Seodaemun-gu, Nationwide Longest Support Payment for Women with Disabilities Raising Children Sparks Attention

Women with disabilities receive 100,000 KRW monthly for 7 years when having children... Shift from one-time support to the longest nationwide payment period since last year

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] On April 20th, Disability Day, the ‘Seodaemun-gu Women with Disabilities Childcare Support Fund’ policy is drawing attention.

Seodaemun-gu (Mayor Moon Seok-jin) announced on the 19th that since last year, it has been implementing the ‘Women with Disabilities Childcare Support Fund’ system differentiated from other local governments.

The district supports women with disabilities who have lived in the area for more than one year and give birth, providing 100,000 KRW monthly until the child turns 7 years old, totaling 8.4 million KRW.

This support is regardless of household income or number of children.

Previously, a one-time payment of 500,000 KRW for the first child, 700,000 KRW for the second, and 1 million KRW for the third or more children was given, which has now been expanded.

In a survey conducted by the district before the system improvement, visually impaired person A said, “It is difficult to raise a child with only courage and determination, as I have to wait for someone even to bathe the child or trim their nails.”

Hearing impaired person B expressed difficulties, saying, “Raising a baby involves many regular and irregular expenses such as formula, diapers, strollers, baby food, and noise reduction safety mats, which is a heavy burden.”

Physically disabled person C stated, “There is a need to improve the one-time childcare support fund system for women with disabilities to better help overcome the increased difficulties of childcare compared to non-disabled people.”

Seodaemun-gu also recognized that women with disabilities face greater economic burdens in childbirth and childcare compared to non-disabled people and that regular support is needed rather than one-time aid, leading to the improvement of the system, which has been in place for two years.

Providing monthly childcare support funds to women with disabilities for 7 years is the longest period nationwide, and currently, three people are receiving support.

Moon Seok-jin, Mayor of Seodaemun-gu, said, “We will strive harder not only for the stability and happiness of families with disabilities but also for the harmony between disabled and non-disabled people and the promotion of the participation of people with disabilities in the local community.”