Seoul, South Korea – The Ministry of Gender Equality and Family announced today a series of policy improvements aimed at expanding support for low-income single-parent households and addressing welfare blind spots. The ministry has allocated 5.614 trillion won (approximately US$4.2 billion) for single-parent family support this year, a 17.3% increase from the previous year.

Key highlights of the new policy include:

Increased Child Rearing Allowance: Starting this month, the child rearing allowance for low-income single-parent households (those earning below 63% of the median income) will increase from 210,000 won to 230,000 won per child per month. Additionally, the allowance for single parents under 24 years old (earning below 65% of the median income) will rise from 350,000 won to 370,000 won per child per month. Furthermore, the scope of school supplies support will be expanded to include elementary school students.
Relaxed Asset Criteria: The ministry has relaxed the asset criteria for single-parent households to qualify for welfare benefits. The value of vehicles that can be owned without affecting eligibility has been increased from 5 million won to 10 million won.
Expanded Housing Support: To ensure single-parent households have a stable living environment, the government will expand the supply of public rental housing and increase rental deposit support. The eligibility criteria for single-parent family welfare facilities will also be relaxed to include vulnerable single parents, not just pregnant women.
Yangbuk (Child Support) Advance Payment System: Starting in July, the government will introduce a system where the government will advance child support payments to eligible single parents and then collect the funds from the non-custodial parent.
“We are committed to ensuring a smooth implementation of the child support advance payment system by developing detailed regulations,” said a ministry official.

These policy changes reflect the South Korean government's ongoing efforts to provide greater support to single-parent families and help them achieve economic independence.