"Up to 600,000 Won Per Person, Finally Available"... Be Careful: Filling Up at Your Usual Gas Station May Surprise You

Detailed Criteria for High Oil Price Support Fund Announced

Payment Restricted at Large Gas Stations and via Delivery Apps

Usage Directed Toward Local Businesses

Eligibility Limited for Newborns, Movers, and Foreign Nationals

The detailed criteria for the ‘High Oil Price Damage Support Fund,’ which the government will begin distributing from the 27th, have been released.

On the 19th, gasoline prices were posted in front of the Mannam Square gas station in Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

The Ministry of the Interior and Safety announced on the 26th that the first round of payments for the High Oil Price Damage Support Fund will begin at 9 a.m. on the 27th. This fund is designed to ease the financial burden on households caused by high oil prices and to support local businesses. It will be distributed differentially, up to a maximum of 600,000 won, focusing on the bottom 70% income bracket.

However, there are a number of restrictions regarding eligible locations, recipients, and payment methods, so it is necessary to check the details in advance before use. First, the support fund cannot be used at all gas stations. Usage is limited mainly to local business voucher merchants and small business stores with annual sales of 3 billion won or less, and payment is not possible at large gas stations.

Employees at the Administrative Welfare Center in Yongbong-dong, Buk-gu, Gwangju, are inspecting the system for the high oil price damage support fund reception. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

The government explained, "If usage is allowed at all gas stations, there are concerns that smaller stations in less favorable locations will face greater difficulties, and concentrating the support fund on gas station use could undermine the policy's intent to broadly support local small businesses." Currently, only about 42% of gas stations nationwide accept the support fund, and in the Seoul metropolitan area the figure is just 12%. Availability can be checked via guidance stickers and map services.

Newborns are also eligible for the support fund, but the date of birth determines eligibility. Those born before or on March 30, which is the reference date, will receive the benefit automatically, while those born after must file an appeal by July 17 to be included. However, newborns born after July 18 are excluded from eligibility.

The amount of support varies by region. Households just above the lowest income bracket and single-parent families can receive up to 500,000 won, while basic livelihood security recipients are eligible for up to 600,000 won. For the general public, the base amount is 100,000 won in the Seoul metropolitan area and 150,000 won elsewhere, increasing to a maximum of 250,000 won in depopulated areas. For example, if you move from Seoul to Buyeo in South Chungcheong Province, you can receive an additional amount to account for the difference. However, if the support has already been provided as a local voucher or prepaid card, changes are restricted.

There are also restrictions on how the fund can be used. Payments via kiosks, table ordering systems, and delivery apps are generally prohibited, with in-person payments using the store’s card reader recommended. In the transportation sector, use is conditionally allowed for taxis but not for buses or subways.

The criteria for selecting recipients will be announced in early May. It is expected that health insurance premiums will be the main standard, with high-asset individuals excluded. In principle, foreigners are excluded, but those who meet certain conditions, such as being covered by national health insurance, may exceptionally qualify. Korean nationals residing overseas may also apply if they return to Korea within a specified period.

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