Jongno-gu Provides 500,000 Won Temporary Living Expenses Support for Vulnerable Residents

You can apply online welfare by submitting the application form and income reduction proof either on the homepage or by visiting the local community center in your residence.

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Jongno-gu (District Mayor Kim Young-jong) is launching a livelihood support project targeting low-income crisis households that do not benefit from existing welfare systems or COVID-19 support programs, providing a one-time livelihood allowance of 500,000 KRW per household.

This project responds to the prolonged social distancing measures due to COVID-19, which have caused cumulative damage and ongoing employment shocks.

Jongno-gu is implementing measures to cover blind spots in COVID-19 damage support, especially aiming to stabilize the livelihoods of crisis households outside the formal system that did not receive other disaster relief funds related to COVID-19.

Additionally, by introducing methods that allow various types of proof documents, the district plans to reduce the burden of verification and expand support as much as possible.

The support targets households experiencing difficulties in daily life due to income reduction but did not receive COVID-19 related damage support in 2021 (based on resident registration households as of March 1, 2021).

If income has decreased compared to 2019?2020 (currently from January to May 2021), and the total income of all household members is below 75% of the median income standard, with property in metropolitan areas below 600 million KRW, they can apply. However, households receiving basic livelihood security (livelihood benefits), emergency welfare (livelihood support), or other disaster relief funds cannot receive overlapping payments.

Online applications are accepted from May 10 to 28. The head of the household must verify their identity through the Welfare Road or Mobile Welfare Road platforms, complete the application form, and submit it along with consent forms for all household members’ personal information and documents proving income reduction. To facilitate smooth applications, an odd-even system based on the last digit of the birth year will be operated.

In-person applications are accepted from May 17 to June 4.

The head of the household, household members, or legal representatives must bring identification and visit the local community service center to submit the application form, consent forms for all household members’ personal information, and proof of income reduction.

Proof of income reduction can include withholding tax receipts, health insurance qualification certificates, credit card sales confirmations, business closure reports, sales and purchase slips, bank transaction statements, or bankbook copies showing salary details.

After the application period ends, eligibility based on income and property criteria and overlap with other programs will be verified, and payments will be made by the end of June. The amount is 500,000 KRW per household regardless of the number of household members.

Inquiries regarding this one-time livelihood support can be made through the Health and Welfare Counseling Center or the local community service center.

Meanwhile, since last month, Jongno-gu has formed a “One-time Livelihood Support TF Team” until the situation ends, hiring and deploying dedicated personnel to ensure smooth and prompt payments through multifaceted efforts.

Kim Young-jong, Mayor of Jongno-gu, stated, "We will actively identify and support crisis households in blind spots who suffer from COVID-19 difficulties but have not received support," adding, "We will continue to do our best to eliminate welfare blind spots."