Seoul District Mayors Association, Emergency Additional Support of 5.5 Billion Won for Heating Costs of Vulnerable Groups

Seoul City Provides Heating Cost Support Without Blind Spots for Basic Livelihood Security Recipients and Vulnerable Groups in Autonomous Districts

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] The Seoul Metropolitan Council of District Mayors (Chairman Lee Seong-heon, Mayor of Seodaemun-gu) has decided to provide additional heating cost support at the district level for vulnerable groups, excluding national basic livelihood security recipients, to reduce the burden on those struggling due to the record-breaking cold wave and soaring heating costs.

Previously, the central government decided to double the winter energy voucher support amount, and Seoul City separately decided to provide 100,000 KRW each to 300,000 households of national basic livelihood security recipients from February to October.

In line with Seoul City's support, the Council of District Mayors agreed that the 25 district mayors would provide additional heating cost support to vulnerable groups who do not receive public support to prevent energy blind spots.

The Council of District Mayors plans to ensure that vulnerable groups receive seamless support through this special assistance.

The additional support targets approximately 55,000 households of vulnerable groups excluded from Seoul City's heating cost support, such as Seoul-type basic livelihood security recipients, near-poverty groups, and single-parent families, and is provided separately from the government’s energy voucher support.

The 25 autonomous districts plan to provide 100,000 KRW per eligible household in cash without separate application by February 20.

Chairman Lee Seong-heon said, “We hope this support will be of some help to vulnerable groups struggling with the unprecedented cold wave and soaring energy prices,” and added, “We will do our best to eliminate energy blind spots through continuous monitoring even after the heating cost support.”