Residents turning 100 years old (born in 1923) must apply at their local community center at least one month before their birthday
A congratulatory gift of 1 million KRW will be given in the month of the senior's birthday (one-time lifetime payment)
[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Geumcheon-gu (Mayor Yoo Seong-hoon) will provide a "Longevity Celebration Fund" of 1 million KRW to foster a social atmosphere of respect for the elderly and to wish for their long life.
Geumcheon-gu established an ordinance regarding the payment of the Longevity Celebration Fund in September 2020 to provide a legal basis for the payment.
The recipients are seniors aged 100 or older who have continuously resided in Geumcheon-gu for more than one year. Applications can be submitted at the local community center of their residence up to one month before the month they turn 100. To prevent any missed applications, separate notices will be sent to eligible individuals.
Applications must be made by the individual in principle; however, if health or mobility issues prevent a personal visit, a proxy may apply on their behalf. When visiting, applicants must submit their ID card, a copy of their bank account, and if applying by proxy, the proxy's ID card, family relation certificate, and a power of attorney.
The Longevity Celebration Fund will be paid into the applicant's designated account in the month of their birthday after the application is processed. Even if the application is submitted after the birthday, payment will be made within the same year if eligibility conditions are met.
Geumcheon-gu paid the Longevity Celebration Fund to 29 seniors in 2021 and 17 seniors in 2022.
Mayor Yoo Seong-hoon of Geumcheon-gu said, "We wish for the longevity of our seniors and offer the Longevity Celebration Fund with respect. We will continue to develop welfare policies to ensure our seniors can enjoy a happy old age."
Gwangjin-gu raises ‘price difference support’ for elderly paper collectors from 70 KRW to 80 KRW per kg
Program operates by compensating the difference between the district’s designated standard price and the actual paper price
Increased from 70 KRW to 80 KRW per kg, supporting up to 150 kg per person per day
Gwangjin-gu (Mayor Kim Kyung-ho) has raised the standard price for the ‘price difference support’ for elderly paper collectors from 70 KRW to 80 KRW per kilogram.
The ‘price difference support’ refers to the district compensating the difference between the designated standard price and the actual paper price when the paper price falls. Since 2019, Gwangjin-gu has been the first in the nation to operate this support program for elderly paper collectors.
The standard price, which was set at 70 KRW per kg in 2019, will be increased to 80 KRW per kg starting this year. This adjustment reflects a 10% rise in the consumer price index over the past three years and the ongoing decline in paper prices due to the economic downturn, which has increased the financial difficulties faced by elderly paper collectors.
The district aims to help seniors maintain their paper collecting activities and enhance their sense of livelihood stability through this price increase. This also positively impacts resource recycling.
Eligible recipients are those who: ▲ are registered residents of Gwangjin-gu and actually reside there ▲ collect paper using hand carts or similar means rather than vehicles ▲ are aged 65 or older or have an income recognized as 150% or less of the lower-income bracket standard. Support is available for up to 150 kg per person per day.
The average paper price at local scrap dealers has been about 40 KRW since October last year. Seniors eligible for the ‘price difference support’ must sell their paper to scrap dealers and submit the issued sales receipts twice a month to their local community center.
Mayor Kim Kyung-ho of Gwangjin-gu said, “We hope this increase in the standard price will help seniors maintain their activities and stabilize their lives. We will continue to make various efforts to ensure elderly paper collectors can work healthily and safely.”
Up to last year, a total of 2,666 seniors received approximately 220 million KRW in price difference support. Additionally, last year the district distributed safety supplies to elderly paper collectors to help them cope with heatwaves and cold spells, supporting their healthy and safe activities.
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