Apply for 'Energy Voucher'... This Year's Support Amount Increased by 20,000 Won and Usage Period Extended by 1 Month

The 2024 project for the Energy Voucher, which supports energy costs for vulnerable groups, is set to officially begin.

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced on the 23rd that applications for this year's program will be accepted from the 29th until December 31st at administrative welfare centers in all towns, townships, and neighborhoods nationwide, as well as on the Bokjiro website.

The Energy Voucher program provides vouchers that can be used to purchase energy needed for cooling and heating, helping vulnerable groups to get through summer and winter without worries. Recipients can choose to receive support either by automatic deduction from their electricity, city gas, or district heating bills, or by freely paying for their preferred energy source using the National Happiness Card. Eligible recipients are households receiving basic living security benefits under the National Basic Living Security Act and meeting specific household member criteria.

This year, the support amount and usage period have been expanded. The average support amount per household, which was 347,000 KRW last year (43,000 KRW for summer and 304,000 KRW for winter), has been increased to 367,000 KRW this year (53,000 KRW for summer and 314,000 KRW for winter). Additionally, the usage period for the Energy Voucher has been extended by about one month, from the original April 30th to May 25th.

Along with this, to minimize blind spots where people are unaware of the program or unable to use it properly, a "Visiting Energy Welfare Service" will be actively promoted. The government plans to introduce a care service where postal delivery workers and social workers visit households that have not used the Energy Voucher for three years to conduct surveys, provide program guidance, and offer one-on-one customized usage support.

For detailed inquiries about eligibility, application, and usage of the Energy Voucher, contact the local administrative welfare center or the Energy Voucher call center. Related information can also be found on the Energy Voucher website.