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🇰🇷 South Korea /Economy & Trade

Basic Livelihood Benefits for Vulnerable Households Can Now Be Processed by Officials Without Application

From Hankyoreh · (7h ago) Korean Positive tone

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Starting this month, local government officials can proactively process basic livelihood security benefits for vulnerable households without requiring a separate application.
  • This change follows President Lee Jae-myung's criticism of the 'welfare application principle' and aims to improve support for those in poverty.
  • The new procedure allows officials to initiate applications for individuals unable to consent, such as minors or those with developmental disabilities, and provides a grace period for financial information verification.

South Korea is taking a significant step towards a more compassionate and proactive welfare system with the implementation of a new policy allowing officials to directly process basic livelihood security benefits for vulnerable households. This move, spurred by President Lee Jae-myung's critique of the traditional 'welfare application principle,' signifies a crucial shift from a system that often placed undue burden on those most in need.

There were quite a few cases where support could not be provided even if the person in charge repeatedly persuaded the beneficiary to apply for basic livelihood security benefits, but the person refused.

— Ministry of Health and WelfareExplaining the necessity for the policy change, highlighting instances where beneficiaries refused assistance.

The Ministry of Health and Welfare's decision to enable public officials to initiate applications on behalf of individuals who cannot consent, such as minors or those with developmental disabilities, addresses a critical gap in the existing support structure. This is particularly relevant in light of tragic incidents, like the recent case in Ulsan where a family facing hardship died before adequate support could be provided due to procedural hurdles.

Especially in the case of children, if the legal guardian refused to apply, they were left in a blind spot of protection, and the situation required improvement.

— Ministry of Health and WelfareDetailing the specific vulnerability of children under the previous system.

This policy change is not just about simplifying procedures; it's about fundamentally rethinking how the state supports its most vulnerable citizens. By allowing officials to act proactively and offering a grace period for financial verification, the government aims to remove barriers and ensure that help reaches those who need it most, without delay. The inclusion of a non-recourse clause for accidental overpayments and immunity for officials acting in good faith further encourages proactive intervention, reflecting a commitment to a more human-centered approach to social welfare.

Since it takes time to amend the law, we are implementing it first through active administration because we cannot stand idly by until then.

— Ministry of Health and WelfareExplaining the immediate implementation of the policy as an interim measure before legal amendments.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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