Preparation Period Shortened to 16 Days
On-Site Burden Increases Due to Two-Phase Distribution and Additional Local Incentives
The distribution of the 'Livelihood Recovery Consumption Coupon', which began on July 21, has been proceeding at a faster pace than previous disaster relief funds.
According to the Ministry of the Interior and Safety on August 2, as of 11 a.m. on July 31, which marked the 11th day since the program began, approximately 45.55 million people?about 90% of the entire population?had completed their applications. The total amount distributed reached 8.2371 trillion won. Compared to the emergency disaster relief fund in 2020 and the COVID-19 national support fund in 2021, which each took 12 days to reach a 90% application rate, this was achieved one day faster.
The preparation period for distributing this consumption coupon was also significantly shortened. While the emergency disaster relief fund took 43 days from the announcement of the plan to the start of distribution, and the national support fund took 67 days, the consumption coupon began accepting applications and distributing funds in just 16 days. After the supplementary budget bill was approved at the Cabinet meeting on June 19, it passed the National Assembly on July 4, the detailed plan was announced on July 5, and distribution began immediately on July 21.
The consumption coupon is distributed in two phases. In the first phase, 150,000 won is provided to all citizens, while 300,000 won is given to the near-poor and single-parent families, and 400,000 won to recipients of basic livelihood security. In addition, residents outside the metropolitan area receive an extra 30,000 won, and residents in rural areas with declining populations receive an additional 50,000 won. In the second phase, 100,000 won will be provided to 90% of the population, excluding the top 10% income bracket.
This round of distribution was more complex, placing a heavy burden on on-site operations. Previous disaster relief funds were distributed in a single payment, but the consumption coupon is divided into two phases and includes local incentives, making the calculation process more complicated. On the first day of applications, there were delays accessing the Ministry of the Interior and Safety's website and difficulties connecting to the call center. However, the ministry assessed that there was no major confusion overall.
Due to the short preparation period, overwork among ministry staff became a serious issue. The Ministry of the Interior and Safety formed a working task force of about 10 people from mid-June, working from early morning until late at night. Recently, two staff members visited the hospital due to overwork.
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