Seoul City Invests 310.5 Billion Won to Support the Disabled

Children in Facilities, Low-Income Single-Parent Families
Youth Preparing for Independence, Children at Risk of Malnutrition, etc.

[Asia Economy Reporter Kiho Sung] On the 29th, the Seoul Metropolitan Government announced that as part of its ‘Walking Together with the Vulnerable’ initiative, it will establish a more detailed and robust safety net this year for various types of vulnerable children and at-risk families, including children in facilities, youth preparing for independence, children at risk of food insecurity, and low-income single-parent families. The plan is to proactively identify policy blind spots to prevent the prolonged economic downturn and high inflation from affecting the weakest links in our society, and to provide practical support tailored to the circumstances of each beneficiary.

First, Seoul will double the nutrition meal allowance and pocket money compared to last year for children living in facilities to help them grow healthily and avoid psychological shrinkage, and will also begin providing psychological and emotional therapy support. For children at risk of food insecurity, following last year’s increase in meal allowance (from 7,000 KRW to 8,000 KRW), this year the support target will be expanded to include the near-poor class (from below 50% median income to below 60% median income).

Youth preparing for independence, who must leave care facilities and stand on their own relatively early, will receive strengthened economic independence and emotional support. At the same time, a survey will be conducted to understand each individual’s preparation status, living conditions, and needs, in order to develop realistic support measures.

Support for vulnerable households will also be expanded and strengthened. The ‘Household Service Support Project,’ which is especially well-received by single-parent families raising children alone, will increase its target households from 275 to 350 annually, and the eligibility for ‘Childcare Allowance’ (200,000 KRW per month) will be relaxed to include households with up to 60% of median income. For teenage parents who are simultaneously raising children and preparing for school or employment at a young age, comprehensive support plans will be developed to support the growth of both parents and children, and to encourage society to view them positively.

Seoul announced that it will focus on ‘support for vulnerable children and families’ this year based on these measures. Depending on the policy beneficiaries, the support will be implemented as tailored policies in three major areas: ▲ vulnerable children ▲ youth preparing for independence ▲ vulnerable families. A total of 310.5 billion KRW will be invested this year.

Kim Seonsun, Director of the Seoul Metropolitan Government’s Women and Family Policy Office, said, “In the current situation where the pain of vulnerable children, youth preparing for independence, and vulnerable families is increasing due to rising living costs, we have prepared detailed policies that can provide some help. We will continue to identify blind spots and strengthen practical, tailored support that truly helps.”