In these times of high inflation and economic recession, many people are feeling the burden of livelihood. Government support is a great help, especially for households facing sudden crises or struggling to maintain a minimum standard of living. In 2026, the Livelihood Benefit and Emergency Welfare Livelihood Support systems are changing in various ways, lowering the barrier so that more people can receive benefits. Let’s find out what changes are coming and how you can apply.
As the government has further refined the National Basic Livelihood Security system to strengthen welfare for the vulnerable, those in welfare blind spots should definitely check their eligibility for support at this time.
2026 Livelihood Benefit: What’s Changing?
In 2026, the scope of Livelihood Benefit recipients will be significantly expanded. This is because the Standard Median Income is increasing by the largest margin ever, and the Livelihood Benefit selection criteria will also be gradually raised to 35% of the Standard Median Income. As a result, approximately 210,000 additional recipients are expected. In particular, the increase in the Standard Median Income for single-person households is relatively larger, so more single-person households are expected to receive Livelihood Benefit.
- Standard Median Income Increase: For a 4-person household, it will be 6,494,738 KRW per month, a 6.51% increase compared to 2025.
- Livelihood Benefit Selection Criteria Raised: Gradually expanded to 35% of the Standard Median Income.
- Abolition of Dependent Obligation Criteria for Severely Disabled: The dependent obligation criteria for households with severely disabled individuals who have high medical needs will be abolished, making it easier to receive Livelihood Benefit.
- Relaxation of Automobile Asset Criteria: Automobile asset criteria will be relaxed, with vehicles used for livelihood purposes being excluded from asset calculation.
Emergency Welfare Livelihood Support: Quick Help for Crisis Households
Emergency Welfare Livelihood Support is a system that temporarily and quickly helps low-income households facing difficulties in maintaining their livelihood due to sudden crisis situations. Starting in 2026, the procedure for small-amount emergency livelihood expense support will be simplified, allowing for priority support at local eup/myeon/dong (town/township/neighborhood) offices. This measure strengthens the welfare safety net to ensure crisis households receive help more quickly. The support amount has also been increased to reflect inflation, reaching approximately 783,000 KRW per month for a single-person household.
Emergency Welfare Support can be received if the type of crisis situation and income/asset criteria are met. Key crisis situations include:
- Loss of income due to death, disappearance, unknown whereabouts, or incarceration of the main income earner.
- Difficulty in economic activity due to severe illness or injury.
- Victim of domestic violence or sexual violence.
- Difficulty living in residential facilities due to fire or natural disaster.
- Other crisis situations determined by the Minister of Health and Welfare.
How to Apply for Livelihood Benefit and Emergency Welfare
Livelihood Benefit and Emergency Welfare Livelihood Support can be applied for by visiting the local eup/myeon/dong community center or online through the Bokjiro website. Before applying, it is important to check if your income and asset criteria are met. In particular, for Emergency Welfare Support, the most recent crisis reason is the most important judgment criterion, so if a crisis situation occurs, it is advisable to inquire and apply without delay.
- How to Apply:
- Visit your local eup/myeon/dong community center
- Online application through the Bokjiro website
- Required Documents: Application form, income and asset verification documents, documents proving the crisis situation, etc. (Detailed information can be provided during consultation.)
- Contact: Ministry of Health and Welfare Call Center 129
We hope that by utilizing the changing Livelihood Benefit and Emergency Welfare Livelihood Support systems in 2026, you will be able to overcome difficult times and regain a stable life.