South Korea expands energy voucher support for vulnerable households

The Ministry of Climate, Energy, and Environment in South Korea is launching a proactive service to help vulnerable citizens reapply for energy vouchers.

The ministry will contact individuals whose support was interrupted due to changes in household size or relocation, especially those who cannot visit administrative centers because of age or disabilities. This initiative aims to reach 25,000 households by March next year.

The government is also introducing a new cash payment system for people living in low-income housing like tiny rooms or goshiwons where heating costs are included in the rent. Additionally, the ministry will provide extra support to 210,000 households using kerosene or liquefied petroleum gas, which have seen price spikes due to Middle East conflicts and high exchange rates.

To prevent service cutoffs, the government will delay the suspension of city gas and electricity for low-income households from October 2024 to May 2025. The ministry also expanded its outreach program, where postal workers and social workers visit homes to help people use their vouchers. This year, the ministry will visit up to 122,000 households to provide cards and usage instructions.