South Korea Starts Rolling Out Cash Aid For Vulnerable Groups Amid West Asia Crisis

A sign promoting applications for cash assistance to ease financial strains caused by the Middle East crisis is seen at a community centre in Seoul on April 23, 2026. Cash assistance for basic livelihood security recipients and other vulnerable groups began rolling out on April 27, 2026, as part of efforts to ease financial strains caused by rising oil prices amid the war in West Asia. The government started accepting applications for the funds, allocating 550,000 won (US$372) for basic livelihood security recipients and 450,000 won (US$305) per person for single-parent households and those just above the welfare eligibility threshold. Recipients outside Seoul or in declining-population areas will receive an additional 50,000 won. Applications run through May 8, and recipients can choose between credit/debit cards, prepaid cards, or local currency vouchers. The funds expire on August 31 and can only be used at small businesses with annual sales of 3 billion won or less, or those accepting local currency vouchers. The government plans a broader rollout of cash assistance for the bottom 70% of income earners, with selection criteria announced early next month. Earlier, the National Assembly approved a 26.2 trillion-won extra budget bill to cope with the economic fallout from the West Asia conflict.