Emergency Disaster Relief Fund 5-Day System Ends... Applications Accepted Immediately from the 25th

On the 22nd, an emergency disaster relief fund usage notice was posted at Tongin Market in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo Gang-wook] The day-of-the-week system (5-day rotation) applied to government emergency disaster relief fund applications via credit and debit cards ended on the 22nd. Accordingly, from the 25th, anyone can apply immediately by visiting a bank counter.

According to the Bankers Association and the Credit Finance Association on the 23rd, eight credit card companies including Lotte, BC, Samsung, Shinhan, Hyundai, Hana, KB Kookmin, and NH Nonghyup applied the 5-day rotation system (similar to the mask sales method) to accept government emergency disaster relief fund applications from the 11th to the 15th.

Additionally, 14 credit and debit card affiliated banks including Nonghyup, Shinhan, Woori, Hana, Kookmin, SC First, Industrial Bank, Suhyup, Daegu, Busan, Gwangju, Jeju, Jeonbuk, and Gyeongnam Banks, as well as Saemaeul Geumgo, the post office, and credit unions accepted emergency disaster relief fund applications using the same method from the 18th to the 22nd.

The associations evaluated that despite the unavoidable introduction of the 5-day rotation system to ensure stable service provision, reduce counter congestion, and alleviate concerns about quarantine, smooth application and reception were achieved thanks to the public’s understanding and cooperation.

Encouraged by this public consideration, from the second week of offline credit and debit card applications on the 25th, applications for the emergency disaster relief fund can be made immediately at bank counters without applying the 5-day rotation system.

However, considering the social distancing measures due to COVID-19, the associations urged visitors to bank counters to comply with hygiene rules such as wearing masks and maintaining distance inside the premises.

An association official said, "Household heads who have not yet applied for the government emergency disaster relief fund are encouraged to apply by accessing the credit card company’s website or app (if a card member), or by visiting the bank counter (the affiliated bank of the card used)."

The emergency disaster relief funds received through credit and debit cards can be used until August 31.