How to apply for welfare
Most welfare must be applied for. Nothing happens if you simply wait.
Where to apply
- Your community service centre — the surest route, combining advice and intake. See community-center.
- Bokjiro (www.bokjiro.go.kr) — online applications. See bokjiro.
- Gov24 (www.gov.kr) — some services.
- Directly with the relevant body — health insurance, workers' compensation, employment centres.
The process (common)
- Find out what support exists. See welfare-eligibility-check.
- Check what documents are needed. Asking first saves a second trip.
- Complete and submit the application.
- Go through assessment, including income and asset checks.
- 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