Which 13 Cities and Counties in Gyeonggi-do Are Not Eligible for the Disaster Basic Income 'Integrated Application'?

[Asia Economy (Suwon) = Reporter Lee Young-gyu] Gyeonggi Province will begin accepting applications for the 'Disaster Basic Income' funded by its own budget starting at 3 p.m. on the 9th. Gyeonggi Province is the first local government in the country to accept applications from all residents. In particular, given that Gyeonggi Province is the largest local government in Korea with over 13 million people, the payment of this disaster basic income carries special significance, according to consensus.

On the same day, while accepting applications, the province will also accept applications for disaster basic income prepared with independent funds from 18 cities and counties within the province. To this end, the province has completed the connection of the computer systems with the frontline cities and counties.

Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung held a press conference on the 8th and said, "Originally, we planned to start accepting applications from 10 a.m. on the 9th, but we delayed it by 5 hours to 3 p.m. to operate the integrated system with the cities and counties," adding, "Without the active efforts of public officials, it would have been difficult to meet the application date."

Accordingly, residents of cities and counties within the province will receive 100,000 KRW from Gyeonggi Province and an additional amount ranging from 50,000 KRW to 400,000 KRW from their respective city or county with a single application.

However, in the case of 12 cities and counties including Suwon, integrated applications are not possible as the council review and approval procedures have not been completed. Citizens residing in these areas will have the inconvenience of having to apply again later to receive the disaster income provided by their city or county.

Meanwhile, Namyangju City became the only local government among the 31 cities and counties in the province that did not provide disaster income to all citizens.

◇ Integrated Application and Payment of Disaster Income from 18 Cities and Counties

The province will officially accept applications through the Gyeonggi Province Disaster Basic Income application website (basicincome.gg.go.kr) starting at 3 p.m. on the 9th. From the 9th to the 30th of this month, only residents who will receive the payment via the existing Gyeonggi local currency card or credit card can apply. Applications for the prepaid card method will be available starting from the 20th.

Residents of 18 cities and counties that have the same standards as the province and have completed the ordinance and budget procedures can apply not only for the Gyeonggi Province Disaster Basic Income but also for the disaster basic income independently provided by their city or county. This applies only to users of credit cards and Gyeonggi local currency cards. Participating cities and counties include Anseong (250,000 KRW), Hwaseong (200,000 KRW), Icheon and Dongducheon (each 150,000 KRW), Yangpyeong (120,000 KRW), Yongin, Seongnam, Pyeongtaek, Siheung, Yangju, Yeoju, Gwacheon (each 100,000 KRW), Bucheon, Uijeongbu, Gimpo, Gwangmyeong, Hanam, and Uiwang (each 50,000 KRW).

Governor Lee Jae-myung explained, "Gyeonggi Province decided to provide both the provincial disaster basic income and the city/county disaster basic income together to minimize confusion, administrative waste, and resident inconvenience, and to maximize economic effects through rapid execution."

◇ 13 Cities and Counties to Accept Applications Later or Provide Selective Payments

Governor Lee said on the same day, "Most cities and counties wanted to pay the disaster income together with Gyeonggi Province at once, but since some cities and counties still have council approval procedures pending, we could not delay the basic income payment any longer and had no choice but to provide combined payments only to cities and counties that have completed preparations. We ask for residents' understanding."

Accordingly, 12 cities and counties including Suwon, Pocheon, Guri, Gunpo, Ansan, Anyang, Osan, Paju, Pocheon, Gwangju, Yeoncheon, and Gapyeong will provide payments after council approval and application.

However, some point out that since disaster income is an economic policy rather than a welfare policy, and considering the widespread damage caused by COVID-19, rapid fund execution and the resulting consumption stimulation, as well as the sales increase for small business owners and SMEs, are essential, making prompt processing more important than anything else.

Meanwhile, Namyangju City remains the only local government among the 31 cities and counties in the province that does not provide disaster income to its citizens.