'Income Compensation for Injury and Illness' Ministry of Health and Welfare Adds 4 More Regions for Sickness Benefit Pilot Project

The Ministry of Health and Welfare announced on the 30th that it will add four new regions to the pilot project of 'Sangbyeong Soodang' (Sickness Allowance), which provides income compensation to workers who are unable to work due to injuries or illnesses unrelated to their job, allowing them to focus on treatment.

Currently, the Sangbyeong Soodang pilot project is being implemented in 10 regions: Bucheon, Gyeonggi; Pohang, Gyeongbuk; Jongno-gu, Seoul; Cheonan, Chungnam; Suncheon, Jeonnam; Changwon, Gyeongnam; Dalseo-gu, Daegu; Anyang, Gyeonggi; Yongin, Gyeonggi; and Iksan, Jeonbuk. Since its launch in July 2022, a total of 9,774 support payments have been made, with recipients receiving an average of 18.5 days and 847,000 KRW per person.

Regarding the employment qualifications of recipients, 73.3% (4,611 people) were health insurance workplace subscribers, the largest group; however, many workers in occupations such as construction workers, delivery drivers, and substitute drivers?who inevitably experience income reduction during treatment?were also included, with 18.5% (1,165 people) self-employed and 8.2% (514 people) enrolled in employment and industrial accident insurance.

By age group, those in their 50s accounted for the largest share at 39.4% (2,479 people), followed by those in their 40s (23.8%, 1,496 people), 60s (20.6%, 1,298 people), 30s (11.1%, 699 people), 20s (4.9%, 311 people), and teens (0.1%, 7 people).

The main illnesses were 'injuries related to the neck, shoulders, etc.' at 29.9% (2,921 cases), 'musculoskeletal-related diseases' at 27.0% (2,636 cases), and 'cancer-related diseases' at 19.4% (1,898 cases).

To apply for Sangbyeong Soodang, applicants must prove their employment status as health insurance workplace subscribers, employment and industrial accident insurance subscribers, or self-employed, and demonstrate sales above a certain standard. They must also submit the application form for Sangbyeong Soodang payment, medical usage details, and a diagnosis certificate for Sangbyeong Soodang issued by participating medical institutions to the local branch of the National Health Insurance Corporation.

If the payment requirements are met, a daily allowance of 47,560 KRW is provided, and benefits can be received for up to 90 to 120 days.

However, workers on paid sick leave or those undergoing cosmetic surgery for aesthetic purposes, or cases with simple symptoms without examination or surgery, are excluded from eligibility.

The four new pilot project regions to be implemented from July will be selected through an open competition among local governments.

Lee Jung-gyu, Director of the Health Insurance Policy Bureau at the Ministry of Health and Welfare, said, "Through the Sangbyeong Soodang pilot project, local residents who are unable to work due to injury or illness and are experiencing difficulties in their daily lives will receive the benefits of Sangbyeong Soodang," and added, "We hope for active participation from local governments."

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