Gyeonggi Province Expands Support for Purchase of Absorbent Products for People with Disabilities

Starting in July, Gyeonggi Province has significantly expanded its 'Support for the Purchase of Absorbent Products for People with Disabilities' program.

The eligibility criteria have been broadened from only those with brain lesions to include all registered persons with disabilities, and the range of supported items has been diversified from disposable diapers to include absorbent pads, mattress protectors, and more.

Since 2021, Gyeonggi Province has been providing support for up to 50% of the purchase cost of disposable diapers and similar products, with a monthly maximum of 50,000 won, to promote hygienic daily living for people with disabilities and to reduce the burden on caregivers.

With this expansion, not only people with brain lesions but also those with spinal cord injuries, developmental disabilities, stoma, and urostomy, among others, are now eligible for support. The number of beneficiaries has increased from 1,415 to 3,548.

All registered persons with disabilities residing in Gyeonggi Province may apply for the program regardless of income level, provided they meet certain eligibility criteria. The requirements remain the same: applicants must be between 25 months (2 years old) and 64 years old, and must have a severe disability as indicated by a score of 2 or less on both item 7 (bowel control) and item 8 (bladder control) of the Activities of Daily Living assessment.

Gyeonggi Provincial Government

Applications can be submitted starting July 14 at the local Eup, Myeon, or Dong Administrative Welfare Center corresponding to the applicant's address. Applicants must submit an application form and a medical diagnosis including the Activities of Daily Living assessment, after which they will undergo a review and selection process.

However, those who are 'recipients of disability activity support' (with a score of 36 or higher for bowel function limitation and 24 or higher for bladder function limitation on the Comprehensive Service Support Assessment), as well as 'recipients of disability pensions' who are confirmed to always or frequently require diapers or absorbent pads according to the Certificate of Severe Bedridden Disability, are exempt from submitting the Activities of Daily Living assessment and do not need to visit a medical institution for a diagnosis.

Once selected as a beneficiary, individuals can submit purchase receipts to the local Eup, Myeon, or Dong Community Service Center on a quarterly basis and receive support for 50% of their monthly diaper purchase costs, up to a maximum of 50,000 won. For example, if 80,000 won is spent in a month, 40,000 won will be subsidized; if 120,000 won is spent, the maximum amount of 50,000 won will be provided.

Kim Hoon, Director of Welfare at the Gyeonggi Provincial Government, stated, "Absorbent products for excretion are not just hygiene items but essential products that greatly improve the quality of life for people with disabilities and significantly reduce the burden on their families," adding, "We have improved the system so that anyone can receive the necessary support regardless of the type of disability."