Jeju to Expand Support for Low-Income Residents as Standard Median Income Rises 6.7%, Largest Increase on Record

【Financial News, Jeju—Reporter Jung Yong-bok】 The standard median income for a four-person household will rise 6.7% next year—the largest increase on record—to 6,929,885 won. As a result, income thresholds for livelihood, medical, housing and education benefits will rise in Jeju Province as well. Households facing an immediate livelihood crisis will receive 300,000 won before a decision on public assistance is made.
According to Jeju Special Self-Governing Province on the 27th, the 2027 standard median income for a four-person household will increase by 435,147 won, from 6,494,738 won per month this year to 6,929,885 won.
The standard median income is a welfare benchmark set by the government based on the middle level of household income nationwide. Saying that the standard median income will rise 6.7% does not mean that the actual income of every household will increase by that amount. It means that the benchmark used to determine eligibility and calculate benefit levels for welfare programs such as livelihood, medical, housing and education benefits will rise by 6.7%.
When the benchmark rises, existing recipients may receive larger benefits. Households that were excluded from support this year because their income was slightly above the threshold may also become eligible next year.
The eligibility thresholds differ by benefit. In 2027, the thresholds will be 32% or less of the standard median income for livelihood benefits, 40% or less for medical benefits, 48% or less for housing benefits, and 50% or less for education benefits.
For a four-person household, the monthly recognized-income thresholds will be 2,217,563 won for livelihood benefits, 2,771,954 won for medical benefits, 3,326,345 won for housing benefits, and 3,464,943 won for education benefits. Eligibility is determined based not only on monthly wages but also on recognized income, which reflects income, assets and other factors.
For livelihood benefits, the eligibility threshold is linked to the maximum benefit level. The maximum payment for a one-person household will rise by 54,977 won, from 820,556 won per month this year to 875,533 won next year. For a four-person household, it will increase by 139,247 won, from 2,078,316 won to 2,217,563 won.
However, being below the eligibility threshold does not mean that every household will receive the maximum amount. Actual livelihood benefits are calculated based on each household's recognized income and other factors. The maximum payment is the upper limit available when a household has no recognized income.
Housing benefits will also increase in Jeju Province. The standard rent for a one-person household will rise by 22,000 won, from 212,000 won to 234,000 won per month. For a four-person household, it will increase by 40,000 won, from 329,000 won to 369,000 won.
The standard rent does not mean that the full monthly rent paid by a tenant household is uniformly covered. It is the upper limit for rent support applied when housing benefits are calculated according to household size and region.

The education activity support allowance under education benefits will also increase. For elementary school students, it will rise from 502,000 won to 513,000 won per year. For middle school students, it will increase from 699,000 won to 714,000 won. For high school students, it will rise by 85,000 won, from 860,000 won to 945,000 won.
Livelihood support for people with severe disabilities will also be strengthened. The family support obligation criteria previously applied when a livelihood benefit recipient had a severe disability will be abolished, broadening the scope for eligibility decisions to focus on the recipient's own income and assets.
Separately from the national expansion of basic livelihood security, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province will strengthen its initial response for households whose livelihoods have suddenly collapsed.
Households facing immediate hardship due to job loss, a temporary business suspension or closure, serious illness or other circumstances will be identified and provided with emergency assistance. When maintaining a livelihood is particularly urgent, 300,000 won in emergency livelihood assistance will be paid first at local township and neighborhood offices, even before a formal decision on public assistance is made.
Emergency assistance differs in nature from basic livelihood security. Basic livelihood security provides ongoing support after a household's income and assets are assessed, while emergency assistance focuses on quickly helping households facing immediate hardship because of a sudden crisis such as job loss, illness or business closure.
The number of households and people receiving basic livelihood security in Jeju Province is also increasing.
As of the end of August this year, 29,972 households and 42,910 people in Jeju Province were receiving basic livelihood security, accounting for 6.47% of the province's population. The number rose from 25,851 households and 37,154 people in 2024 to 28,161 households and 40,283 people in 2025, and exceeded 42,000 people this year.
Applications and consultations for basic livelihood security benefits and emergency welfare assistance are available at the community service center serving the applicant's registered address. Actual eligibility and benefit amounts will be determined after each household's income, assets and other requirements are reviewed.
Lee Hye-ran, director of the Welfare and Family Bureau of Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, said, "We will strengthen living stability for low-income residents and ensure that necessary support reaches households in crisis quickly." She added, "We will pursue welfare policies that provide tangible help in residents' daily lives."


[email protected] Jung Yong-bok Reporter