Major Changes to the 2026 National Employment Support System

The 2026 National Employment Support System has strengthened support in various areas to help job seekers achieve real financial stability and increase their employment success rate. The most notable change is the increase in the job seeker allowance.

• Increase in Job Seeker Allowance: The job seeker allowance provided to Type I participants has been increased by 100,000 KRW, from the previous 500,000 KRW to 600,000 KRW per month.
• Increased Total Support Amount: A total of 3.6 million KRW in job seeker allowance can be received over 6 months.
• Expanded Employment Success Incentive: The employment success incentive, payable upon successful employment, will also be provided up to a maximum of 1.5 million KRW.
• Expanded Eligibility: The total number of eligible recipients for the National Employment Support System will also increase to 350,000, an increase of 45,000 from before.

These changes reflect the government’s commitment to reducing the economic inactivity of young people and encouraging more active job-seeking efforts.

Eligibility Requirements by Type I and II, and Youth Special Cases

The National Employment Support System divides support into Type I and Type II, comprehensively considering the job seeker’s income, assets, and employment experience. Basically, it targets unemployed individuals aged 15 to 69 who have the ability to work and the intention to seek employment.

• Type I (Job Seeker Allowance Support):
  • Household income at or below 60% of the median income
  • Assets at or below 400 million KRW (500 million KRW for youth)
  • Employment experience of 100 days or 800 hours within the last 2 years (participation is possible even with insufficient employment experience through the selection type)
• Type II (Employment Activity Expense Support):
  • Youth and middle-aged individuals not eligible for Type I
  • Relaxed income and asset requirements, or certain groups (basic livelihood recipients, credit recovery support recipients, female household heads, etc.) can participate regardless of income
• Youth Special Cases (Ages 15-34):
  • Household median income at or below 120%
  • Assets at or below 500 million KRW
  • Participation possible without employment experience requirements
  • Age criteria can be extended by up to 3 years, equivalent to the period of military service

It is important to accurately identify your type, which can be easily checked through a self-diagnosis on the National Employment Support System website.

Online Application Procedure and Precautions

Applications for the National Employment Support System can be made both online and offline. Online application requires Worknet membership registration and job application.

• Worknet Job Application: Before applying for the National Employment Support System, you must register as a member on Worknet, upload your resume and self-introduction, and complete the job application. Once the job application is complete, a job seeker number will be issued.
• Online Application: Access the National Employment Support System website, log in, and click the ‘Apply’ button. After agreeing to personal information processing, select your type through the ‘My Eligibility Simulation’ and enter additional information such as household member details, assets, and employment experience.
• Visit Employment Center: You can also apply by directly visiting the employment center in your residential area.
• Fulfillment of Job-Seeking Activity Obligation: To receive benefits, you must diligently fulfill your job-seeking activity obligations according to your employment activity plan. Be aware that formal submission of applications or refusal of interviews without a valid reason may result in the suspension of allowance payments.
• Re-participation Restriction: If employment support ends, re-application is only possible after 3 years from the end date. However, if it ended due to employment or starting a business, the restriction period may be shortened within a range of 1 to 3 years.

The application process may seem somewhat complex, but by utilizing the ‘My Eligibility Simulation’ function on the National Employment Support System website, you can more easily check your type and prepare your application.

In 2026, the National Employment Support System, returning with enhanced benefits, will undoubtedly be a great source of strength for many preparing for employment. Don’t struggle with job preparation alone; actively utilize this system. The help of professional counselors and the job seeker allowance will support your new beginning.

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