Gwangjin-gu Supports Independent Youth for a Strong Start on Their Own

Additional Support for Self-Reliance Settlement Funds, Rent, and Self-Reliance Allowances with Independently Allocated Budget
Served as a Pillar for 69 People Last Year
District Mayor Kim Kyung-ho: "We Will Do Our Best to Provide Practical Support Needed for Self-Reliance"

Gwangjin-gu (District Mayor Kim Kyung-ho) is strengthening support for youth preparing for independence to help them get ready to step out into the world.

Youth preparing for independence must leave protective facilities and prepare to stand on their own once protection ends after the age of 18. Most of these youth face various challenges such as finding housing, living expenses, tuition, and employment.

In response, Gwangjin-gu is easing the financial burden on youth preparing for independence with its own budget, providing additional support separate from government and Seoul city aid, including ▲a one-time independence settlement fund of 10 million KRW ▲rent support up to 200,000 KRW per month ▲and an independence allowance of 200,000 KRW per month.

The ‘Gwangjin-gu Independence Settlement Fund and Rent Support,’ first launched last year, has become a great help by offering practical assistance and protection to those living outside the social safety net.

The district provides a one-time independence settlement fund of 10 million KRW for those who need stable housing most after leaving protective facilities. Eligible recipients are youth who have aged out of protection, have been continuously protected for more than two years within the past two years as of the protection end date, and have been registered residents of Gwangjin-gu for at least six months.

Additionally, rent support is provided for up to one year at a maximum of 200,000 KRW per month. This support is available to youth who have aged out of protection within the last five years and have been registered residents of Gwangjin-gu for at least three months as of the application date.

The independence allowance, started in 2021, provides 200,000 KRW monthly for up to five years, with the same eligibility criteria as rent support.

Furthermore, specialized counseling staff (child protection officers) are assigned to conduct one-on-one intensive counseling with recipients to regularly monitor their independence status and needs related to employment, housing, and other areas.

Kim Kyung-ho, Mayor of Gwangjin-gu, stated, “We hope this support will help youth preparing for independence overcome practical difficulties in employment, housing, and education,” and added, “We will do our best to provide tailored support necessary for their independence.”

Meanwhile, last year the district supported 69 youth preparing for independence to help them settle stably in society.

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