Jeollanam-do to Expand Basic Livelihood Security in 2026

Monthly Livelihood Benefit Increased by 127,000 Won
Medical Benefit Dependent Support Rate Eased to 10%

Jeollanam-do Province announced that starting in 2026, it will ease the eligibility criteria for recipients of the Basic Livelihood Security Program and increase various benefits to ensure a minimum standard of living for low-income households facing financial difficulties.

The 2026 standard median income (the median household income used as a welfare program eligibility benchmark) has been set at 6,495,000 won per month for a four-person household. This represents an increase of 6.51%, or about 400,000 won, from this year’s 6,098,000 won-the largest increase ever recorded.

Accordingly, the monthly livelihood benefit will be increased by 55,000 won for single-person households (from 765,000 won to 820,000 won) and by 127,000 won for four-person households (from 1,951,000 won to 2,078,000 won).

In addition, the criteria for youth earned income and business income deductions, as well as the general asset standard for vehicles, will be eased, allowing more residents to benefit from the Basic Livelihood Security Program.

To strengthen medical benefit coverage, starting in October this year, the dependent support obligation rate, which is currently set at 30% or 15% of the dependent’s income, will be uniformly reduced to 10%, thereby expanding the number of eligible recipients.

For housing benefits, the standard rent for tenant households (based on the fourth grade region) will be increased by 21,000 won per month for single-person households and by 32,000 won per month for four-person households.

Educational activity support for education benefits (used for supplementary textbooks, school supplies, etc.) will be increased by an average of 6% compared to this year, providing 502,000 won annually for elementary school students, 699,000 won for middle school students, and 860,000 won for high school students.

Jung Gwangsun, Director of Health and Welfare at Jeollanam-do Province, stated, “With the significant increase in next year’s standard median income, more than 3,000 additional residents will newly qualify for the Basic Livelihood Security Program. We will strengthen support so that vulnerable residents can truly feel the benefits of a more robust and comprehensive welfare system.”

As of the end of June, there are currently 85,992 households and 113,745 individuals in Jeollanam-do Province receiving basic livelihood security benefits, including livelihood, medical, housing, and education support.

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