Implementation of Paid Childcare Leave for Single-Parent Families in Seongdong-gu

Nation's First Implementation of Paid Childcare Leave for Single-Parent Families and Proactive Support
Accelerating Various Single-Parent Family Support Policies to Eliminate Childcare Blind Spots

Seonjaenuri

Seongdong-gu (Mayor Jung Won-oh) is stepping up support policies for single-parent families in care blind spots in 2024.

A representative example is the paid child care leave for single-parent families, which has been implemented nationwide for the first time since July. This system aims to reduce the economic burden of family care leave for single-parent families in care blind spots amid the low birthrate and aging society.

It targets low-income single-parent workers residing in Seongdong-gu, providing 50,000 KRW per day, up to a maximum of 250,000 KRW annually. Support is available when unpaid family care leave is taken to care for children under 18 years old, such as attending entrance or graduation ceremonies, consultations, or accompanying them to the hospital.

Low-income single parents refer to those whose income is 63% or less of the median income according to the welfare benefit income criteria under the Single-Parent Family Support Act.

Additionally, to ensure that low-income single-parent families do not feel isolated during holidays, a holiday encouragement fund of 30,000 KRW is provided each holiday. For families with middle and high school children, 40,000 KRW is supported for study reference materials in both the first and second half of the year, creating an environment free from deprivation in child-rearing. Single mothers and fathers receive 100,000 KRW annually for heating costs in winter and cooling costs in summer.

Support is also provided for single-parent father families. Seonjae Nuri, located in Seongdong-gu, is the only welfare facility in Seoul that supports independent housing for low-income single-parent father families without housing. Single-parent father families without housing who are raising children under 18 years old (under 22 if attending school, with additional time for military service) can reside there.

Upon moving in, residents receive ▲ free housing and meals ▲ professional psychological and emotional counseling ▲ child care services ▲ child tutoring ▲ partial support for public utility fees, as well as ▲ up to 10 million KRW in self-reliance settlement funds upon leaving (10 million KRW for residence over 24 months, 8 million KRW for 18 months to less than 24 months). The basic residency period is 5 years, extendable annually within a 2-year range, allowing a maximum stay of 7 years.

From 2024, the support criteria for single-parent families will be expanded from 60% or less of the median income (approximately 2.07 million KRW for two persons) to 63% or less (approximately 2.32 million KRW for two persons). Childcare allowances, previously paid only for children under 18, will be extended until December of the year the child turns 22 and is in the third year of high school, with the support amount increased from 200,000 KRW to 210,000 KRW per month.

Jung Won-oh, Mayor of Seongdong-gu, stated, "Seongdong-gu, a great place to have and raise children, is preparing meticulous support policies for single-parent families to ensure there is no lack of care and nurturing. We will actively identify economically vulnerable single-parent families so they do not fall into care blind spots and carefully ensure they receive practical benefits." He added, "We will do our best to establish a seamless care system so that not only single-parent families but everyone can live a stable daily life without being marginalized."

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