The government will restructure the existing childbirth and childcare support system—currently divided into the child allowance, first meeting voucher, and parent allowance—around a new 'Baby Welcome Grant' and 'Child Basic Allowance.' The overhaul aims to simplify the support structure while expanding payment amounts based on the number of children and area of residence.

Baby Welcome Grant: Quarterly Cash Payments for One Year After Birth

The Baby Welcome Grant provides 10 million won for a first child, 12 million won for a second child, and 15 million won for a third or subsequent child. Children living in preferential areas, as determined by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety's local preference index, can receive an additional 5 million won. Accordingly, in preferential areas, payments reach up to 15 million won for a first child, 17 million won for a second, and 20 million won for a third or subsequent child.

The grant will be paid in cash in four quarterly installments over the year following birth. Unlike the existing first meeting voucher, which was provided in voucher form, the Baby Welcome Grant will be paid in cash, with restrictions on usage and expiration dates removed.

Child Basic Allowance: 200,000 Won Per Month for Children Under 13

The Child Basic Allowance provides 200,000 won per month to children aged 0 to under 13, consisting of 100,000 won in cash and 100,000 won in local love gift certificates.

Children in preferential areas receive an additional 100,000 won per month, for a total of 300,000 won—composed of 150,000 won in cash and 150,000 won in local love gift certificates. In addition, among children aged 0 to 1, those raised at home without using daycare centers will receive an additional 300,000 won per month.

Support Up to Tripled, Extended Through School Age

Considering that the existing child allowance was around 100,000 won per month, the reformed system expands support amounts by up to three times. The payment period extends to age 12, broadening support that had been concentrated in early childhood through the school-age years.

According to the government, a household in the metropolitan area raising a first child at home can receive an additional 12.8 million won compared to the current system. Under the same conditions in a preferential area, the support increases by approximately 30.28 million won.

Applies to Children Born on or After July 1, 2027

The reformed Baby Welcome Grant and Child Basic Allowance will apply to children born on or after July 1, 2027. Children born by June 30, 2027 will remain under the existing first meeting voucher, parent allowance, and child allowance systems.

[This article was written with AI assistance. It is reference information based on the government's system reform plans. Actual eligibility, amounts, preferential area designations, application procedures, and implementation dates may change depending on future legislative revisions and budget approval. Please be sure to check official announcements and detailed guidelines from relevant ministries before applying.]