Gangdong-gu, Verification Survey of Social Security Benefit Recipients

Enhancing Welfare Budget Efficiency through Eligibility Verification Survey

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Gangdong-gu (Mayor Lee Jeong-hoon) conducted a verification survey on the appropriateness of social security benefits for 40,099 households eligible for social security benefits, including National Basic Livelihood Security recipients and Basic Pension recipients, over a three-month period from October to December last year.

The verification survey for social security benefit recipients is conducted twice a year to reflect the latest income and property data of welfare recipients, prevent improper benefit receipt, and enhance the efficiency of welfare finances.

Through this survey, Gangdong-gu confirmed changes in income and property details for 4,432 households (10.8%) among the survey targets. After conducting livelihood investigations and clarification procedures, the social security support was fairly and promptly updated for a total of 2,260 households: 799 households with increased benefits, 833 households with decreased benefits, 119 households with benefit changes, and 509 households with eligibility suspension.

The district notified households that were improperly receiving benefits without reporting earned income or public pensions to return 150 million KRW in improperly received funds and is currently recovering these amounts. By suspending benefits, it achieved a monthly financial saving of approximately 110 million KRW, eliminating hidden welfare finance leakage and striving for transparent welfare finances.

In particular, for 104 households comprising 249 individuals who would face difficulties in livelihood due to benefit suspension or reduction, Gangdong-gu sought support measures by applying special cases or linking with other welfare services through deliberation by the Gangdong-gu Local Social Security Committee, minimizing welfare blind spots.

Mayor Lee Jeong-hoon of Gangdong-gu stated, “We will actively guide welfare recipients to fulfill their obligation to report income and property, minimize improper benefit receipt, and actively identify and support residents who truly need benefits. We will do our best to serve as a catalyst that wipes away the tears of neighbors in need through the faithful implementation of the basic social security system.”