The first round of "people's livelihood recovery consumption coupons," which give 150,000 to 450,000 won per person, closed for applications and payments on the 12th. The first-round coupons were paid to 99% of the population over about two months, totaling 9 trillion won.

The Ministry of the Interior and Safety said this on the 15th through the "final application and use status of the first round of people's livelihood recovery consumption coupons." As of 6 p.m. on the 12th, a total of 906.93 billion won had been paid to 50.08 million people (98.96%).

A banner welcoming the distribution of people's livelihood recovery consumption coupons is posted at the entrance of Jungang Market in Jung-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 12th, ahead of the second round of distribution of the people's livelihood recovery consumption coupons. /Courtesy of News1

Most recipients received the coupons via credit or debit card (69.2%). Of the 6.006 trillion won paid on credit and debit cards, about 86%, or 5.1356 trillion won, has been used so far. The shares of people who received them as local love gift certificates and prepaid cards were 18.6% and 12.3%, respectively.

The regions with the highest payment rates were ▲ South Jeolla 99.32% ▲ Gwangju Metropolitan City 99.31% ▲ North Jeolla 99.28%. Most regions recorded payment rates in the 99% range, but the Seoul metropolitan area, including Seoul, Gyeonggi, and Incheon, was in the 98% range.

Meanwhile, the government will begin applications and payments for the second round of coupons at 9 a.m. on the 22nd. The second-round coupons will be paid in a lump sum of 100,000 won to 90% of the population, excluding the top 10% by income. According to the payment criteria table announced on the 12th, a single-earner single-person household qualifies if the employee health insurance premium is 220,000 won or less, and a four-person household qualifies at 510,000 won or less, to receive 100,000 won. For dual-earner four-person households, if the combined employee health insurance premiums paid by the two subscribers are 600,000 won or less, they are eligible.

Graphic = Jung Seo-hee

Individuals can check whether they qualify for the second-round coupons starting on the 22nd. They can verify directly via card company websites, apps, call centers, and ARS; the National Health Insurance Service website and app; or by visiting eup, myeon, and dong administrative welfare centers and community service centers.

The usage deadline for both the first and second rounds of coupons is Nov. 30. Any unused balance by the deadline will expire.

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