Support of 592,000 KRW for Heating Costs for All Basic Livelihood Security Recipients and Low-Income Households

[Asia Economy Sejong=Reporter Dongwoo Lee] In response to the 'heating bill bomb' crisis triggered by the gas price hike, the government will provide heating cost discounts of up to a total of 592,000 KRW to all basic livelihood security recipients and near-poverty groups. The plan is to significantly expand winter heating support to alleviate the difficulties faced by vulnerable groups who were previously in welfare blind spots.

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced on the 1st additional winter heating support measures for basic livelihood security recipients and near-poverty groups. This measure will be implemented by discounting gas fees over the four winter months from December last year to March this year.

First, livelihood and medical benefit-type basic livelihood security recipients who do not receive energy vouchers will receive an additional 304,000 KRW on top of the existing gas fee discount of 288,000 KRW. Housing-type recipients will receive an additional 448,000 KRW on top of the existing 144,000 KRW, and education-type recipients will receive an additional 520,000 KRW on top of the existing 72,000 KRW in gas fee discounts.

Near-poverty groups who do not receive energy vouchers will also receive an additional 448,000 KRW discount on top of the existing 144,000 KRW gas fee discount. All of these groups will receive a total discount of 592,000 KRW through this additional support.

The government stated, "Despite previous additional measures, the support amount for basic livelihood security recipients who do not receive energy vouchers and near-poverty groups was relatively low, so we have prepared additional measures to significantly strengthen support for these groups."

Furthermore, to resolve cases where eligible applicants for energy vouchers and gas fee discounts do not apply due to difficulties with eligibility, procedures, or methods, local governments nationwide and the Korea Energy Agency will encourage applications through text messages, mail, and phone calls to non-applicants. In cooperation with the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, during regular neighborhood meetings, the relevant community leaders will promote materials and encourage energy voucher applications.

Additionally, to prevent recipients from missing applications, local city gas company meter readers will distribute promotional materials about fee discounts to households during visits, and the government will use the media to provide information and encourage applications for the city gas fee discount system.

The government said, "We will continue to make sustained efforts with related ministries, local governments, and institutions to ensure that welfare blind spots do not occur among basic livelihood security recipients and near-poverty groups during the winter season."

[Image source=Yonhap News]