Livelihood Support for 5·18 Merit Recipients and Families Raised to 150,000 Won

The monthly livelihood support payment for 5·18 Democratic Merit Recipients and their bereaved families will be increased by 50,000 won, from 100,000 won to 150,000 won.

On December 9, the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs announced a draft amendment to the Enforcement Decree of the Act on the Honoring and Establishment of Organizations for 5·18 Democratic Merit Recipients. The amendment raises the monthly livelihood support payment for 5·18 Democratic Merit Recipients aged 80 or older and one of their highest-priority bereaved family members from the current 100,000 won to 150,000 won.

The Ministry is expanding related support to close gaps in veterans' benefits and to strengthen the honor accorded to merit recipients. Next year's veterans budget has also been set at 6.687 trillion won, a 3.7% increase from this year.

Accordingly, major allowances such as the Honorary Allowance for War Veterans, the Distinguished Service Allowance, and the 4·19 Revolution Merit Allowance are also scheduled to be increased.