How to apply for welfare

Most welfare must be applied for. Nothing happens if you simply wait.

Where to apply

1. Your community service centre — the surest route, combining advice and intake. See community-center.
2. Bokjiro (www.bokjiro.go.kr) — online applications. See bokjiro.
3. Gov24 (www.gov.kr) — some services.
4. Directly with the relevant body — health insurance, workers' compensation, employment centres.

The process (common)

1. Find out what support exists. See welfare-eligibility-check.
2. Check what documents are needed. Asking first saves a second trip.
3. Complete and submit the application.
4. Go through assessment, including income and asset checks.
5. Receive the decision. You can object if you disagree.

Commonly required documents

• Alien Registration Card
• Family relation documents
• Income and asset documents — payslips, income certificates, bankbook copies
• Lease contract for housing matters
• Medical certificates and receipts for medical matters

Where to go

• Your local community service centre
• 129 Health and Welfare Call Centre (24 hours)
• Bokjiro www.bokjiro.go.kr
• 1577-1366 · 1345 interpretation
• Your nearest family centre

Questions people ask

Can foreigners apply? It varies by scheme. Marriage migrants (F-6), permanent residents (F-5) and those raising a child with Korean nationality qualify for various schemes. Check your own case with 129 and your community centre.

I can't complete the form in Korean. Community centre staff will help. Use 1577-1366 interpretation, or ask a family centre to accompany you.

I was refused. Find out why and ask about the objection procedure. A different scheme may fit better.

Can I claim retrospectively? Most schemes support you from the date you apply. Applying late means losing that period. Apply as soon as you learn about it.

Take care

Beware anyone charging a fee to "apply for welfare on your behalf". All public welfare applications are free, and the community centre helps. Never hand documents or money to a private individual.

Related

bokjiro · welfare-eligibility-check · community-center · emergency-welfare

Source

Ministry of Health and Welfare, Bokjiro www.bokjiro.go.kr / As of 2026-08