Dongjak-gu Accepts Applications for Disaster Relief Funds and Small Business Living Expenses

Until June 18, applications for the government emergency disaster relief fund are accepted at all community centers for all residents... 15 dedicated service desks set up in each district... Social distancing, queuing, and temperature checks conducted to prevent COVID-19 infection

[Asia Economy Reporter Jong-il Park] Dongjak-gu (Mayor Changwoo Lee) is accepting applications for an emergency support project for residents struggling due to COVID-19.

The support project includes the government's emergency disaster relief fund, the small business emergency livelihood stabilization fund promoted by the district, and the Dongjak Love Gift Certificate merchant management preservation fund.

First, applications for the government emergency disaster relief fund will be accepted at 15 community service centers across the district until June 18 for all residents.

Residents wishing to apply should visit in person according to the 5-day rotation system based on the last digit of the head of household's birth year. In the case of a proxy, a power of attorney, the proxy's ID, and proof of relationship must be presented. The support fund will be provided via prepaid cards.

To prevent congestion at on-site reception and for residents' convenience, the district has set up 2 to 4 dedicated counters in unused spaces such as auditoriums at each community service center and assigned staff.

For elderly or disabled households with mobility difficulties, a visiting application service is also provided.

In particular, to prevent COVID-19 infection, a separate place for filling out applications has been prepared, and measures such as social distancing while queuing, temperature checks, and regular disinfection are implemented.

An objection reception desk is also operated within the community service centers. For objections regarding changes in family relations such as marriage, divorce, birth, or death occurring between March 29 and April 30, applicants can submit the application form and supporting documents to the community service center of their address.

Additionally, the second round of applications for the small business emergency livelihood stabilization fund for small business owners affected by the prolonged COVID-19 situation will be accepted until the 29th.

Eligible recipients are small business owners with fewer than five employees who registered their business in Dongjak-gu before December 31, 2019, and whose sales in March decreased by 20% or more compared to January of this year, or whose sales in March 2020 decreased by 20% or more compared to March 2019, among other criteria.

Applicants can download the application forms from the district website and submit them by visiting the community service center or the Job Plus Center in the district office, or by faxing to the Economic Promotion Division (☎820-4083).

Up to 700,000 KRW per business will be paid once, and about 3,400 businesses benefited from the first round of applications.

Furthermore, Dongjak Love Gift Certificate merchants will receive 5% of their sales as a management preservation fund. The support amount is capped at 300,000 KRW per month for four months from April to July, and the application period for May's payment is from June 1 to 12.

Along with this, the district operates a call center (☎820-1850~3) to guide residents so that no one misses out on the benefits of the emergency support project.

Changwoo Lee, Mayor of Dongjak-gu, said, "We will continue to focus on projects for livelihood stabilization and revitalizing the local economy to be a support for residents struggling due to COVID-19. I hope that every resident will thoroughly follow social distancing practices and hygiene rules as individuals responsible for infection prevention."