"20,000 Won Communication Fee Benefit, Notified via Text Before Chuseok... Only Available for Registered Nameholders"

[Asia Economy Reporter Seulgina Jo] As the ruling and opposition parties have confirmed the recipients of the "20,000 KRW communication fee" support to be those aged 16 to 34 and 65 or older, the recipients will receive related guidance via mobile text messages before the upcoming Chuseok holiday.

According to the Ministry of Science and ICT on the 23rd, the recipients of the 20,000 KRW communication fee are citizens currently holding mobile communication lines as of September, born between January 1, 1985, and December 31, 2004 (aged 16 to 34), and those born on or before December 31, 1955 (aged 65 or older). A fixed amount of 20,000 KRW will be supported for communication fees per one line per person.

For mobile phones subscribed before September 15, the deduction will be made in October (for September's fee). For those who subscribed between September 16 and September 30 or in cases of name changes, the deduction for October's fee will be made in November. If the line is under another family member's name, in principle, the deduction will be made after changing the name to the recipient's own. The name change period is from September 28 to October 15. During this period, the recipient can visit a nearby agency or sales point with simple documents proving family relations, such as an ID card, health insurance card, and family relation certificate, to change the name.

A Ministry of Science and ICT official explained, "Specific details, including the method of name change, will be finalized and notified through a press release and the website (www.통신비지원.kr) on September 28."

No separate application procedure is required. The recipients will be notified via text message (SMS) or other means on the relevant mobile communication line before Chuseok. The deduction will also be notified immediately after payment. The Ministry plans to ensure that if the fee is less than 20,000 KRW, the amount will be carried over to the next month or otherwise adjusted so that a fixed amount of 20,000 KRW is supported.

Prepaid phones with more than 15 days of usage remaining as of the end of September, including budget phones, are also included in the support. However, corporate phones are excluded. Since support is limited to one line per person, if both postpaid and prepaid phones are used, the postpaid phone will be supported first. If multiple postpaid phones are used, the phone that was activated first will be supported first.

For inquiries, consultation is available through the Ministry of Science and ICT CS Center (☎1335) and telecom company call centers (☎114). A dedicated call center (☎1344) is also operated.