Eligibility of foreign residents for basic livelihood benefits
There are separate eligibility rules for foreign residents. Check your own case at the community centre.
Categories that generally qualify
- People married to a Korean national and residing in Korea (especially living with a Korean spouse or child)
- People divorced or bereaved who are caring for a Korean national relative in the direct line
- Recognised refugees
- Other categories set by law
Rules change often and depend on individual circumstances. Always confirm your own case with the community centre or 129.
What you may get even if not eligible
- Emergency welfare support — for sudden crises
- Local government schemes — differ by area
- Medical cost support programmes — health centres and NGOs
- Family Center and foreign worker support centre help
- Child-related support — assessed separately if your child is a Korean national
Steps
- Go to the community centre and ask. "I would like to check whether I am eligible."
- Explain your visa status and family situation.
- If not eligible, ask about other schemes. Always ask.
- If needed, go back with a Family Center or support organisation.
Where to go
- Your local community service centre
- 129 health and welfare counselling
- 1577-1366 Danuri Helpline (13 languages, interpretation)
- Your local Family Center
- Your local support centre for foreign workers
- 1345 for immigration-related questions
Questions people ask
My child is a Korean national. Support for the child may be assessed separately. Ask at the community centre on the child's basis too.
I'm divorced but raising my child. Raising a Korean national child can make you eligible. Always get advice.
Is there a downside if I apply and am refused? Applying itself does not create a disadvantage. But check immigration implications with 1345.
I don't speak Korean. Call 1577-1366 first for interpreted advice, and ask a Family Center to accompany you.
Take care
Do not simply accept "foreigners can't get it". Some categories can. Counter staff sometimes misinform, so double-check through 129 or a Family Center.
Related
basic-livelihood · emergency-welfare · medical-benefit · f6-divorce-stay
Source
Ministry of Health and Welfare, Bokjiro www.bokjiro.go.kr / As of 2026-08