Naju-si, Implementation of Customized Welfare Policies for Elderly and Disabled

[Naju=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Yukbong] Naju City, Jeollanam-do, is set to actively promote Naju-style customized welfare policies and national and provincial matching projects that broadly encompass the elderly, disabled, women and children, and national merit recipients (bereaved families).

Exterior view of Naju City Hall building
[Photo by Naju City]

The city announced on the 20th that as a campaign pledge of the 8th local government, it is distributing ‘standing tables and chairs’ to a total of 620 senior centers and village halls in the area to support the joint health and convenience of meals and leisure activities for the elderly.

With a project cost of 929 million KRW (100% city funds), distribution to 115 locations was completed in the second half of last year, and this year 200 locations, 200 locations in 2024, and the remaining senior centers will be supplied by 2025, the final year of the project.

Depending on the presence of rooftops and the aging condition of senior centers and village halls, a heat-blocking paint application ‘Cool Roof’ support project to prevent heat waves will be promoted for 100 locations this year.

For clean and aged living, the bathing and beauty expenses for the elderly have been significantly increased from 12,000 KRW per person quarterly to 20,000 KRW (four 5,000 KRW vouchers), providing 80,000 KRW annually.

A monthly activity allowance of 50,000 KRW will newly be provided to the 20 branch heads of the Korea Senior Citizens Association Naju branch, granting responsibility and respect as leaders of elderly activities.

Along with public jobs for seniors aged 65 and older, from this year, due to the mandatory accompaniment of guardians in vehicles of local children’s centers, elderly jobs will be linked to center vehicles to support job welfare.

A transportation allowance of 100,000 KRW per month will newly be provided to child welfare teachers dispatched to local children’s centers.

Basic pensions supported by the government for livelihood security have increased by 5.1% compared to the previous year, with single households receiving up to 323,180 KRW per month and couples receiving up to 517,080 KRW this year.

The city is developing and promoting the ‘Naju-style Temporary Care Service for People with Developmental Disabilities’ to prepare for emergency absences such as hospitalization or family events of guardians of people with developmental disabilities.

Currently, the implementing agency is being selected through a public contest, and temporary 24-hour care services will be provided for up to 7 days, extendable to 30 days in special cases.

Various harmony events will also be newly held to support social participation and rights protection for the disabled and their families, including support for participation in events by the Disabled Parents Association’s Nanta team, Boccia sports competitions, and self-help groups for people with developmental disabilities.

Additionally, the voucher amount supporting the development and rehabilitation of disabled children under 18 and infants at risk of disability will be increased to 250,000 KRW per month, and the care support time for severely disabled children under 18 living with families for livelihood and housing will be expanded from 840 hours per year (70 hours per month) to 960 hours per year (80 hours per month).

Disability pensions will provide a maximum basic benefit of 321,950 KRW, and disability allowances will be increased to 60,000 KRW per month for home-based disabled persons and 30,000 KRW per month for those in facilities.

Mayor Yoon Byung-tae of Naju said, “This is the Naju-style welfare policy of the 8th local government that all citizens, including the elderly, disabled, women and children, multicultural families, and families of national merit recipients, can fully enjoy,” adding, “We will do our best to implement field-sensitive policies in each sector to realize a safe and happy welfare community for all.”

Naju=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Yukbong baekok@asiae.co.kr