Applying for the child allowance
The child allowance is paid monthly for children under a set age. You must apply, and payment normally starts from the month of application.
Who this covers
- Children under the specified age
- Children with Korean nationality, or who meet the scheme's eligibility rules
- The age limit and conditions can change — check with 129 or your community centre
Steps
- Check eligibility. 129 or your local community service centre.
- Apply.
- Online: Bokjiro www.bokjiro.go.kr
- In person: your community service centre
- Register a payment account in a parent's name.
- Check the result.
- Report changes of address or account.
What you need
- The child's birth documents
- ID for parents and child (Alien Registration Card, passport)
- Family relationship documents
- A bankbook in the applicant's name
Where to go
- 129 health and welfare counselling
- Bokjiro www.bokjiro.go.kr
- Your local community service centre
- 1577-1366 Danuri Helpline (interpretation)
Questions people ask
How much is it? It varies by scheme and year. Check with 129 or Bokjiro — this guide does not print figures.
Do foreign-national children receive it? It depends on the child's nationality and status. Always check your own case at the community centre.
Is it backdated if I apply late? In principle it starts from the month of application. Past months are usually not paid, so hurry.
Can I receive it together with the parental benefit? They are different schemes — ask 129 whether they can overlap.
Take care
Anyone charging a fee to apply on your behalf is a scam. Applying is free and you can do it yourself.
Related
parental-benefit · birth-support · first-meeting-voucher · childcare-support
Source
Ministry of Health and Welfare, Bokjiro www.bokjiro.go.kr / As of 2026-08