Geochang County Launches High Oil Price Relief Payments to Ease Residents’ Burden

Geochang County in South Gyeongsang Province announced on April 27 that it has begun the first round of payments for the "High Oil Price Relief Fund," aimed at easing the burden on residents amid high oil prices, high exchange rates, and high inflation. The process is reportedly proceeding smoothly overall.

The recipients of this first round of payments are groups considered particularly vulnerable to the impact of high oil prices, such as basic livelihood security recipients, lower-income households, and single-parent families. The payment amounts are 600,000 won per person for basic livelihood security recipients, and 500,000 won per person for lower-income households and single-parent families.

According to the county, as of noon on April 27, the first day of payments, 605 out of approximately 5,000 eligible recipients had applied, resulting in an application rate of about 12 percent and a smooth start to the program.

[Photo courtesy of Geochang County] Hyunmi Kim, Acting Governor of Geochang County, is visiting the site to check the operation status.

원본보기 아이콘

Kim Hyunmi, Acting Governor of Geochang County, checked the readiness of the dedicated service desk on April 24 before the payments began, and on the first day of distribution, visited the site to inspect operational status.

Acting Governor Kim stated, "We will ensure that the relief funds are delivered quickly and accurately to residents struggling with high oil prices and rising costs of living," and urged all eligible residents to apply without missing out.

The first application period runs for two weeks from April 27 to May 8, and applications can be submitted both online and offline. Payment methods include credit cards, debit cards, prepaid cards, or the mobile Geochang Love Gift Certificate.

Online applications can be submitted via the websites and apps of each credit card company, as well as the local gift certificate app. For offline applications, residents can visit their local township or town administrative welfare centers or partner bank branches.

Meanwhile, applications and payments for the Gyeongnam Provincial Residents’ Living Support Fund will begin on April 30, while the second round of applications for the High Oil Price Relief Fund is scheduled to start from May 18 for residents in the bottom 70 percent income bracket. The county plans to strengthen its guidance to prevent confusion among residents, as the application periods and procedures for the two programs differ.

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