National Basic Livelihood Security Benefit: Background and Significance of the 2024 Increase
The National Basic Livelihood Security system is a core social security program designed to guarantee the right to a 'humane life,' a fundamental right of the people enshrined in the Constitution of Korea. In 2024, the National Basic Livelihood Security benefit has been increased to promote the livelihood stability of vulnerable low-income groups amidst rapid inflation and economic recession. This is not just about increasing the amount of money, but also about strengthening the social safety net and alleviating income inequality. In particular, this increase aims to expand multifaceted support to ensure a minimum humane life in all areas of life, including education, medical care, and housing, beyond simply maintaining a basic standard of living.
This benefit increase applies to all four major benefits: living expenses, medical care, housing, and education. The increase for each benefit was determined by comprehensively considering the inflation rate and changes in the minimum cost of living, and is designed to provide practical help to recipients' actual lives. The government's policy is to alleviate the economic difficulties of low-income families through this benefit increase and, furthermore, to support them in establishing a foundation for self-reliance.
An official from the Ministry of Health and Welfare stated, “The purpose of this increase in the National Basic Livelihood Security benefit is to guarantee the basic living standards of low-income people in difficult economic circumstances and to help them maintain their dignity as members of society.”
Detailed Breakdown of Increases by Living Expenses, Medical Care, Housing, and Education Benefits
The National Basic Livelihood Security benefit for 2024 has been increased for each type of benefit as follows:
- Living Expenses Benefit: The benefit level has been increased to reflect the increase rate of the median income. It is paid differently depending on the size of the household, and the specific amount varies depending on the recognized income.
- Medical Care Benefit: Support is strengthened by reducing or exempting co-payments when using medical institutions. In particular, the focus is on reducing the medical expenses burden of recipients suffering from serious or rare and intractable diseases.
- Housing Benefit: The rental support standard has been raised, making more realistic housing cost support possible. For self-owned households, housing repair costs are supported to help improve the housing environment.
- Education Benefit: Supports school supplies, textbook costs, admission fees, and tuition fees for recipient households with elementary, middle, and high school children. It contributes to preventing the intergenerational transmission of poverty by expanding educational opportunities.
Specific support amounts and conditions for each benefit may vary depending on income, assets, household composition, etc. For more information, contact your local community center or the Ministry of Health and Welfare Counseling Center (129).
Eligibility and Application Method for National Basic Livelihood Security
Eligibility for the National Basic Livelihood Security benefit is for households whose recognized income is below a certain percentage of the median income. The recognized income is the sum of the income evaluation amount and the income conversion amount of assets, and varies depending on the number and age of household members, and whether or not they have a disability. As of 2024, the median income has increased compared to the previous year, and accordingly, the eligibility criteria have also been eased. Asset standards are also determined by comprehensively considering residential property, financial assets, and general assets.
Those who wish to receive the benefit can apply by visiting the 읍·면·동 (Eup, Myeon, Dong) community center in their place of residence, or online through the Bokjiro or Government24 website. When applying, you must submit documents related to income and assets, family relationship certificates, and identification cards. After application, an investigation into income, assets, and work ability will be conducted, and the eligibility for benefits will be finally determined.
An official from the Hyunbit Welfare Foundation said, “The National Basic Livelihood Security system plays an important role not only in providing money, but also in protecting the dignity of members of society and supporting self-reliance. We will actively promote and support the system so that more people can learn about it and receive benefits.”
Future Prospects and Policy Improvement Directions
The National Basic Livelihood Security system must be continuously improved in line with social changes and economic conditions. In the future, the level of benefits should be made more realistic, and the eligibility criteria should be adjusted more rationally to eliminate blind spots. In addition, it is necessary to develop and strengthen links with customized programs to support the self-reliance of recipients. For example, it is important to help recipients achieve economic independence on their own through employment support, start-up support, and education and training. A plan is in place to increase the actual level of livelihood security through an additional 10% increase over the next five years.
The National Basic Livelihood Security system is an important safety net for resolving welfare blind spots. Continuous interest and improvement are needed so that more people can benefit. Contact your local community center or related organization now for more information and to receive the support you need.