupon support, an additional 74,000 KRW per household will be provided, and for 5,400 households receiving kerosene vouchers, an additional 331,000 KRW will be provided considering the increase rate of kerosene prices and average kerosene usage.

Among social welfare facilities, 8,526 government-funded social welfare facilities such as residential facilities, local children's centers, and domestic violence victim support facilities will receive an additional 5.29 billion KRW for heating costs. Additionally, for residents of jjokbang, 42,000 liters of kerosene and 1,200 electric blankets will be distributed with the cooperation of the Community Chest of Korea.

Cho Kyu-hong, Minister of Health and Welfare, said, "We will implement this special support measure without fail so that vulnerable groups can receive more substantial support," and added, "We will promote a warm winter together with the weak through more detailed and meticulous policies."

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