Emergency Disaster Relief Funds Received via Credit and Check Cards, 64% Used in 3 Weeks

Pan-Government TF Actively Cooperates to Promote Consumption and Prevent Illegal Distribution

On the 26th, a notice about the availability of emergency disaster relief funds related to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is posted at a store in Myeongdong, Seoul. Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] It has been revealed that more than half of the government’s emergency disaster relief funds, provided in the form of credit and debit card recharge credits, have been used within three weeks. Out of nearly 9.6 trillion KRW in credit and debit card disbursements, approximately 6.1 trillion KRW, equivalent to 64%, has already been circulated in the market.

The Ministry of the Interior and Safety announced on the 4th that, as of the 2nd, the usage rate of emergency disaster relief funds provided as credit and debit card recharge credits was calculated as such.

The total amount of emergency disaster relief funds disbursed by the government by the 2nd was 13.5158 trillion KRW. Of this, 9.5866 trillion KRW (71%) was provided via credit and debit cards.

The amount actually used from the credit and debit card disbursements was recorded at 6.1553 trillion KRW. This means that 64% of the disbursed amount between the start of credit and debit card recharge applications on the 11th of last month and the 2nd of this month has been circulated in the market.

So far, 99% of the households eligible for the emergency disaster relief funds have completed their applications and receipts, and about 95% of the related budget has been disbursed.

The Ministry of the Interior and Safety stated that although most households have received the emergency disaster relief funds, they have prepared detailed measures through the inter-governmental task force yesterday to support citizens who have not yet applied due to reasons such as appeals, unknown residence, or mobility difficulties to receive the funds.

For those who have moved to other metropolitan local governments, applications to change the usage area of credit and debit card recharge credits are being accepted through card companies starting from the 4th.

Additionally, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety will have local governments conduct campaigns to promote the consumption of emergency disaster relief funds, and related ministries will cooperate to respond to unfair practices such as cashing out the relief funds, refusal of transactions, or passing on fees.

Yoon Jong-in, Vice Minister of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, said, "We hope that citizens will practice 'good consumption' so that the emergency disaster relief funds can help revive local businesses in difficulty," and urged, "Local merchants should also participate with 'fair prices' to ensure that inappropriate price increases do not hinder the revitalization of the local economy."