Application for Grant Payment – Starting May 18

The “High Oil Price Damage Subsidy,” currently provided by the government to ease the burden of inflation caused by the prolonged war in the Middle East, is accepting applications on a rolling schedule based on target groups.

1. Phase 2 General Public (Bottom 70% Income Bracket) Application: Starts May 18 (Mon)

This is the core target group of the government subsidy, covering the largest number of people.

• Application Period: May 18, 2026 (Mon) 09:00 AM – July 3, 2026 (Fri) 06:00 PM
• Eligibility: Citizens in the bottom 70% income bracket based on combined household health insurance premiums (excluding high-value asset owners).
• How to Apply: Apply online via the website or app of credit/check card companies (BC, NongHyup, etc.), or visit the local Eup/Myeon/Dong community center of your residence.

💰 Support Amount by Residential Region

The subsidy offers a differential payout between 100,000 KRW and a maximum of 250,000 KRW per person depending on the region:

Residential Region	Support Amount (KRW)
Metropolitan Area	100,000 KRW
Non-Metropolitan Area	150,000 KRW
Depopulated / Special Priority Regions	200,000 – 250,000 KRW

⚠️ Note (First-week Rotation System): For the first week, from May 18 (Mon) to May 22 (Fri), a rotation system based on the last digit of the birth year will apply. The rotation system will be lifted starting Saturday, May 23.

2. Phase 1 Vulnerable Groups Application: Late Applications Accepted in Phase 2

This applies to Basic Livelihood Recipients, the Next-Lowest Income Class, and Single-Parent Families.

Although the initial Phase 1 application period (April 27–May 8) has concluded, eligible individuals who missed this window can still apply and receive the subsidy during the Phase 2 period (May 18–July 3).

• Basic Livelihood Recipients: Up to 600,000 KRW
• Next-Lowest Income Class & Single-Parent Families: Up to 500,000 KRW

💡 Additional Fuel Subsidy Available Year-Round: Compact Car Fuel Tax Refund

If you own a compact car with an engine displacement under 1,000cc (e.g., Casper, Ray, Morning), the “Compact Car Fuel Tax Refund System,” which reimburses up to 300,000 KRW annually, has been extended through the end of 2026 and is open for year-round applications.

It operates as an automatic discount at checkout when you refuel using a designated credit card issued with the refund feature.

📝 Summary and Next Steps

In summary, target checking and applications will begin in earnest through card company apps or Naver Pay starting Monday, May 18 at 09:00 AM right after this weekend, so please make sure to check the schedule and apply within the deadline.