Support of 5.4 million KRW from city and district budgets for ages 16 to 39
[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyesook] Incheon City will implement a project starting next year to support young people with developmental disabilities in accumulating a lump sum of money, becoming the first in the nation to do so.
On the 17th, the city announced that it will provide matching support for savings to help developmental disabilities, who have lower income levels compared to other disabilities, prepare funds for independence during the transition to adulthood.
The target group includes developmental disabilities aged 16 to 39, totaling 6,610 as of July this year. Considering factors such as overlapping disabilities, age, and household income, the city plans to select and support 200 people starting next year and continue selecting 200 people annually.
The support method involves a (tentatively named) Happy Customized Account, where if the individual deposits 150,000 KRW monthly, the city and district offices will add another 150,000 KRW monthly for three years. This will accumulate approximately 10 million KRW in a lump sum.
The funds accumulated over three years can be used for independent living expenses such as purchasing a house, rent, higher education costs for the individual or their children, and technical training fees. They can also be used for medical expenses, treatment costs, and rental fees for assistive devices.
An official from Incheon City stated, "People with developmental disabilities have lower personal income levels and employment rates compared to other disabled individuals, but face higher additional costs due to their disabilities," adding, "We will consider expanding the support recipients to all people with severe disabilities in the mid to long term."
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