The livelihood benefit (minimum cost of living) received by basic livelihood security recipients will rise by the largest margin ever next year. For a four-person household, it will be 2,217,563 won. That is up 6.7% from this year's 2,078,316 won, the highest growth rate since the "standard median income" began to be set in 2015. As the standard median income, which serves as a benchmark for government welfare programs including the minimum cost of living, goes up, the livelihood benefit will also be raised.
The Ministry of Health and Welfare held the 80th Central Livelihood Security Committee meeting on the 28th and decided to raise the standard median income for a four-person household from this year's 6,494,738 won to 6,929,885 won. That is a 6.7% increase, surpassing the previous record high growth rate in 2026 (6.51%). For a one-person household, it will rise from 2,564,238 won to 2,736,042 won.
A Ministry of Health and Welfare official said, "We judged that it is necessary to respond proactively to deepening poverty and K-shaped polarization, such as widening deficits among lower-income groups and growing gaps between income classes."
For a four-person household, housing benefits that support monthly rent and key money will rise from 3,117,474 won to 3,326,345 won. Education benefits that cover textbook costs and other expenses will rise from 3,247,369 won to 3,464,943 won.
The Central Livelihood Security Committee also decided to change the method of calculating the standard median income starting next year. Currently, the standard median income is calculated by applying to the previous year's standard median income the recent three-year average growth rate of the median income in the Household Finance and Welfare Survey (HFW) and an additional growth rate to narrow the gap between the standard median income and the HFW median income. The standard median income has always been lower than the HFW median income, drawing criticism that some low-income and vulnerable groups are excluded from welfare programs.
Accordingly, when calculating the standard median income going forward, the latest consumer price index and real gross domestic product (GDP) growth, among other social and economic indicators, will be reflected. It will also take into account alleviation of relative poverty, the adequacy of basic livelihood guarantee benefits, and the national fiscal situation.
Jung Eun-kyeong, Minister of Health and Welfare, said, "We will provide stronger protection for people in difficult circumstances," adding, "In the 'fourth comprehensive basic livelihood guarantee plan' to be established this year, we will also review broader and more fundamental reforms, including improvements to the family support obligation system."