Gyeongnam Province Provides Emergency Support of 400,000 Won 'Care Coupons' to Families with Children Under 7 Years Old

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kang Woo-kwon] Gyeongsangnam-do announced on the 2nd that it will provide 'Child Care Coupons' starting mid-month to revitalize the local economy, which has been contracted due to the impact of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), and to reduce the burden on households raising children.

The Child Care Coupon is a project that temporarily supports children under the age of 7 receiving child allowance with gift certificates worth 400,000 KRW per child funded by the national government. After the government’s supplementary budget for COVID-19 response was reflected on the 17th of last month, the Gyeongnam Provincial Council also approved the supplementary budget.

Accordingly, about 140,000 households with 180,000 children receiving child allowance in the province as of the end of March will receive the Child Care Coupons. Coupons will be provided in forms such as electronic gift certificates, regional electronic currency (mobile or card type), and paper gift certificates (such as local love gift certificates), depending on the conditions of each city and county. Gyeongsangnam-do will provide electronic gift certificates (card points) in 16 cities and counties, and local love gift certificates in the form of prepaid cards in Haman and paper gift certificates in Changnyeong.

Electronic gift certificates are automatically provided as card points that can be used like cash on government-supported cards such as the 'I Happy Card' and 'National Happiness Card.' Cardholders can use the points immediately without a separate application.

Those without cards can apply online through the 'Bokjiro' website during the first application period (April 6?17) or the second application period (April 18?29), or visit the community service center in the child’s registered residence to apply for a gift card.

Eligible residents of Haman and Changnyeong counties must apply in person at the town or township community service centers according to the guidance of their respective counties. Children under 7 years old protected in child care facilities will be supported in cash through the 'Didim Seed Bank' program.