Gyeonggi Province Invests 179.8 Billion Won This Year to Strengthen Support System for Single-Parent Families in Child-Rearing, Living, and Housing

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Kim Gap-dong] Gyeonggi Province announced on the 18th that it will implement single-parent family support projects by investing a total of 179.8 billion won (130.7 billion won in state funds, 21.1 billion won in provincial funds, and 27.9 billion won in municipal and county funds) this year to strengthen the living stability and self-reliance foundation of single-parent families.

First, the province will expand support for child care allowances for single-parent families. The 'Gyeonggi Province Single-Parent Family Child Care Allowance Support Project' provides monthly child care allowance of 100,000 won per child to single parents with household income exceeding 65% to 100% of the median income (4.19 million won per month for two-person households), who are not eligible for government support.

The participating municipalities will expand from 12 municipalities last year (Hwaseong, Siheung, Icheon, Yeoju, Gwangmyeong, Anseong, Guri, Gapyeong, Seongnam, Uiwang, Yangpyeong, and Gwacheon) to a total of 14 municipalities with the addition of 2 cities (Gwangju and Gimpo) this year. Inquiries can be made at the community service center in the eup, myeon, or dong of your registered residential address.

In addition, the province will relax the income criteria for selecting low-income single parents from 63% of the median income to 65% or below (2.79 million won per month for two-person households), expanding the eligible population. Eligible households will receive additional child care allowance, school supplies expenses, and living assistance. From this year, amounts will be expanded as follows: △child care allowance 230,000 won (same as previous year) △additional child care allowance from monthly 50,000 to 100,000 won → monthly 100,000 won △school supplies expenses from 93,000 won annually → 100,000 won annually △living assistance from monthly 50,000 won → monthly 100,000 won.

Young single parents (aged 24 or younger) will receive monthly child care allowance ranging from 370,000 to 400,000 won depending on the age of their child, with concurrent support for learning and self-reliance activities. Inquiries can be made at the community service center in the eup, myeon, or dong of your registered residential address.

In addition, the province uniquely operates 2 local counseling centers for pregnant women in crisis (Gwangmyeong Women's Happiness Nuri and Dongducheon Angel's House) among all provinces nationwide, providing customized counseling and support throughout the process of pregnancy, childbirth, and child-rearing for pregnant women in crisis. Inquiries can be made by calling 1308 without an area code.

Furthermore, through 30 lease-purchase rental housing units, the province plans to support stable housing environments for homeless single-parent families with household income of 100% or less of the median income (4.19 million won per month for two-person households). Inquiries can be made at Suwon Goun Ttul (031-216-9004) and Ansan Healthy Family Support Center (031-501-0033).

Park Yeon-gyeong, Director of the Provincial Women and Family Bureau, said, "This project aims to strengthen support so that single-parent families can raise their children and become self-sufficient in a stable environment," adding, "We will continue to implement policies that provide practical assistance going forward."