Mapo District to Begin Accepting High Oil Price Relief Fund Applications on the 27th... Up to 550,000 Won in Support

First Phase Applications for Basic Livelihood Security Recipients and Others

"Visiting Application Service" Available

Starting April 27, Mapo District in Seoul will begin accepting applications for high oil price relief funds. Residents registered in Mapo District as of March 30, 2026, who fall within the bottom 70% income bracket, are eligible to receive up to 550,000 won in support.

Mapo District Office. Courtesy of Mapo District Office.

The amount of support varies by eligibility category. Recipients of basic livelihood security will receive 550,000 won; those in the near-poverty group and single-parent families will receive 450,000 won; and general residents will receive 100,000 won. Mapo District explained that this initiative aims to ease the burden of high oil and consumer prices—caused by the aftermath of the Middle East war—and to revitalize the local economy.

The application process is divided into two phases. The first phase runs from April 27 to May 8 and targets basic livelihood security recipients, the near-poverty group, and single-parent families. The second phase runs from May 18 to July 3 and is open to general residents and those who did not apply in the first phase.

During the first week of each phase, applications are accepted based on the last digit of the applicant's year of birth and the day of the week. Mondays are for digits 1 and 6, Tuesdays for 2 and 7, Wednesdays for 3 and 8, Thursdays for 4 and 9, and Fridays for 5 and 0. Since Friday, May 1—the first Friday of the first phase—falls on Labor Day, residents with the last digits 5 and 0 can apply on April 30, one day earlier. From the second week onward, applications can be submitted regardless of birth year, and online applications are available on weekends and holidays.

Recipients can choose one of the following payment methods: credit/debit card, prepaid card, or Seoul Love Gift Certificate. Credit/debit cards can be applied for online via card company websites, apps, call centers, ARS, or platforms such as Toss, K Bank, Kakao Bank, KakaoPay, and Naver Pay. They can also be obtained at the bank branches affiliated with the card companies. The Seoul Love Gift Certificate can only be applied for through the ‘Seoul Pay+’ app. Prepaid cards cannot be applied for online and must be picked up in person at the local community center. For minors, the head of household at the same address must apply on their behalf.

Mapo District also operates a "visiting application service" for residents with mobility difficulties. If seniors or people with disabilities contact their local community center by phone, a staff member will visit their home to assist with the entire process—from completing the application form and verifying identity to selecting the payment method. Prepaid cards will be delivered during a follow-up visit after issuance. However, if there is a family member within the same household who can apply, this service is restricted. The service is offered during the same periods as the first and second application phases, excluding weekends.

The relief funds can be used until August 31, 2026, and are valid at small businesses in Seoul with annual sales of 3 billion won or less. Mapo District plans to establish a dedicated task force and set up call centers and application desks at local community centers to ensure a smooth application and payment process.

A district official stated, "Eligible residents should carefully check the application period and method to ensure they do not miss out," adding, "In particular, since the day-of-week system applies during the first week of applications, please check your designated application day in advance."

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