Emergency welfare support — when life suddenly becomes impossible
There is a scheme that responds quickly to sudden crises. Assessment is faster than basic livelihood security.
Qualifying situations
- The main earner has died, left or gone missing
- Serious illness or injury
- Loss of income through job loss or business closure
- Fire or disaster making the home uninhabitable
- Leaving home because of domestic or sexual violence
- Unpaid wages making life impossible
- Other crises recognised by the local government
What support is given
- Livelihood support — immediate living costs
- Medical support — treatment costs
- Housing support — temporary accommodation
- Fuel and electricity support
- Childbirth and funeral costs
- Education costs
Amounts and periods are set and change. Check with 129 or your community centre.
Steps
- Contact 129 or your community centre immediately. One phone call starts it.
- Explain the crisis — when, what happened, your situation now.
- A visit and consultation follow.
- If approved, payment is fast.
- You may then be connected to basic livelihood security or other schemes.
What you need
- ID
- Evidence of the crisis (medical certificate, dismissal notice, fire confirmation)
- A bank account
Where to go
- 129 health and welfare counselling (emergency welfare line)
- Your local community service centre
- 1577-1366 Danuri Helpline (13 languages)
- Your local support centre for foreign workers
- 1366 if you left home because of violence
Questions people ask
Can foreign residents receive it? There are eligibility rules, but local governments have discretion in some cases. Tell 129 and the community centre exactly what happened and ask.
I have nothing to eat today. Call 129 and say exactly that. Emergency support is decided quickly. You can also go to the community centre in person.
I can't live because my wages weren't paid. Pursue emergency welfare together with unpaid wage advice from 1350.
I can't gather all the documents. Contact them first. They explain what is needed during the consultation.
Take care
Do not hesitate thinking "would they even help with this?" Emergency welfare exists exactly for those situations. One call to 129 today is enough.
Related
basic-livelihood · basic-livelihood-eligibility · unpaid-wages-report · dv-shelter
Source
Ministry of Health and Welfare, Bokjiro www.bokjiro.go.kr / As of 2026-08