The 'Work-Life Balance Job Incentive' program is being operated for workers who need to reduce their working hours due to family care or health management. The system supports employers who allow reductions in employees' working hours, helping to balance work and life.

■ Eligibility and Application Requirements

According to guidance from Employment 24, eligible recipients for the reduced statutory working hours category are employers of preferential support target companies and mid-sized companies.

For general reduction reasons, an employee who worked at least 35 hours per week for six months or more before the reduction must have their weekly statutory working hours reduced to between 15 and 30 hours, and the arrangement must be operated for at least one month.

Employers must establish regulations on working hour reductions, including a guarantee of return to full-time work, and manage commute records through electronic or mechanical means.

There are cases where support is excluded. If days with missing commute records total four or more per month, or if overtime exceeds 10 hours per month, support cannot be received for that month.

■ Support Amount and Period

The support scale is up to 500,000 won per month per worker, combining a monthly incentive of 300,000 won and a monthly wage reduction compensation of 200,000 won. The support period is up to one year from the start date of the working hour reduction.

However, the maximum 500,000 won per month is not paid uniformly. The wage reduction compensation can only be received if separate requirements are met, such as the employer paying at least 200,000 won per month in addition to wages calculated in proportion to the reduced working hours.

The application timing is also important. The first subsidy must be applied for within 12 months from the month following the month in which the working hour reduction began.

■ Points to Check Before Applying

Before introducing the program, companies need to verify their eligibility, internal regulations, and attendance management methods. Programs such as the 10 a.m. arrival system for pregnancy and childcare periods have different application requirements from general working hour reductions. Before applying, detailed criteria for the applicable category should be confirmed through Employment 24 or the relevant employment center.

[This article was written focusing on the general requirements of the 'reduced statutory working hours' category of the Work-Life Balance Job Incentive. The support amount and payment eligibility may vary depending on the company's and worker's circumstances and review results. Please be sure to check the latest announcements and official guidance at the time of application. AI provided partial assistance.]