The application for the 'restoration of livelihood consumption coupon' given to all citizens began on the 21st. The consumption coupon can be received by applying through card companies or by receiving a paper gift certificate at local community centers. Since it is focused on restoring livelihoods, it can be used at restaurants or cafes operated by small business owners, as well as local supermarkets.
However, even if it is a convenience store of a famous brand, consumption coupons can be used if the store is operated by small business owners. On the other hand, even if it is a restaurant operated by small business owners, consumption coupons may not be applicable if ordered through delivery apps. We organized questions related to the consumption coupons in a Q&A format.
―How much can I receive in consumption coupons?
"Basically, the first consumption coupon is 150,000 won per person. However, lower-income households and single-parent families receive 300,000 won per person, and basic livelihood recipients receive 400,000 won per person. Residents in non-metropolitan areas excluding Seoul, Incheon, and Gyeonggi receive an additional 30,000 won, and residents of the 84 rural population decline areas receive an additional 50,000 won. Thus, individuals receive between 150,000 and 450,000 won."
―I heard that the consumption coupon is a maximum of 550,000 won, why is it 450,000 won?
"The consumption coupons provided from today are the first batch, and the second batch is scheduled to be distributed from September 22 to October 31. Unlike the first batch given to all citizens, the second batch will provide an additional 100,000 won per person only to the lowest 90% income using health insurance premiums. If health insurance premiums alone are used as the criteria, even high-asset individuals with low income could receive 100,000 won. We plan to establish and announce the criteria for selecting recipients in September to avoid such issues."
―How will the consumption coupons be distributed?
"Depending on the application, they can be received via credit/check cards, mobile or card-type local love gift certificates (local currency), or paper local love gift certificates."
―When do I apply?
"The application period for the first consumption coupon is about 8 weeks, from today until September 12. Citizens wishing to receive the consumption coupons must apply within this period."
―How to receive consumption coupons through cards?
"Applications can be made on the websites and apps of the card companies (KB Kookmin Card, NH NongHyup Card, Lotte Card, Samsung Card, Shinhan Card, Woori Card, Hana Card, Hyundai Card, BC Card), through call centers, or via KakaoBank, Kbank, Toss, Kakao Pay, and Naver Pay apps. Applications can also be made by visiting bank branches associated with the card."
―How to receive consumption coupons using local love gift certificates?
"Mobile or card-type local love gift certificates can be applied for online through the local love gift certificate app or website of the local government entity. If you wish to receive paper local love gift certificates or prepaid cards, you can apply by visiting the administrative welfare center (or community center, township office) of the jurisdiction of your residence."
―I heard there are designated days to apply for consumption coupons.
"The application period for the first consumption coupon is 8 weeks, but the government applied a designated day system from today until the 25th to avoid a rush of applicants that could cause system malfunctions. During this period, applicants should apply according to the last digit of their birth year: ▲1·6 on Monday ▲2·7 on Tuesday ▲3·8 on Wednesday ▲4·9 on Thursday ▲5·0 on Friday. From the 26th, Saturday, the designated day system will be lifted, and everyone can apply regardless of birth year. However, in offline cases, the designated day system may be extended depending on local conditions."
―If I apply for consumption coupons today, when will I receive them?
"Consumption coupons through credit/check cards will be provided the day after application. Mobile or card-type local love gift certificates will also be provided the day after application. Paper local love gift certificates can be received on the day of application at local community centers."
―What is the method for using card-type consumption coupons?
"Consumption coupon points are distinguished from existing card points. When payment is made at stores where consumption coupons can be used with the specified card, the consumption coupon gets priority over regular card payment. After use, the remaining balance of the consumption coupon is notified via text message or app notification."
―Can newborns receive them?
"Those eligible to receive the first consumption coupons are fundamentally citizens of Korea residing in the country as of June 18, the day before the announcement of the distribution plan. Newborns born after June 18 can receive consumption coupons after completing their birth registration and going through an objection request. However, if they complete their birth registration and request an objection by September 12, they will receive the first distribution; otherwise, they will not be able to receive it after September 13."
―How do I file an objection?
"Online applications can be made through the National People's Relief Center website (https://www.epeople.go.kr) and offline applications through the administrative welfare center (or community center, township office). You can apply even if you have objections regarding the selection of recipients or the amount."
―What if the person who received the consumption coupons passes away?
"If a person passes away after the reference date of June 18, they will generally be excluded from the list of recipients. Even if they have already received the payment, the principle is to reclaim the balance. However, if the head of the household dies, minor household members of the same household can convert the head's consumption coupon balance to local love gift certificates or prepaid cards for use."
―Can a child receive the consumption coupons on behalf of their parents?
"Proxy applications are allowed. If you bring your father or mother's ID and household registration certificate to the community center, you can apply. The Ministry of the Interior and Safety will waive the issuance fee of 200 to 400 won required for the household registration documents needed for family relationship confirmation in such cases."
―I heard that consumption coupons cannot be used in areas where one does not live.
"If the region where the consumption coupons are distributed is a special city or metropolitan city (including Sejong City and Jeju City), they can only be used within that special city or metropolitan area. For example, a person living in Gyeonggi-do cannot use consumption coupons at a restaurant in Seoul. If the distributed place is a rural area, they can only be used in the corresponding city or county of their address."
―If one moves during the consumption coupon usage period, can they not use it?
"You can change the usage area when applying for consumption coupons. Even after receiving the consumption coupons, changes can be made. If you move from the metropolitan area to a non-metropolitan area or a rural population decline area, you can receive an additional 30,000 to 50,000 won."
―Can international students or expatriates staying overseas receive them?
"If a citizen who was staying overseas returns to the country between June 18 and September 12, they can receive the first consumption coupons. The same applies to the second consumption coupons with verification of entry and exit facts and objection requests."
―Can foreigners receive consumption coupons?
"Foreigners are not generally eligible for receipt of consumption coupons. However, those registered on the resident registration list including Korean citizens and those enrolled in health insurance or medical insurance can receive them. Permanent residents, marriage migrants (F-6), and recognized refugees (F-2-4) who are enrolled in health insurance or medical insurance are also eligible for consumption coupons.
Earlier, the Constitutional Court ruled that it was unconstitutional not to provide emergency disaster support funds issued during COVID-19 in 2020 to refugees. The government's stance is that recognized refugees also pay income tax just like Korean citizens."
―By when do I need to use the consumption coupons?
"Consumption coupons charged to credit/check cards, prepaid cards, and mobile or card-type local love gift certificates can be used until November 30. Any unspent amount by this date will expire. However, paper local love gift certificates can be used for 5 years after issuance. The government recommends using these by November 30 as well."
―Where can I use the consumption coupons?
"Consumption coupons can be used in stores with annual sales of below 3 billion won. Accordingly, they cannot be used in hypermarkets, department stores, duty-free shops, large electronic retail stores, and similar places. Entertainment venues, gambling establishments, and places selling gift certificates or precious metals also cannot accept consumption coupons. This includes large foreign stores such as Chanel, Apple Store, and IKEA."
―I heard there are places in hypermarkets where consumption coupons can be used.
"While Emart, Lotte Mart, and Homeplus, as well as corporate supermarkets like Emart Everyday, No Brand, Lotte Super, and Homeplus Express, do not accept consumption coupons, pharmacies or optical shops operating in department stores or hypermarkets may accept them based on their sales figures.
Generally, consumption coupons cannot be used in Hana Market operated by NongHyup. However, consumption coupons can be used in 125 Hana Markets located in rural areas where similar businesses do not exist.
―I noticed that some convenience stores have notices saying 'stores where livelihood recovery consumption coupons can be used.'
"Generally, consumption coupons cannot be used in franchise stores. However, franchise stores operated by self-employed individuals that are not directly managed and have annual sales below 3 billion won can accept them. For example, since all Starbucks locations are directly managed, they cannot be used there. On the other hand, other coffee brand franchises can use them based on their sales. Convenience stores like 7-Eleven, CU, and GS25 follow the same rationale, and they often post notices stating, 'stores where livelihood recovery consumption coupons can be used.'"
―I heard I cannot use consumption coupons if I use delivery apps.
"If using delivery platforms like Baemin, Coupang Eats, and Yogiyo, consumption coupons generally cannot be used, since payments are made directly to the platform companies. However, in cases like Baemin's 'Pay at the restaurant' where the delivery person brings the restaurant's card terminal to let the customer pay directly, consumption coupons can be used. Online shopping malls do not accept consumption coupons."
―Can I use consumption coupons for public transportation?
"Buses and subways cannot be used with consumption coupons. In the case of taxis, the location must fall within the consumption coupon usage area. For individual taxis, the base is determined by the garage registered on their license, and for corporate taxis, it is based on the corporation's location. However, corporate taxis with annual sales over 3 billion won cannot accept them."
―I received a message saying I can easily apply for consumption coupons via mobile.
"If the text message includes phrases like 'Easily apply for credit/check card consumption coupons via mobile' along with a URL, you should never click on it. It may lead to phishing sites or install malicious apps that could result in financial losses. Financial authorities have ensured that the consumption coupon notification messages sent by the government, banks, and card companies do not include URL links."