Gwanak-gu Provides Seoul City Emergency Disaster Living Expenses to Over 81,000 Households

March 30 - May 15 Online Registration, Mobile Registration Starts, Up to 500,000 KRW Support per Household... On-site Registration at Dong Community Centers Begins April 16... Diversified Counters to Minimize Resident Contact

[Asia Economy Reporter Jong-il Park] Gwanak-gu (Mayor Park Jun-hee) announced that it will provide emergency disaster living expenses due to COVID-19 from March 30 to May 15.

The support targets households with income below 100% of the median income, excluding about 81,000 households already receiving benefits from existing welfare programs such as COVID-19 government support and emergency welfare benefits.

Households of 1-2 members will receive 300,000 KRW, 3-4 members will receive 400,000 KRW, and households with 5 or more members will receive 500,000 KRW as a one-time support.

The support funds can be received via mobile Seoul Sarang gift certificates or prepaid cards, and to revitalize the local economy, they must be used locally by the end of June.

To prevent the spread of COVID-19 infection, application methods are diversified to include online applications, visiting applications, and applications at the community service centers.

The ‘online application’ will be accepted on a ‘5-day rotation system’ like the public mask distribution to prevent server overload. One household member can apply as a representative by entering the application data on the Seoul Welfare Portal (http://wiss.seoul.go.kr).

Additionally, from April 16, on-site applications will be possible at the community service centers. This will also be implemented on a ‘5-day rotation system.’ Applicants must bring identification such as a resident registration card, driver’s license, or passport and visit the community service center responsible for their registered address to fill out and submit the application form and personal information consent form.

On-site applications at community service centers will be operated by dividing dedicated counters (1st floor of the community center) and additional counters (separate idle spaces within the community center) to minimize contact between residents and disperse applicants. If necessary, mobile counters (at apartments, parks, schools, etc.) will also be operated.

Furthermore, the district operates a ‘visiting application’ service where community service center staff visit the homes of elderly or disabled residents with mobility difficulties to assist with applications.

It takes about one week from application to support, and it is a principle that all applications must be made by household members. However, for on-site applications at community service centers, a proxy can apply if they bring a power of attorney and identification.

Gwanak-gu plans to hire 65 temporary workers to reinforce the on-site application workforce at community service centers, assigning 2 to 4 workers per center depending on conditions.

Also, the district has formed a dedicated task force to ensure thorough implementation by ▲conducting intensive monitoring ▲strengthening online and offline publicity ▲addressing and improving issues, to prevent confusion at the beginning of the implementation and enable prompt support.

Mayor Park Jun-hee said, “We will do our best to provide emergency living expenses quickly and without confusion to residents going through difficult times such as livelihood crises due to COVID-19,” and added, “We will do our utmost to ensure COVID-19 ends as soon as possible.”