Household Heads and Separate Families of Parents and Children Can Also Apply for Emergency Disaster Relief Funds on Their Behalf

Ministry of the Interior and Safety Expands Scope of Application Agents to Direct Lineal Ascendants and Descendants

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] Spouses, parents, and children who form separate households from the head of the household can now apply for the government emergency disaster relief fund on behalf of the head of the household.

The Ministry of the Interior and Safety announced that starting from the 1st, the scope of agents authorized to apply on behalf of the head of the household, when the head cannot apply for the emergency disaster relief fund, has been expanded to include the head’s spouse and direct ascendants and descendants.

The emergency disaster relief fund, which is provided on a household basis, is principally applied for directly by the head of the household, and agents can only apply when visiting the Eup/Myeon/Dong community service center in person.

Previously, only the legal representatives of the head of the household and members within the eligible household could act as agents during in-person applications. However, going forward, the head’s spouse and direct ascendants and descendants can apply as agents even if they are organized as a separate household from the head.

The Ministry of the Interior and Safety explained, "There were requests to expand the scope of agents because children could not previously apply on behalf of elderly people living alone. Although most households have already completed their applications, this measure was taken to provide convenience so that as many households as possible can apply."

Meanwhile, the government has also established a policy allowing facility directors to apply or file objections on behalf of victims residing in protective facilities due to violence or abuse. This measure aims to resolve practical difficulties faced by victims living in protective facilities who encounter various restrictions when applying for the relief fund.

The applicable facilities and detailed application methods will be announced later after consultation with relevant ministries.

Yoon Jong-in, Vice Minister of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, stated, "We will continuously improve related procedures to ensure that no one misses out on applying for the emergency disaster relief fund by monitoring blind spots and enhancing convenience for the public."