Seoul Supports Up to 415,000 KRW for 4-Person Rental Households... Expands Standard Median Income from 44% to 45% to Ease Burden on Needy Families
[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Eunpyeong-gu (Mayor Kim Mi-kyung) has expanded housing benefits that support rent (jeonse and monthly rent) and home repairs for households facing financial difficulties starting this year.
The eligibility for housing benefits has been expanded from 44% to 45% of the median income. The standard rent for tenant households has been increased by 7.5% to 14.3% depending on the district, and home repair support for owner-occupied households has been increased by 21%.
Housing benefits are provided to households whose recognized income, reflecting income and assets of the applicant household, is at or below 45% of the median income (up to 790,737 KRW for a single-person household and 2,137,128 KRW for a four-person household). Since the abolition of the support obligation criteria in October 2018, support is provided regardless of the income of the obligated supporters.
Additionally, tenant benefits are paid based on actual expenses up to the standard rent limit. The 2020 standard rent has increased by 7.5% to 14.3% compared to 2019, with a maximum payment of 415,000 KRW for a four-person household in Seoul. (2019: 365,000 KRW → 2020: 415,000 KRW)
Repair and maintenance benefits for owner-occupied households are provided based on the extent of repairs needed due to housing aging. The 2020 repair benefits have increased by 21% compared to 2019, with a maximum support of 12.41 million KRW (on a 7-year cycle).
In 2019, Eunpyeong-gu provided 23.261 billion KRW in tenant benefits and 457 million KRW in repair and maintenance benefits. As of January 2020, the number of supported households is 10,868.
With the abolition of the support obligation and the increase in the median income standard, the eligibility for housing benefits has expanded, and efforts are being made to secure the budget to ensure thorough support.
An official from Eunpyeong-gu stated, “We will continue promotional activities to discover beneficiaries to prevent welfare blind spots where support is needed but housing benefits are not received.”
Those wishing to apply for housing benefits can visit their local community service center or apply online through Bokjiro (bokjiro.go.kr). For inquiries related to housing benefits, contact the Housing Benefit Call Center (1600-0777) or the local community service center.
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