Hwaseong Special City to Distribute 'High Oil Price Damage Support Fund' Starting from the 27th

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Jung Jun-seong] Hwaseong Special City will begin distributing the government-led 'High Oil Price Damage Support Fund' starting from the 27th to ease the burden of increased living costs resulting from surging international oil prices.

To ensure smooth distribution of the support fund, the city has established a dedicated task force headed by the First Vice Mayor, comprising the Welfare Policy Division, Administration Support Division, Civil Affairs and Passport Division, four district offices, and 29 townships, towns, and administrative divisions.

The task force plans to establish both online and offline application systems for residents' convenience, comprehensively prepare personnel deployment to minimize civil affairs confusion, system inspections, and promotional strategies.

The support fund has been prepared to stabilize residents' livelihoods amid high oil prices and inflation resulting from the Middle East conflict, targeting approximately 70% of all residents with differential payments based on income levels and residential areas.

To prioritize support for vulnerable populations with limited crisis response capacity, the city will begin initial payments starting from the 27th for recipients of basic livelihood allowances, lower-middle-income households, and single-parent families. The payment amounts are 550,000 won per person for basic livelihood recipients and 450,000 won per person for lower-middle-income households and single-parent families.

For residents outside vulnerable populations, the city will select the lowest 70% income earners based on health insurance premiums and other criteria, with payments beginning May 18th. Based on the Seoul metropolitan area standard, 100,000 won will be paid per person.

Support fund applications are available both online and offline. Online applications can be made 24 hours through credit card company websites and apps as well as regional loyalty card platforms. Offline applications can be submitted by visiting administrative welfare centers and bank branches in the applicant's jurisdiction. To prevent congestion during the initial application period, a rotating schedule system based on birth year will be applied.

Payment methods can be selected from credit or debit card charging, local currency, or prepaid cards, and the distributed support funds can be used at small merchant stores in Hwaseong City. The usage deadline is August 31st.

Additionally, the city plans to operate a 'visit application service' in which civil servants directly visit elderly residents and vulnerable populations with mobility difficulties.

Those who wish to raise objections regarding support eligibility and payment amounts can file objections through the National Ombudsman or administrative welfare centers from May 18th through July 17th.