Gyeonggi Province Records 1.34 Million Applications on First Day of Livelihood Recovery Consumer Coupons

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Kim Gap-dong] As of 21:00 on the 21st, when the first-phase application for the 'Livelihood Recovery Consumer Coupons' began, Gyeonggi Province has distributed 1.34 million applications totaling 258.4 billion won, representing 11.8% of all eligible recipients.

The total number of eligible recipients for the Livelihood Recovery Consumer Coupons in Gyeonggi Province is 13.57 million people, with a total planned distribution amount of 2.18 trillion won.

By payment method, credit cards accounted for 972,063 cases worth 182 billion won, while Gyeonggi regional currency accounted for 307,220 cases worth 61.1 billion won. Pre-paid cards were distributed in 71,036 cases worth 15.3 billion won.

By municipality, Suwon City recorded the highest number of applications with 122,481 cases totaling 22.78 billion won, accounting for 12.2% of total distributions. Following Suwon were Goyang City with 103,764 cases worth 19.62 billion won, and Yongin City with 101,968 cases worth 19.33 billion won.

Among applicants on the 21st, the oldest recipient was a 99-year-old woman (born in 1926) surnamed Jang residing in Gapyeong County, who visited the Cheongpyeong Township Office directly to apply for regional currency.

The Livelihood Recovery Consumer Coupons project is a government initiative to distribute coupons in two phases to all citizens: 150,000 won for the top 10% income bracket, 250,000 won for general citizens, 400,000 won for single-parent and near-poor families, and 500,000 won for basic livelihood security recipients (an additional 50,000 won for population decline areas including Gapyeong and Yeoncheon).

The first-phase application period runs from July 21 to September 12, and applications can be made both online and offline. The second-phase application will commence on September 22 after the first phase closes.

During the first week of applications from July 21 to 25, a 'day-of-week system' based on the last digit of birth year will be applied. Those with birth years ending in 1 or 6 can apply on Mondays, 2 or 7 on Tuesdays, 3 or 8 on Wednesdays, 4 or 9 on Thursdays, and 5 or 0 on Fridays. From the 26th (Saturday), the day-of-week system will be lifted.

Therefore, on the 22nd, only those whose birth year ends in 2 or 7 can apply.

Payment methods include a choice of regional love gift cards, credit/debit card points, or pre-paid cards. Online applications can be made through card company apps and websites, regional love gift card apps, and simple payment apps such as Toss, Kakao Pay, and Naver Pay. Offline applications can be made at card-linked bank branches or at eup/myeon/dong resident centers (for pre-paid cards or Gyeonggi regional currency cards).

Applications must be made by the eligible individual (adult) in their 'own name' only. However, minor children (born after January 1, 2007) can apply under the household head's name as registered in the resident registration. When applying offline, applicants must present a valid ID. For proxy applications, applicants must bring an ID, power of attorney, and proof documents of the relationship between the applicant and proxy. In particular, the province notes that those who already possess a Gyeonggi regional currency card for receiving previous benefits can also have it charged during offline applications. The province recommends that existing Gyeonggi regional currency card holders bring their cards when visiting to promote resource conservation and environmental protection.

Those with mobility difficulties who find it hard to visit a resident center and have no proxy to assist them can request a 'visiting application service' at their eup/myeon/dong resident center.

Additionally, inquiries about inconveniences during the application period can be addressed by calling the '120 Gyeonggi Province Call Center'. After calling '031-120' and following the voice guidance, counselors will provide assistance.

Kim Hae-ryeon, director of the Gyeonggi Province Welfare Policy Division, stated, "Many residents responded to the application from the first day, and distributions began smoothly, but multiple complaints regarding proxy applications occurred at some sites. When applying through a proxy, applicants must bring a valid ID, power of attorney, and proof documents of the relationship between the applicant and proxy."