"We Even Visited Homes, but 'No Need'... 560,000 People Declined Consumption Coupons"

First Round of Consumption Coupons Reaches 98.9% Application Rate
1.1% Remain Unapplied Despite Government's "Visiting Application" Efforts

The application rate for the first round of livelihood recovery consumption coupons promoted by the government has exceeded 98%.

The Ministry of the Interior and Safety announced on the 13th that, out of approximately 50.61 million people nationwide, about 50.05 million had completed applications for the first round of consumption coupons, which began on July 21, resulting in an application rate of 98.9%.

This figure slightly surpasses the application rate (98.7%) for the COVID-19 emergency relief funds in 2021, with the total amount distributed reaching 9.0634 trillion won.

However, as of one day before the application deadline, about 560,000 people (1.1%) had not applied. The government operated a "visiting application" service through local governments for the elderly and people with disabilities, but some citizens declined to apply, stating that they "did not feel the need to receive it." As a result, a portion of the budget will remain unused.

A notice for the use of livelihood recovery consumption coupons posted at a store in downtown Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

A government official stated, "Unlike in the past, we are making considerable efforts, including visiting applications, but there are still people around who are not applying," and added, "We will have to wait until the last day, but we believe there are quite a few people who have decided not to apply."

The official further explained, "Despite significant efforts, the fact that some citizens have not applied must be regarded as a matter of personal choice."

Meanwhile, the government also announced plans for the second round of consumption coupon distribution. Starting on the 22nd, 100,000 won per person will be provided to 90% of the population, excluding the top 10% by income.

The eligibility is determined based on household health insurance payments, and households with a combined property tax base exceeding 1.2 billion won or annual financial income over 20 million won will be excluded as high-asset households. Based on these criteria, approximately 927,000 households, or 2.48 million people, are expected to be excluded from the distribution.

Applications for the second round will be accepted from the 22nd of this month until October 31. Applicants can choose between credit/debit cards, local gift certificates, or prepaid cards. Adults can apply individually, while the head of household must apply on behalf of minors. The usage period for both the first and second rounds of coupons is until November 30, and any unused balance after the deadline will be automatically forfeited.