South Korea Opens Applications for Energy Vouchers to Aid Vulnerable Households

The South Korean government will begin accepting applications for its Energy Voucher program on June 15th, aiming to alleviate the financial burden of heating costs for vulnerable households. The Ministry of Climate, Energy, and Environment announced that applications for the 2026 Energy Voucher will be accepted until December 31st through local administrative welfare centers and the 'Bokjiro' website.

The Energy Voucher program provides financial assistance for essential heating expenses, covering electricity, city gas, district heating, kerosene, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and coal briquettes. Recipients can opt to have the costs automatically deducted from their utility bills or use a 'National Happiness Card' to purchase energy directly. Eligibility is extended to households receiving basic livelihood security benefits, specifically those that also include elderly individuals (over 65), infants (under 7, pre-school age), persons with disabilities, pregnant women, individuals with severe illnesses, single-parent families, or families with multiple children.

Support amounts vary based on household size: 295,200 won for single-person households, 407,500 won for two-person households, 532,700 won for three-person households, and 701,300 won for households with four or more members. A significant change this year is the introduction of an "advance exception payment" system. Previously, households where energy costs were included in rent or management fees faced difficulties using the voucher directly. Now, they can receive cash payments during the program period.

Additionally, the government, in collaboration with the Korea Energy Foundation, is launching a new "Coal Briquette Conversion Energy Voucher" initiative. This program aims to support households using coal briquette coupons by replacing existing coal briquette boilers with non-coal alternatives and providing financial aid for the energy conversion costs. Inquiries regarding application and usage can be directed to local administrative welfare centers, the integrated Energy Voucher consultation center (1600-3190), or the official Energy Voucher website (energyv.or.kr).