Gyeonggi Province Launches First Phase of High Oil Price Relief Fund Application on 27th, Up to 600,000 Won

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Kim Gapdong] Gyeonggi Province will begin accepting first phase applications for the 'High Oil Price Relief Fund,' which aims to stabilize the livelihoods of vulnerable populations struggling with the aftermath of the Middle East conflict, starting from the 27th.

Phase 1 beneficiaries are basic livelihood recipients, near-destitute households, and single-parent families who urgently need living funds, and can receive up to 600,000 won.

The support amount will be distributed in a differentiated manner customized according to income level and residential area. Basic livelihood recipients residing in the Seoul metropolitan area will receive 550,000 won, while near-destitute households and single-parent families will receive 450,000 won. Notably, residents of Gapyeong County and Yeoncheon County, designated as depopulation areas, will benefit from regional preference policies with an additional 50,000 won added to each amount, providing up to 600,000 won in total benefits.

The application period runs from April 27 to May 8. To prevent connection delays and congestion, the first week from April 27 to 30 will implement a 'day-of-week system' based on the last digit of birth year. Residents whose birth year ends in 1 or 6 may apply on Monday, 2 or 7 on Tuesday, 3 or 8 on Wednesday, and 4, 5, 9, or 0 on Thursday. From May 1 (Friday) onwards, anyone can apply regardless of day of the week.

Applications can be made through online channels via credit card company websites and mobile apps, regional gift card apps, as well as through offline applications at affiliated bank branches and administrative welfare centers at residents' registered addresses. In principle, applicants must apply themselves; however, guardians registered as household heads on residents' registration can apply on behalf of minor children born after December 31, 2007.

The province encouraged residents to bring their existing Gyeonggi local currency cards when visiting for applications to prevent resource waste and enhance convenience. When brought in, support funds will be immediately charged to the card. For residents with mobility difficulties, administrative welfare center staff will also visit homes to assist with applications.

Additionally, the province urged particular caution against smishing scams impersonating the relief fund application. All administrative agencies, including the provincial and municipal/county governments, never request residents' bank account passwords or personal information via text messages under any circumstances, so residents should avoid accessing websites from unclear sources and only verify through official channels.

The confirmed relief funds can be used at affiliate stores of small business owners with annual sales of 3 billion won or less by August 31 of this year. Phase 2 applications, targeting the bottom 70% income general residents, will begin on May 18. For more detailed inquiries, residents can contact the Gyeonggi Province Call Center at 120.

Kim Jin-hyo, director of the Welfare Policy Division, said, "We will make our best efforts to ensure that residents experience no inconvenience in applying for the high oil price relief fund," adding, "Please be particularly careful to avoid damage from fraudulent text messages impersonating support assistance."