2026: Disability Activity Support Benefits Expanded by 25%
The long-awaited wish of people with disabilities is becoming a reality. The Ministry of Health and Welfare announced that it will comprehensively expand disability activity support service benefits by 25% starting in April 2026. This decision focuses not only on increasing time but also on helping people with severe disabilities live independently and improving their quality of life. With the maximum monthly benefit increasing from 480 hours to 600 hours, broader support will be available for all aspects of daily life, including meals, transportation, housework, and social activities.
This expansion of benefits was made possible by the continuous demands of people with disabilities and the formation of social consensus. Many people with disabilities who have experienced difficulties due to insufficient activity support time are expected to lead more stable lives through this measure. In particular, for people with severe disabilities, activity support services are not just help but an essential element of life. This expansion will greatly contribute to ensuring their dignified lives and expanding their social participation.
Activity Support Grade Simplification and Benefit Disparity Reduction
The core of this activity support service reorganization is the significant simplification of the complex activity support grade system. The existing 15-grade system has been reduced to 9 grades, increasing administrative efficiency and reducing confusion for beneficiaries. By mitigating benefit disparities between grades, the concentration phenomenon in specific grades has been prevented, and more people with disabilities can receive activity support for the time they need. This is not just about reducing grades but also an effort to maximize the actual support effect.
Grade simplification and benefit disparity reduction will play an important role in increasing the fairness of activity support services. Cases where sufficient support was not received due to the ambiguity or irrationality of grade criteria are expected to improve. In addition, difficulties in the grade determination process will be resolved, and service satisfaction can be increased by applying more objective and transparent criteria. The Ministry of Health and Welfare plans to build a more efficient and fair activity support service system through continuous monitoring and improvement of grade simplification and benefit disparity reduction.
Improvement of Activity Assistant Treatment and Creation of a Stable Working Environment
The quality of disability activity support services largely depends on the capabilities and working environment of activity assistants. Accordingly, the Ministry of Health and Welfare has actively worked to improve the treatment of activity assistants. The hourly wage will be increased from the existing 15,570 won to 17,200 won, increasing the economic stability and morale of activity assistants. In addition, the government will support employers' contributions to the four major insurance programs for activity assistants, reducing the burden on employers and securing the employment stability of activity assistants.
Improving the treatment of activity assistants is not limited to wage increases. The Ministry of Health and Welfare plans to expand education programs to strengthen the professionalism of activity assistants and provide various welfare benefits such as psychological counseling and stress relief support. Through this, an environment will be created where activity assistants can work with pride and stability, and ultimately, efforts will be made to provide higher-quality activity support services to people with disabilities. Reasonable compensation for the dedicated efforts of activity assistants will be an important foundation for improving disability welfare.
An official from the Ministry of Health and Welfare's Disability Policy Division stated, "It is expected that approximately 80,000 people with severe disabilities will receive additional benefits through this reorganization," and added, "It is expected that the foundation for independent living in the community for people with disabilities will be further strengthened."
This expansion of activity support services will be an important step in helping people with disabilities live more independently in the community, going beyond simply increasing time and money. In addition to the expected effect of additional benefits for 80,000 people with severe disabilities, it is expected to have a positive impact on improving the quality of life and expanding the social participation of people with disabilities.
Disability Independent Living Support: Continuous Interest and Investment Needed
This expansion of activity support services is the beginning of positive change, but there are still challenges to be solved. It is important to discover people with disabilities who are in the blind spots of activity support services and provide customized support that meets their diverse needs. In addition to activity support services, continuous policy efforts and social interest are needed to support the independent living of people with disabilities in various fields such as housing, education, and employment.
Our society must constantly change and develop so that people with disabilities can live as equal members of society without discrimination. It is hoped that this expansion of activity support services will serve as a catalyst for that change and contribute to creating a more inclusive and warm society. Disability activity support services are not just welfare policies but an important means of realizing human dignity and achieving social integration. We must continue to listen to the voices of people with disabilities and never stop striving to improve their lives.
An official from the Hyunbit Welfare Foundation stated, "This expansion of activity support services is the result of the long-cherished wishes of people with disabilities, and we will continue to carry out various support projects for the independent living of people with disabilities."
Hyunbit Media will continue to provide relevant information and do its best to raise social awareness so that more people can benefit from this policy change.
- Key Benefits: 25% increase in activity support benefits (up to 600 hours)
- Target: People with disabilities using activity support services
- Effective Date: April 2026
- Inquiries: Ministry of Health and Welfare, Disability Policy Division
