Changes to childcare support in the second half of 2026 — new short-term parental leave and no income test for advance child support payments to single parents
Source material is a Korean government announcement (in Korean).
From the second half of 2026, childcare support changes: new short-term parental leave (August 20), stronger spouse childbirth leave and parental leave (September 18), and removal of the income requirement for advance child support payments to single parents (October 29).
Key facts
| Eco-friendly farm produce package | From July, worth 240,000 won for people who are pregnant or gave birth on or after January 1, 2025 (20% personal contribution) |
|---|---|
| Short-term parental leave | August 20; parents of children aged 8 or under, or in the second grade of elementary school or below, can take 1 or 2 weeks once a year (leave benefit paid) |
| Stronger spouse leave | September 18; leave around childbirth can start 50 days before the due date, new 5-day miscarriage and stillbirth leave (first 3 days paid), and more |
| Advance child support payments to single parents | October 29; the income requirement of '150% of the median income or less' is removed (200,000 won per child per month until age 18) |
Last checked:
The government has set out the changes for parents raising children in the second half of 2026. Pregnant women and new mothers will receive an eco-friendly farm produce package worth 240,000 won (from July, with a 20% personal contribution). From August 20, parents of children aged 8 or under, or in the second grade of elementary school or below, can take new short-term parental leave (1 or 2 weeks, once a year) when they need short-term care, for example during school holidays, daycare closures or illness. From September 18, spouse childbirth leave and parental leave are strengthened, and from October 29 the income requirement of '150% of the median income or less' for advance child support payments to single-parent families is removed.
Summaries below are factual notes based on government announcements and primary sources — not evaluations or opinions.
FAQ
When can I start taking short-term parental leave?
From August 20, parents raising children aged 8 or under, or in the second grade of elementary school or below, can take 1 or 2 weeks once a year when they need short-term care, for example during school holidays, daycare or school closures or illness, and a leave benefit is paid.
How does the income requirement for advance child support payments to single parents change?
From October 29, the existing '150% of the median income or less' requirement is removed, so single-parent families who do not receive child support from the non-custodial parent can receive 200,000 won per child per month until the child turns 18.