"A 3 million won voucher for the birth of a second child, an increase in parental benefits for 0-year-olds from 700,000 won to 1 million won (and 500,000 won for 1-year-olds), and the establishment of a daily care service project..."
Seongbuk-gu, Seoul (District Mayor Lee Seung-ro) is providing comprehensive information to Seongbuk-gu residents about new or changed systems and policies being implemented this year. The major changes in systems and policies this year cover 23 projects across five key areas.
Lee Seung-ro, Mayor of Seongbuk-gu, urged, "I hope Seongbuk-gu residents take an interest in the new and changed systems and projects starting from the new year, and carefully check the district website, SNS, and the newsletter Seongbuk Sori to make sure they receive the benefits."
Living Wage was first implemented nationwide by Seongbuk-gu in 2013. It is a wage system that guarantees a dignified life for workers. In 2024, the district will apply a living wage of 11,436 won, which is 15.98% (1,576 won) higher than the minimum wage (9,860 won), to employees affiliated with Seongbuk-gu Office.
Hometown Love Donation System provides donors with local specialty return gifts equivalent to 30% of the donation amount. Return gifts include leather accessories and silk scarves from Seongbuk-gu sewing companies located in the Seoul Fashion Sewing Industry Center, movie tickets for Arirang Cine Center, and Seongbuk Love Gift Certificates, which donors can choose from.
Daily Care Service Project (Voucher) supports services that help resolve daily life difficulties such as in-home care, housekeeping, hospital accompaniment, and psychological support for middle-aged and older adults needing care, family caregiving youth, and others requiring daily life assistance. Anyone who needs the service can use it regardless of income level, but depending on income, some or all of the service cost must be paid out-of-pocket. Applications can be submitted at the local community service center of the applicant’s address.
Seoul-style Kids Cafe is a public indoor children's play facility. A total of five locations in Seongbuk-gu will be designated and opened sequentially starting in January. Children aged 0 to 9 and their guardians can use the facility. The usage fee is 2,000 won for children and 1,000 won for guardians. Reservations can be made through the Seoul Our Neighborhood Care Portal before use.
Starting in 2024, Seongbuk-gu Office and admissions officers from 12 universities will jointly hold a College Admission Fair to provide accurate and diverse admissions information through various consultations. High school students and exam candidates residing in Seongbuk-gu or attending schools located in Seongbuk-gu can apply. The fair is scheduled to take place from May to July. Applications can be made by making individual reservations through the Seongbuk-gu Office website (online lectures).
Shingles Vaccination will be provided free of charge. It is available to low-income seniors aged 65 or older residing in Seongbuk-gu who have no prior history of shingles vaccination. The vaccination is scheduled to be administered in March.
First Meeting Voucher for Second Child and Beyond will increase from 2 million won to 3 million won. The first child receives 2 million won, and the second child and beyond receive 3 million won vouchers. The vouchers can be used for up to one year from the child’s birth date and are provided as points on the National Happiness Card. Applications can be made by visiting the local community service center or online via Bokjiro or Government24.
Parental benefits for intensive early infancy care will increase from 700,000 won to 1 million won for 0-year-old children, and from 350,000 won to 500,000 won for 1-year-old children. The benefits are paid monthly in cash, and for children attending daycare centers or full-day childcare, the difference after deducting the voucher amount will be paid.
The existing childcare support project, which only supported dedicated infant care, will now also include dedicated care for drop-off and pick-up, care for sick children, and care for the first child when a second child is born.
Support for Health Management of Mothers and Newborns with Multiple Births will be expanded. Care for twins with two providers will be extended to 8 hours per day, and the support period for triplets or more will be extended up to 40 days. A voucher will be provided for services such as maternal health management, newborn health care, and housekeeping support, with providers visiting the birth family in the district. Applications can be made online or by visiting the public health center from 40 days before the expected delivery date until 30 days after delivery.
Our Neighborhood Pet Foster Care Support Project supports the care of pets for vulnerable groups facing difficulties in pet care due to long-term outings or hospitalization. This project will run from March to December and provides temporary foster care support for up to 20 days.
Support funds for (disabled) sports class usage vouchers will be expanded.
Support will be provided for installing natural flow septic tank odor reduction devices for (disabled) persons, and idling of motorcycles will be restricted.
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