Daegu City Supports 'Walkers' for Low-Income Elderly... Up to 200,000 KRW Based on Income Level

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Park Dong-wook] Daegu City announced on the 22nd that starting from February 1, it will provide differential support of up to 200,000 KRW for the purchase of adult walkers, a walking aid device, to low-income elderly with mobility difficulties based on their income level.

Elderly individuals who have been assessed for long-term care grades under the 'Long-Term Care Insurance Act for the Elderly' can receive adult walkers free of charge or at a low cost. However, this measure considers the reality that elderly people without such grade assessments are excluded from legal support.

The support targets low-income elderly aged 65 or older who have resided in Daegu for more than one year according to their resident registration and have been assessed as grade A or B outside the long-term care grades by the National Health Insurance Service's long-term care recognition review.

Within a maximum of 200,000 KRW per person, basic livelihood security recipients receive 100%, medical aid recipients 94%, near-poverty class 91%, and elderly with income below 75% of the median income receive 85% of the purchase cost, with support varying according to income level.

Applications for purchase cost support can be made at the administrative welfare centers in the applicant’s town, township, or neighborhood one month before the month of their 65th birthday according to resident registration. Walkers can be supported once every five years.

Park Jae-hong, Director of the Welfare Bureau of Daegu City, stated, "We hope that Daegu City's support for adult walkers for low-income elderly who usually have mobility difficulties but are in the blind spots of the law and thus do not receive support will help improve their health and enable a safe and active old age."