[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyesook] Incheon City is recruiting participants for the 'Dream Check Card' project, which supports job-seeking activity expenses for economically struggling youth, until the 31st of this month.
Started in 2019, this project provides youth aged 19 to 39 residing in Incheon with up to 3 million KRW over six months, giving 500,000 KRW monthly to cover direct and indirect costs related to job seeking. Part of the support is given as Incheon e-eum consumption coupons to revitalize the local economy.
The support funds can be used for interview preparation and education expenses necessary for employment, book purchases, certification exam fees, as well as medical expenses and purchases of daily necessities and clothing.
Youth aged 19 to 34 who have graduated from their final school can apply if their household income is between 120% and 150% of the median income, and those aged 35 to 39 can apply if their household income is between 50% and 150% of the median income.
However, youth currently participating in similar projects from other institutions or working more than 30 hours per week are excluded from eligibility.
The number of supported individuals is around 640, selected through a comprehensive review of household income, duration of unemployment, period of residence in Incheon, and job-seeking activity plans. Additional points are given to youth from households facing financial difficulties due to job loss caused by COVID-19.
The city plans to announce the final selected candidates on May 4th on the Incheon Youth Social Advancement website after document screening.
An Incheon city official stated, "As the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic worsens employment conditions, youth are facing many difficulties," adding, "We hope the Dream Check Card project will provide practical help for youth in their job-seeking activities."
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