Gwanak-gu Provides 50,000 Won Emergency Disaster Relief per Person to All Residents... Why?

Gwanak-gu to Accept Online Applications on Gwanak-gu Office Website from May 9, On-site Applications from June 7; Preliminary Payments Scheduled by May 4 for Basic Livelihood Security, Basic Pension, and Disability Pension Recipients; Possibility of Vote-Buying Controversy Before Local Elections Cannot Be Ruled Out, Drawing Attention

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Gwanak-gu announced that it will provide emergency disaster relief funds of 50,000 won per person to support the health and daily life recovery of all residents exhausted by the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic.

However, with the June 1 local elections just over 40 days away, there is attention due to the potential for a 'vote-buying controversy.' In particular, Gwanak-gu ranks second after Geumcheon-gu among the 25 autonomous districts of Seoul, and with current district mayor Park Jun-hee running in the local elections, the possibility of increased controversy seems high.

Regarding these criticisms, a district official explained, "Gwanak-gu has many confirmed cases and residents in difficulty, so we decided to support all residents," adding, "We have also reviewed the election law."

The support targets all residents registered in Gwanak-gu as of April 21, 2022, regardless of age, occupation, or income, and includes foreign residents registered in Gwanak-gu with marriage immigrant status (F6 visa) and permanent resident status (F5 visa).

Applications can be made both online and in person. For online applications, from May 9 to June 24, applicants can apply through a simple identity verification process on the Gwanak-gu Office website.

If online application is difficult, residents can visit their local community service center with an ID and a copy of their bankbook from June 7 to 24.

To minimize inconvenience caused by congestion during the initial application period, the district plans to operate a day-of-the-week system (5-day rotation) for the first two weeks of online applications and the first week of in-person applications. Applicants whose birth year ends in 1 or 6 can apply on Monday, 2 or 7 on Tuesday, 3 or 8 on Wednesday, 4 or 9 on Thursday, and 5 or 0 on Friday.

A visiting application service will also be operated for residents with mobility difficulties. For elderly residents living alone and severely disabled persons, upon request during the on-site reception period, staff will visit their homes to receive applications directly.

The disaster relief funds will be paid into the application account within seven days after application, and recipients of basic livelihood benefits, basic pensions, and disability pensions will be pre-paid by May 4 without a separate application process.

A district official said, "We hope this disaster relief fund will provide some comfort to residents struggling due to the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic," and added, "To prevent the spread of COVID-19 and ensure smooth application and reception, please use online applications whenever possible."

For detailed information regarding application and payment of the support funds, please check the Gwanak-gu Office website (News & Notices → Public Announcements) or contact the emergency disaster relief fund call center.