The Seoul city government announced on the 24th a plan to expand the DiDimDol income nationwide. DiDimDol income is a system that provides more cash as household income decreases. If household income is less than 85% of the median income level (assets of 326 million won), it will pay half of the income difference. The city began the DiDimDol income program in 2022 and is currently providing it to 2,076 households.
The city announced the results of the "DiDimDol income consistency study" conducted by the Seoul Welfare Foundation on this day. It analyzed ways to provide DiDimDol income to low-income vulnerable groups, including those at high risk of poverty (65% of the median income level), those at risk of poverty (75% of the median income level), and those in low-income insecurity (85% of the median income level).
According to the study, if DiDimDol income is provided to those at high risk of poverty, 5.95 million households nationwide would receive support at a level similar to living allowances. To receive living allowances, individuals must prove that they lack work capability, and support is cut off if income is generated. DiDimDol income can still be received even if income is generated. In this case, an additional budget of 13 trillion won is required.
Providing DiDimDol income to those at risk of poverty would make 6.53 million households eligible for support nationwide. If targeting low-income insecurity groups, 7.36 million households could receive support. Additional funding of 28.9 trillion won (for those at risk of poverty) and 36.6 trillion won (for low-income insecurity groups) is needed. A city official stated, "Those at risk of poverty and low-income insecurity usually have unstable jobs or significant income fluctuations," and noted, "DiDimDol income can ensure stable income."
The city plans to continue in-depth studies based on this research. Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon said, "The welfare policy should proactively support people before they fall into poverty, not just support them when they are poor."