Rent support

If rent is a struggle, check housing benefit and local support.

The main options

1. Housing benefit — the housing element of basic livelihood security, supporting rent where income and asset criteria are met. See housing-benefit.
2. Youth rent support — time-limited government and local programmes, with age and income requirements.
3. Emergency welfare housing support — when a sudden crisis threatens your home. 129. See emergency-welfare.
4. Local government rent schemes — these vary by area. Ask your community centre.

Eligibility, amounts and periods differ by scheme and change often. Always check with your community centre or Bokjiro.

Steps

1. Run the "welfare service simulation" on Bokjiro (www.bokjiro.go.kr). See welfare-eligibility-check.
2. Consult the welfare desk at your community service centre.
3. Prepare the documents and apply.
4. A decision follows an income and asset assessment.

Documents (typically)

• Alien Registration Card
• Lease contract
• Proof of rent payment (bank transfer records)
• Income and asset documents
• A copy of your bankbook

For foreign residents

Status requirements differ by scheme. Marriage migrants (F-6), permanent residents (F-5), and those raising a child with Korean nationality are among those who may qualify. Confirm your own situation with 129 and your community centre.

Where to go

• The welfare desk at your local community service centre
• 129 Health and Welfare Call Centre
• Bokjiro www.bokjiro.go.kr
• MyHome 1600-1004
• 1577-1366 · 1345 interpretation

Questions people ask

I pay rent in cash. Without proof, applying is difficult. Pay by bank transfer so there is a record. Asking the landlord for receipts also helps.

The contract isn't in my name. That can make applying difficult. Explain the situation at the community centre and ask what can be done.

I'm about to be evicted. Call 129 immediately about emergency welfare housing support. If women or children are involved, 1366 also helps.

I can't complete the form. Community centres will help. Use 1577-1366 interpretation alongside.

Take care

Pay rent by bank transfer and keep the record. Cash-only payment leaves you unable to prove anything, both for applications and in any later dispute.

Related

housing-benefit · housing-support-overview · emergency-welfare · welfare-application

Source

Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, MyHome www.myhome.go.kr / As of 2026-08