Home > National > Social Affairs

Gov't rolls out cash aid for vulnerable groups amid Middle East crisis

Published: 27 Apr. 2026, 11:11 Updated: 27 Apr. 2026, 16:46

An older adult talks with a civil servant on April 27, as cash assistance for basic livelihood security recipients and other vulnerable groups began rolling out the same day. [YONHAP]

Cash assistance for basic livelihood security recipients and other vulnerable groups began rolling out on Monday as part of efforts to ease financial strains caused by rising oil prices amid the Iran war.

The government started accepting applications for the funds, which will allocate 550,000 won ($370) for basic livelihood security recipients and 450,000 won per person for single-parent households and those just above the welfare eligibility threshold.

Recipients outside Seoul or those living in areas with declining populations will receive an additional 50,000 won.

The applications will run through May 8, with recipients able to choose among assistance by credit and debit cards, prepaid cards or local currency vouchers.

The funds, which will expire on Aug. 31, can only be used at small businesses with annual sales of 3 billion won or less or at businesses that accept local currency vouchers.

The government is planning a broader rollout of cash assistance for the bottom 70 percent of income earners, with the selection criteria for recipients to be announced early next month.

Earlier this month, the National Assembly approved a 26.2 trillion won extra budget bill, which includes the cash assistance plan, in an effort to cope with the economic fallout from the Iran war.

Yonhap