Global Major Cities Guide

General guidance on access to welfare, childcare support, elderly care, and family support services.

Sections

1. Types of Benefits Available in Daegu

A. Healthcare Benefits

National Health Insurance (NHI):
- Description: South Korea has a universal healthcare system, and all residents, including foreign nationals with long-term visas, are required to enroll in the National Health Insurance (NHI) program.
- Eligibility:
  - Korean citizens and foreign residents with an Alien Registration Card (ARC) who stay in Korea for more than six months.
  - Employees are automatically enrolled through their employer, while self-employed individuals must register independently.
- Benefits:
  - Subsidized medical treatments, hospital visits, prescription medications, and preventive care.
  - Access to public health centers for vaccinations and health screenings.
- Costs:
  - Monthly premiums depend on income level. For employees, the employer and employee share the cost. For self-employed individuals, premiums are calculated based on income and assets.
- Application Process:
  - Employees are automatically enrolled by their employer.
  - Self-employed individuals can apply at the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) office in Daegu or online.

B. Housing Benefits

Public Rental Housing:
- Description: Affordable housing options are available for low-income families, newlyweds, and young people.
- Eligibility:
  - Low-income households, newlyweds, and young adults under specific income thresholds.
  - Foreigners may be eligible if they meet residency and income requirements.
- Benefits:
  - Reduced rent for public housing units.
- Costs:
  - Rent varies based on income and the type of housing.
- Application Process:
  - Applications are typically submitted through the Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH) or local government offices in Daegu.

C. Childcare and Education Benefits

Childcare Subsidies:
- Description: Financial support for families with young children to cover daycare and preschool costs.
- Eligibility:
  - Families with children under the age of 6.
  - Foreign residents with an ARC may also qualify.
- Benefits:
  - Subsidies for daycare centers, kindergartens, and after-school programs.
- Costs:
  - Subsidies reduce the out-of-pocket costs significantly.
- Application Process:
  - Apply through the local district office (구청, "gu-cheong") or online via the government’s welfare portal.
Education Support:
- Description: Free or subsidized education for children in public schools.
- Eligibility:
  - All children, including those of foreign residents, are entitled to free public education for elementary and middle school.
- Benefits:
  - Free tuition, textbooks, and meal subsidies for low-income families.
- Application Process:
  - Enrollment is done through the local education office in Daegu.

D. Unemployment Benefits

Employment Insurance (EI):
- Description: Financial support for individuals who lose their jobs and are actively seeking new employment.
- Eligibility:
  - Workers enrolled in the Employment Insurance program.
  - Foreign workers with valid work visas may also qualify.
- Benefits:
  - Monthly payments based on previous income.
  - Access to job training and employment support services.
- Costs:
  - Contributions are deducted from salaries (shared by employer and employee).
- Application Process:
  - File a claim at the Daegu Employment Center (고용센터, "Goyong Center").

E. Welfare Benefits

Basic Livelihood Security Program (기초생활보장제도):
- Description: Financial and in-kind support for low-income individuals and families.
- Eligibility:
  - Korean citizens and foreign residents with permanent residency or marriage visas.
  - Must meet income and asset thresholds.
- Benefits:
  - Monthly cash payments, housing support, medical aid, and education subsidies.
- Application Process:
  - Apply at the local district office (구청, "gu-cheong") in Daegu.
Emergency Welfare Support:
- Description: Temporary financial aid for individuals facing sudden financial crises (e.g., job loss, illness).
- Eligibility:
  - Residents experiencing unexpected financial hardship.
- Benefits:
  - One-time cash payments, medical support, or housing assistance.
- Application Process:
  - Contact the local district office or welfare center.

2. Eligibility Requirements

Residency:
- Foreign residents must have a valid Alien Registration Card (ARC) and meet specific residency duration requirements (usually six months or more).
Income and Assets:
- Many benefits are means-tested, requiring proof of income and assets.
Visa Type:
- Some benefits, such as welfare programs, are limited to permanent residents or those on specific visa types (e.g., F-2, F-5, F-6).

3. Application Procedures

Step 1: Gather Required Documents
- Common documents include:
  - Alien Registration Card (ARC)
  - Proof of income (e.g., pay stubs, tax statements)
  - Proof of residence (e.g., lease agreement)
  - Bank account information
Step 2: Visit the Relevant Office
- Applications are typically submitted at local district offices (구청, "gu-cheong"), welfare centers, or employment centers in Daegu.
Step 3: Submit the Application
- Fill out the required forms and submit them along with supporting documents.
Step 4: Wait for Approval
- Processing times vary depending on the benefit but usually take 1-4 weeks.
Step 5: Receive Benefits
- Approved benefits are disbursed via bank transfer or in-kind support.

4. Associated Costs

Most social services are either free or heavily subsidized. However, some programs, such as the National Health Insurance, require monthly contributions based on income.

5. Cultural and Local Considerations

Language Barrier:
- Many government offices in Daegu may not have English-speaking staff. It is advisable to bring a Korean-speaking friend or hire a translator. Alternatively, some services offer interpretation support for foreign residents.
Community Support:
- Daegu has a growing expat community, and organizations like the Daegu Global Center provide assistance to foreigners navigating social services.
Documentation:
- Korean bureaucracy is document-heavy, so ensure all paperwork is complete and accurate to avoid delays.
Respect for Hierarchy:
- Korean culture places importance on politeness and respect for authority. Be courteous and patient when dealing with government officials.

6. Local Resources in Daegu

Daegu Global Center:
- Provides information and support for foreign residents, including guidance on social services.
- Website: Daegu Global Center
National Health Insurance Service (Daegu Office):
- Address: 10, Dongdaegu-ro, Suseong-gu, Daegu
- Phone: 1577-1000
Daegu Employment Center:
- Address: 45, Gongpyeong-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu
- Phone: 053-605-6000
Local District Offices (구청):
- Each district in Daegu has its own office where residents can apply for benefits.

By understanding the available benefits and following the outlined procedures, you can access the social services you need while living in Daegu. If you have further questions or need assistance, feel free to ask!

Daegu

Social Services