Disability Pension Raised to a Maximum of 403,180 Won per Month... "Basic Benefit Increase"

[Asia Economy Reporter Byeon Seon-jin] From this month, the disability pension given to low-income persons with severe disabilities will be increased to a maximum of 403,180 KRW per month.

The Ministry of Health and Welfare announced on the 8th that, to ensure income security for low-income persons with severe disabilities, the basic benefit amount was increased by reflecting last year's consumer price index change rate (5.1%), deciding on 323,180 KRW, which is 15,680 KRW higher than last year's basic benefit amount (307,500 KRW).

The disability pension consists of the 'basic benefit' to compensate for income loss due to loss of working ability, and the 'additional benefit' (currently 80,000 KRW) for extra costs incurred due to disability. Accordingly, from the payment date on January 20, disability pension recipients will receive a monthly disability pension of up to 403,180 KRW, which is the sum of the basic and additional benefits.

This year, the selection criteria for disability pension recipients were set at 1,220,000 KRW for single-person households and 1,952,000 KRW for couple households, the same level as last year's criteria, considering the current coverage rate of 70.5%. The Ministry of Health and Welfare expects about 370,000 people to benefit from the disability pension this year.

The disability pension system was introduced in July 2010 to stabilize the lives of persons with disabilities. Persons aged 18 or older with registered severe disabilities whose recognized monthly income of themselves and their spouse is below the selection criteria are eligible for the disability pension.

The disability pension can be applied for by visiting local town, township, or neighborhood community service centers nationwide regardless of the resident registration address, and it is also possible to apply online through the Ministry of Health and Welfare's 'Bokjiro' website. Applications for the disability pension can be made not only by the individual but also by proxy through spouses, parents, children, etc.

Yeom Min-seop, Director of the Disability Policy Bureau at the Ministry of Health and Welfare, said, “We hope that the increase in the disability pension will help secure income and stabilize the lives of persons with disabilities, and we will strive to strengthen the system to improve income distribution and promote social integration.”