Gyeonggi Province Achieves 98.9% Payout Rate for First Round of Consumer Recovery Coupons...Second Round Begins on 22nd

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Kim Gap-dong] Gyeonggi Province announced on the 14th that the first round final payout rate for the 'Consumer Recovery Coupons' initiative, promoted to restore household economics and vitalize the local economy, reached 98.9%.

The Consumer Recovery Coupon distribution, which began on July 21st, ended on September 12th, with a total of 13.42 million provincial residents applying for and receiving 2.1593 trillion won. Notably, within just one week of the payout initiation, 80% of all eligible recipients received the coupons, demonstrating explosive citizen interest and participation.

This coupon distribution has proven to contribute beyond simple financial support to practical household economic stability and increased sales for local small businesses.

According to the province's analysis of card company sales data for July, card transactions from July 21st to 31st, when coupon distribution began, totaled 7.3348 trillion won, an increase of 1.2007 trillion won (approximately 20%) compared to the same period last year (6.1341 trillion won). Considering that coupon usage during this period amounted to 456.9 billion won, the initiative generated broader consumer spending stimulus effects beyond the coupon usage itself. Regional currency in Gyeonggi also saw usage increase by 119% during July 21-31, rising to 235.8 billion won from 107.6 billion won in the same period last year.

The second round of distribution begins on September 22nd. All provincial residents except the top 10% income earners will receive 100,000 won each. Applications can be made both online and offline, as with the first round. A staggered schedule by date of birth will also be implemented during the first week of the second round.

The top 10% income earners are determined based on the total household combined personal health insurance premiums assessed in June of this year. However, high-net-worth individuals are excluded from eligibility regardless of their health insurance premiums, and all household members fall under this exclusion. Detailed selection criteria are available on the Gyeonggi Province website.

Individuals can confirm whether they are eligible for the second round starting from the 15th through the National Secretary notification service. From the 22nd onwards, eligibility can be confirmed by visiting card company or National Health Insurance Service websites and apps, or by visiting community service centers in person.

Reflecting field opinions gathered from the first round, the province has strengthened convenience for residents by enabling applications at community service centers with only an ID presentation without requiring separate application forms, and allowing mandatory military service personnel to apply for prepaid cards usable at their service locations, the province announced.

Kim Hun, Director of Welfare at the province, stated, "The consumer coupons are an important policy that serves as a catalyst not only for household stability but also for recovery in local commerce," and urged, "We hope that all eligible provincial residents will apply without exception."