[News Today] Fuel price relief payments begin

[LEAD]

Relief payments aimed at easing the burden of high fuel prices caused by the Middle East crisis began rolling out yesterday. Applications are being accepted on different days based on birth year, and the amount varies depending on income level and place of residence.

[REPORT]

The day the first round of fuel price relief payments began.

A community service center's waiting room is packed with those signing up for the subsidy.

This week, since applications were accepted by day of the week based on the last digit of the birth year, many citizens made a wasted trip.

Community service center official /

Born in 1959? Come Thursday based on your birth year’s last digit.

The first-round payments will go to the economically vulnerable.

Basic livelihood recipients will receive 550,000 won or about 373 U.S. dollars. Near poverty households and single-parent families will be given 450,000 won, or some 300 U.S. dollars.

An additional 50,000 won will be paid to those living in non-capital areas or regions with a declining population.

Ma’am, you can use this from tomorrow.

The subsidy can be used at small businesses earning less than KRW three billion, or about USD two million, in annual sales.

It is not accepted by online shopping malls, delivery apps or entertainment businesses.

Recipients can choose to receive it via credit or debit card, prepaid card, or local gift certificate.

Residents of metropolitan cities must spend the subsidy in the cities they live in. Residents of provinces must spend it in cities or counties where their addresses are registered.

Second-round payments benefiting the lower 70 percent income bracket will begin on May 18.

Residents in the capital area will receive 100,000 won, those in non-capital areas will get 150,000 won, and people in population-declining regions will receive up to 250,000 won.

The funds must be used by August 31. Any remaining balance will automatically expire, so recipients are advised to check their balance carefully.