As the application schedule for the 2025 Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) has been released, interest in related systems is growing, especially among low-income working households. With changes scheduled for the overall microfinance system starting in 2026, it is necessary to examine both income support and financial support environments at this time.

■ 2025 Earned Income Tax Credit Application Schedule

• Second-half application: March 1, 2026 – March 16, 2026
• Regular application (EITC and Child Tax Credit): May 1, 2026 – June 1, 2026
• Post-deadline application: June 2, 2026 – November 30, 2026

The EITC is provided to households with employment, business, or religious income if they meet the income and asset requirements. Individuals must apply on their own during the designated application period each year, and the timing and amount of payment may differ depending on when they apply. As an income-support system, the payment limit varies based on household type and income level.

■ 2026 Reorganization of Microfinance Products (Haetsal Loans)

Changes to the policy microfinance product structure will take effect on January 2, 2026. The four existing products will be reorganized into the 'Haetsal Loan General Guarantee' and 'Haetsal Loan Special Guarantee' systems.

• Haetsal Loan General Guarantee: Integration of Worker Haetsal Loan + Haetsal Loan Bank
• Haetsal Loan Special Guarantee: Integration of Haetsal Loan 15 + Lowest Credit Special Guarantee

Along with this, the scope of institutions handling Haetsal Loans will be expanded to all financial sectors. Notably, interest rate reduction benefits stand out. The interest rate for the Haetsal Loan Special Guarantee will be lowered from the previous 15.9% per annum to 12.5% per annum, while a rate of 9.9% per annum will be applied to socially protected individuals.

*Socially protected individuals:* National Basic Livelihood Security Program recipients, near-poverty class, self-reliance workers, EITC recipients, registered disabled persons, single-parent and grandparent-grandchild families, multicultural families, and North Korean defectors.

The EITC and microfinance systems are structured to support low-income and vulnerable groups in different ways. With the simultaneous adjustment of income-supplementing programs and financial accessibility-enhancing programs, a policy direction of reducing the burden on beneficiaries continues. However, application requirements and procedures differ by program, so individuals considering using them must accurately check the specific criteria.

Ahead of 2026, the EITC application schedule has been specified, and changes are scheduled for the structure and interest rate system of the microfinance programs. Beneficiaries need to calmly check the conditions and schedules of each system based on their income, household type, and financial usage status.

[※ The information provided in this article is intended to help with general understanding of policies, and actual policy applications or results may vary depending on individual circumstances. Government policies are subject to frequent changes, so please be sure to check official materials from relevant ministries. This publication assumes no legal or financial responsibility for this information.]