[Q&A] '20,000 Won Communication Fee' When and How to Receive... "No Separate Application Needed"

On the 22nd, Kim Tae-nyeon, floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, and Joo Ho-young, floor leader of the People Power Party, signed an agreement after reaching a consensus on the 4th supplementary budget bill at the National Assembly. The ruling and opposition parties agreed to selectively support communication fees based on age and to provide special childcare allowances to middle school students. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Seulgina Jo] The ruling and opposition parties have finalized the recipients of the "20,000 KRW communication fee" support as those aged 16 to 34 and those aged 65 and above. Initially, there was discussion about providing the support to all citizens aged 13 and older, but it was ultimately decided to provide selective support based on age groups. Here is a Q&A summary regarding the 20,000 KRW communication fee payment.

- Who can receive it and from when?

▲ The recipients of the 20,000 KRW communication fee are citizens aged 16 to 34 and those aged 65 and above who currently hold a mobile communication line as of September. A fixed amount of 20,000 KRW will be supported for one line per person for the September communication fee. The September communication fee will, in principle, be automatically discounted in October.

- Where should one apply?

▲ No separate application procedure is required. Eligible recipients will be notified in advance via text message (SMS) or other means on the relevant mobile communication line. Notification of the deduction will also be sent immediately after the payment.

- Can users of budget phones receive it?

▲ Budget phone users are included in the recipients. Prepaid phones with more than 15 days of usage remaining as of the end of September are also eligible. However, corporate phones are excluded. Also, since the principle is one line per person, if a person uses both postpaid and prepaid phones, the postpaid phone will be supported first. If multiple postpaid phones are used, the phone that was activated first will be supported first.

- What if my current monthly fee is about 10,000 KRW?

▲ If the fee is less than 20,000 KRW, methods such as carrying over to the next month will be used to ensure a fixed support of 20,000 KRW.

- What if I use a phone registered under a family member’s name, not mine?

▲ If you are using a phone under another family member’s name, you must change it to your own name to receive support. You can visit a nearby agency or sales point with simple documents proving family relations, such as your ID card, health insurance card, and family relation certificate, to change the registration. The Ministry of Science and ICT, the responsible department, will provide additional guidance on the deadline for name changes. The Ministry is also discussing easier methods with telecom companies.

- Why are those aged 35 to 64 excluded from the support?

▲ The ruling and opposition parties stated on the previous day that those aged 35 to 64 were excluded because most of them have a fixed income.

- Where can I ask questions?

▲ Inquiries can be made through the Ministry of Science and ICT CS Center (☎1335) and telecom company call centers (☎114). A dedicated call center (☎1344) is also operated.