Birth grants and local government support
Birth support comes from both national and local schemes. It varies greatly by area, so always ask your community centre.
What is available
- National schemes — the first-meeting voucher, parental benefit, child allowance, pregnancy and childbirth medical cost support
- Local birth grants — congratulatory or childrearing payments from your city or district
- Postnatal care support — home visits by maternal and newborn health managers
- Baby supplies and vouchers — depending on the area
Steps
- Ask your community service centre. Ask "what birth support is available" and they will list it.
- Apply along with the birth registration. The one-stop service lets you apply for several schemes at once.
- Local grants may have extra conditions. Many require a minimum period of residence.
- Register your account and confirm payment.
What you need
- Birth certificate and registration documents
- Parents' ID (Alien Registration Card, passport)
- Marriage documents
- A bankbook in the applicant's name
- Proof of residence
Where to go
- Your local community service centre
- 129 health and welfare counselling
- Bokjiro www.bokjiro.go.kr
- 1577-1366 Danuri Helpline (13 languages)
- Your local Family Center
Questions people ask
Do foreign residents get local grants? It varies by local government. Many require a minimum residence period or particular status. Always ask directly.
How much is it? It differs by area and changes yearly. Check with the community centre.
What if I move? Local grants often have residence conditions, so moving can change your eligibility. Check in advance.
Are medical costs covered? There is pregnancy and childbirth medical cost support (National Happiness card). Apply as soon as pregnancy is confirmed.
Take care
Many schemes have deadlines shortly after birth. Visiting the community centre during pregnancy to get the list means you won't miss anything.
Related
pregnancy-support · first-meeting-voucher · parental-benefit · child-allowance
Source
Ministry of Health and Welfare, Bokjiro www.bokjiro.go.kr / As of 2026-08