The usage deadline for the High Oil Price Relief Fund, disbursed by the government to alleviate the burden of high oil prices, high exchange rates, and high inflation, is approaching on August 31. Unused balances will be forfeited after the deadline, so recipients should promptly check their remaining balance and eligible merchants.

Eligible Recipients and Amounts

The High Oil Price Relief Fund was provided to 70% of the population, with differential amounts ranging from 100,000 won to a maximum of 600,000 won per person, depending on income level and region of residence.

• *Vulnerable Groups (Basic Livelihood Security Recipients, Near-Poverty Group, Single-Parent Families, etc.)**
• Seoul metropolitan area Basic Livelihood Security recipients: 550,000 won
• Seoul metropolitan area Near-Poverty group and single-parent families: 450,000 won
• Non-metropolitan area Basic Livelihood Security recipients: 600,000 won
• Non-metropolitan area Near-Poverty group and single-parent families: 500,000 won

• *General Recipients (Bottom 70% Income Bracket)**
• Seoul metropolitan area: 100,000 won
• Non-metropolitan area: 150,000 won
• Population Decline Area Preferred Support Zone: 200,000 won
• Population Decline Area Special Support Zone: 250,000 won

Usage Deadline: By When Must It Be Used

Both the first and second round of relief funds must be used by August 31, 2026. The final deadline is the same regardless of when the application was made or the funds were disbursed. Note that even if you received the funds late, the deadline will not be extended separately. Even if a balance remains on a card or local gift certificate, payments may be restricted after August 31.

Where Can It Be Used

The relief fund was disbursed in the method chosen by the applicant among local gift certificates, credit/debit cards, and prepaid cards.

• Local Gift Certificates: Can be used at affiliated merchants of the respective local gift certificate
• Credit/Debit Cards and Prepaid Cards: Can be used at small business merchant stores with an annual revenue of 3 billion won or less, excluding restricted sectors such as entertainment and gambling industries
• Usage may be restricted at large supermarkets, department stores, and certain online shopping malls, so it is necessary to check before making a payment

Regional Usage Restrictions

In principle, the fund must be used within the special city, metropolitan city, or city/county where the applicant's address is located. If a payment is made in a different region, the relief fund may not apply and could be processed as a regular card payment.

Application Status

• Applications for the High Oil Price Relief Fund have already closed.
• First Round Application (for vulnerable groups): April 27 – May 8
• Second Round Application: May 18 – July 3
• Vulnerable groups who received funds in the first round cannot apply again in the second round
• General disbursement targeting 70% of the population also closed on July 3

What to Do Now

At present, rather than new applications, checking the remaining balance of the received relief fund and using it within the deadline is most important.

1. Check the remaining amount via the card company app or local gift certificate app 2. Review eligible regions and merchants 3. Be careful not to forget to use small remaining balances 4. When paying with a card, check differences by disbursement method, such as whether the relief fund is deducted first → Refer to the guidance provided by the respective card company or local gift certificate operating agency

Once the usage deadline of August 31 passes, the remaining balance may be forfeited or recovered. Even if left unused due to personal circumstances, separate compensation or cash refunds are difficult to obtain. Rather than waiting until right before the deadline, it is recommended to spend the funds planned at eligible small business merchant locations for living expenses, dining, medical bills, academy fees, and more.

※ This article was written based on the provided information about the High Oil Price Relief Fund. Eligible industries and balance processing methods may vary depending on the disbursement method and region, so please check the latest guidance from your card company, local gift certificate app, or relevant local government.