The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced that it will provide childcare allowances of 300,000 won per child, 450,000 won for two children, and 600,000 won for three children, if a child is left with a close relative within a fourth degree, such as a grandparent, for more than 40 hours a month.
The target is households with 150% or less of the standard median income, and the application period is up to 12 months.
Starting with 16,000 next year, Seoul plans to support a total of 49,000 by 2026.
Families who use private child care services are provided with monthly vouchers worth 300,000 won that can be used by private service organizations in cooperation with the city.
Currently, Gwangju Metropolitan City and Seocho-gu in Seoul are implementing grandchild care allowance for grandparents, but Seoul is the first local government to expand the subject of childcare allowance to relatives.
However, this system will be implemented only after consultation with the Ministry of Health and Welfare on social security before amending the ordinance.
When pointed out that there is a possibility of illegal supply and demand, he said, "We will receive an activity plan or confirmation letter and conduct a prescribed training to prevent it in advance."
Along with this, the Seoul Metropolitan Government will invest 14.7 trillion won over the next five years to promote the first comprehensive plan to ease the burden of parenting for parents with children aged 0-9.
Mayor Oh Se-hoon announced today (18th) the 'Mom and Dad Happiness Project'.
(Photo = provided by Seoul City, Yonhap News)