Seosan City in Chungnam province has announced its plan to focus administrative efforts on providing “High Oil Price Damage Support Fund” to alleviate the burden on citizens due to recent fuel price increases. Citizens can receive up to 600,000 won, and the support can be used until the end of August.
A dedicated task force has been created to systematically handle the entire process from application to disbursement, minimizing inconvenience to citizens and ensuring prompt support. The support amount varies: 600,000 won for Basic Livelihood Security recipients, 500,000 won for lower-income brackets and single-parent families, and 150,000 won for citizens in the lower 70% income tier.
The first application phase runs from April 27 to May 8 for Basic Livelihood Security recipients and lower-income/single-parent households. The second phase, for the lower 70% income citizens, will be from May 18 to July 3.
Applications can be submitted both online and offline. Credit/debit cards can be applied through card company websites, apps, call centers, ARS, or platforms like Toss and Kakao Bank, as well as bank branches. The mobile Seosan Love Gift Certificate can be applied through the ‘chak’ app, and prepaid cards by visiting local administrative welfare centers.
Credit/debit cards and mobile gift certificates will be charged the next day after application, while prepaid cards can be collected immediately on-site after application.
Customized services will be available for the elderly and disabled citizens with limited mobility, where dedicated officials will assist with applications and deliver funds once ready.
Usage of funds is restricted to local businesses with annual sales below 3 billion won, excluding large supermarkets and entertainment/gambling sectors. Seosan Love Gift Certificates can only be used at affiliated stores. Funds must be used by August 31; unused amounts will not be refunded. Eligibility can be checked through the National Secretary notification service, and detailed application methods and information will be available on the city’s website, SNS, and promotional materials.
A city official stated, “We will do our best to provide thorough guidance and field support to ensure citizens do not experience inconvenience from application to disbursement.”