Gijang-gun Announces Second Round of High Oil Price Relief Funds: Eligibility and Application Guide

As the prolonged period of high inflation and rising fuel costs continues to strain household budgets, Gijang-gun has announced the commencement of its second round of high oil price relief funds. This initiative is designed to provide direct financial relief to residents while simultaneously stimulating the local economy by encouraging consumption at neighborhood businesses.

Building on the success of the first round—which saw a 91.9% distribution rate to approximately 14,000 residents—this second phase aims to further stabilize the livelihoods of vulnerable populations within the district.

Eligibility Criteria: Who Qualifies for the Relief Funds?

The local government has established specific income and asset thresholds to ensure that the support reaches those most impacted by economic volatility. The primary criteria for the second round of relief are as follows:

• Income Threshold: The fund is available to residents who fall within the bottom 70% of income, determined by the combined total of individual health insurance premiums as of March of this year.
• Support Amount: Eligible residents will receive 150,000 KRW per person.
• Asset Exclusions: To ensure equitable distribution, certain high-asset households are excluded. This includes households where the total property tax assessment base exceeds 1.2 billion KRW (based on 2025 data) or where the total financial income exceeds 20 million KRW (based on 2024 data).

Notably, this second round also provides an opportunity for vulnerable groups who may have missed the initial application window—such as recipients of basic livelihood security, the near-poverty group (cha-sang-wi), and single-parent families—to apply for support.

Application Timeline and Methods

To prevent administrative congestion and ensure a smooth distribution process, Gijang-gun has implemented a structured application schedule and a tiered system for the initial rollout.

Important Dates

The application period officially opens on May 18 and will run through July 3. During the first week of applications (May 18 to May 22), a “birth year rotation system” will be in effect. This system limits applications based on the last digit of a resident’s birth year to manage the volume of requests.

How to Apply

Residents can choose between online and offline methods depending on their preference and accessibility:

• Online Application: Residents can apply through various digital platforms, including credit/check card company websites and mobile apps, the Dongbaekjeon app, and major fintech platforms such as K-Bank, KakaoBank, Toss, KakaoPay, and NaverPay.
• Offline Application: For those who prefer in-person assistance, applications can be submitted at designated Eup and Myeon administrative welfare centers. Specifically, residents of Gijang-eup may apply for prepaid cards at the Dahaengbokhan General Social Welfare Center.

Residents can verify their eligibility through the National Secretary (Kukmin Biseo) service, card company websites/apps, the National Health Insurance Service website, or by visiting their local administrative welfare center.

Usage Guidelines: Where to Spend Your Funds

The relief funds are intended to support the local ecosystem. There are specific restrictions on where the money can be utilized:

• Authorized Merchants: Funds can be used at small businesses within the Busan area that have an annual sales volume of 3 billion KRW or less, as well as at registered local currency merchants.
• Expiration Date: All funds must be used by August 31. Any remaining balance after this date will automatically expire and cannot be refunded or carried over.

Key Takeaways for Residents

• Amount: 150,000 KRW per person.
• Start Date: May 18 (Rotation system applies for the first week).
• Deadline: Applications must be submitted by July 3. funds must be spent by August 31.
• Verification: Check eligibility via the National Health Insurance Service or local administrative centers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I apply if I missed the first round of support?
A: Yes. This second round is specifically designed to allow those who missed the first round, including vulnerable groups like single-parent families and those in the near-poverty group, to apply.

Q: What happens if I don’t use all my relief money by August 31?
A: Any unused balance will automatically expire after August 31 and will be forfeited.

Q: Is there a limit on where I can use the funds?
A: Yes. The funds are restricted to local merchants and small businesses in the Busan area with annual sales under 3 billion KRW to ensure the support bolsters the local economy.