Income criterion for advance child support payments abolished — apply regardless of income from October 29, 2026, up to KRW 200,000 per child per month
Source material is a Korean government announcement (in Korean).
From October 29, 2026, single-parent families who are not receiving child support can apply for advance child support payments regardless of their income level. The advance child support payment is a system in which the state first pays child support to the minor children of single-parent families who are not receiving it, and then recovers the amount paid from the non-custodial parent. Until now, only single-parent families at or below 150% of the standard median income could apply. Families can apply if they hold a child support claim, the monthly average of child support received over the 3 months (or 3 payments) immediately before the month of application is less than the advance payment, and proceedings to obtain child support are under way. Applications are submitted through the website of the Child Support Agency (양육비이행관리원, www.childsupport.or.kr) or by mail, and after a review of the requirements, advance payments are usually made on the 25th of each month. The removal of the income requirement applies from October advance payments decided after the law takes effect on October 29.
Key facts
| Announced | September 21, 2026, Ministry of Gender Equality and Family |
|---|---|
| Income criterion abolished | October 29, 2026 (effective date of the law) |
| Previous income criterion | Single-parent families at or below 150% of the standard median income |
| Eligibility | Holding a child support claim + monthly average of child support received over the 3 months (or 3 payments) before the month of application is less than the advance payment + enforcement proceedings under way |
| Amount | Up to KRW 200,000 per child per month, until the minor child reaches adulthood |
| How to apply | Child Support Agency website (www.childsupport.or.kr) or by mail |
| Payment timing | Usually on the 25th of each month — the removal of the income requirement applies from October advance payments decided after October 29 |
| Track record | Since its introduction in July 2025, through August 2026: KRW 23.1 billion to 8,188 households and 12,924 minor children |
| Inquiries | Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, Family Support Division (가족지원과) 02-2100-6342; Child Support Agency, Advance Payment Operations Department (선지급운영부) 02-3479-5672 |
Last checked:
The Ministry of Gender Equality and Family (성평등가족부) said on September 21, 2026 that the income criterion for the advance child support payment (양육비 선지급제) will be abolished from October 29, 2026. Until now, only single-parent families at or below 150% of the standard median income could apply, but from now on families can apply regardless of income level if they meet requirements such as holding a child support claim and non-payment. Once selected for advance payment, families can receive up to KRW 200,000 per child per month until the minor child reaches adulthood.
Summaries below are factual notes based on government announcements and primary sources — not evaluations or opinions.
FAQ
Can I apply if my income exceeds 150% of the median income?
From October 29, 2026, the income criterion is abolished, so you can apply regardless of income level if you meet requirements such as holding a child support claim and non-payment.
How much can I receive?
Once selected for advance payment, you can receive up to KRW 200,000 per child per month until the minor child reaches adulthood.
Where do I apply?
Submit an application through the Child Support Agency website (www.childsupport.or.kr) or by mail. After a review of the requirements, advance payments are usually made on the 25th of each month.