If you were hospitalized or placed in self-isolation due to COVID-19, you may be able to apply for a living support payment, even if you are a foreigner, refugee applicant, humanitarian stay permit holder, or undocumented foreigner. The support process varies slightly depending on your residency status, so please read the information below carefully. Before applying, confirm the latest figures and deadlines with the Immigration Contact Center (1345) or your local Korea Immigration Service office.
Who Can Apply
You can apply if you received an official hospitalization notice or isolation notice from a public health center or medical institution due to COVID-19, and you followed through with the hospitalization or self-isolation.
Support Amounts
Refugee Applicants / Humanitarian Stay Permit Holders / Undocumented Foreigners
Support is provided on a per-household basis, for one person only (the head of household responsible for the household’s living costs), regardless of how many people are in the household.
| Hospitalization / Isolation Period | Support Amount |
|---|---|
| 1-13 days | 474,600 won ÷ 30 days × actual number of days |
| 14-30 days | 474,600 won (fixed maximum) |
Recognized Refugees
The payment amount depends on the number of family members listed on your alien registration certificate.
| Number of Family Members | Support Amount |
|---|---|
| 1 person | 474,600 won |
| 2 people | 802,000 won |
| 3 people | 1,035,000 won |
| 4 people | 1,266,900 won |
| 5 people | 1,496,700 won |
Where to Apply
Visit your local community service center (dong community center / dong office) in person to apply.
If you are undocumented, you may apply at the community service center that covers the medical institution or public health center where you received treatment or completed your isolation. You do not have to go to the community service center nearest your home, so please do not worry about that.
Documents Required
- Hospitalization notice or isolation notice
- Copy of your bank account passbook
- Alien registration certificate or passport
- Alien registration fact certificate (외국인등록사실증명서)
- Living support payment application form (available at the community service center)
Applying Again
If you are hospitalized or placed in isolation again at least one month after your previous hospitalization or isolation ended, you may submit a new application at that time.
Useful Links
- Immigration Contact Center (1345): www.hikorea.go.kr
- Government24 (gov.kr) living support payment information: www.gov.kr