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Written on 2026-10-26 after checking current Gov24, National Pension Service and Ministry of Health and Welfare pages and the official proxy form. No application was made and no logged-in screens were viewed. Eligibility is decided by the local government. The only image is a self-made illustration. Nothing here promises income.
The diagram below is a self-made illustration, not a real screen.
This guide covers Korea basic pension eligibility, the 2026 basic pension amount, and how children can help parents aged 65 or older apply. It also briefly lists official benefits basic pension recipients can get too.
Who this suits
- People whose parents are about to turn 65
- People whose parents find it hard to visit the community center
1. Who is eligible for the basic pension in 2026, and how much is it?
- Age: 65 or older
- Selection threshold (monthly recognized income): 2.47 million won or less for a single household, 3.952 million won or less for a couple
- Recognized income = monthly assessed income + monthly income equivalent of assets. For earned income, 1.16 million won is deducted first, then a further 30%.
- Standard pension: up to 349,700 won a month for a single person, 559,520 won for a couple
- It can be reduced depending on National Pension income, household type and recognized income. If the National Pension amount is over 150% of the standard pension, it can be cut by up to 50%.
- People entitled to civil servant, private school, military or special post office pensions, and their spouses, are generally excluded (with some exceptions).
2. When and where do you apply for the basic pension?
- When: from 1 month before the month of the 65th birthday. The NPS sends a notice from 2 months before.
- Where: the community center, an NPS branch, or Bokjiro online (identity verification needed)
- Documents: ID, the social welfare service and benefit application form, an income and asset report, financial information consent forms (applicant and spouse), and a bankbook copy
- Child as proxy: parents should apply themselves in principle. If they can’t, a spouse, child, sibling or other relative can apply for them. Bring the proxy’s ID and a power of attorney.
- Home visit service: if a parent has limited mobility or lives far away, NPS staff can visit to help them apply (call 1355).
- Applying is free. If a stranger offers to apply for a fee, refuse and report it to the police.
3. What must be reported while receiving it?
- Report within 30 days to the community center or an NPS branch: marriage or divorce, death of the recipient or spouse, a long stay abroad, starting or leaving a job, changes in earned income, business registration or closure, or a change of bank account. A proxy with a power of attorney can report too.
4. What other benefits come with the basic pension?
- Phone bill discount: basic pension recipients get 50% off their mobile bill (base fee and usage), up to 11,000 won a month. Apply any time via ARS 1523, a carrier store, the community center or Bokjiro.
- Customized senior care service: for people who need care, such as those living alone, grandparents raising grandchildren, or elderly couples, among basic pension recipients aged 65 or older and others. People already getting similar services such as long-term care are excluded. Apply at the community center.
5. How do children apply on a parent’s behalf?
- Check it is within 1 month before the parent’s 65th birthday month.
- Bring the agent’s ID, a power of attorney, the parent’s ID copy and a bankbook copy.
- Get the financial information consent forms from the parent and their spouse.
- Apply at a community center or a National Pension Service branch. If visiting is hard, ask about the home visit service at 1355.
- Apply for the phone bill discount (ARS 1523) at the same time.
Common mistakes
- Applying after the birthday month has passed. The pension is paid from the month you apply.
- Not reporting a move or an account change
- Not realizing the phone discount needs its own application
Checklist
- ☐ Applied 1 month before the birthday month
- ☐ Power of attorney and proxy ID
- ☐ Spouse’s financial information consent form
- ☐ Phone bill discount applied for
- ☐ Any change reported within 30 days
Related guides
FAQ
From what age?
65 or older, with recognized income at or below the threshold.
What is the 2026 threshold?
Monthly recognized income of 2,470,000 won for a single person or 3,952,000 won for a couple.
How much is it?
The standard amount is 349,700 won a month for a single person and 559,520 won for a couple (maximum). It can be reduced based on National Pension income or recognized income.
Can a child apply for a parent?
The person should apply, but if that is hard, a spouse, child, sibling or relative can apply with a power of attorney and their own ID.
Is it paid back to before I applied?
No. It is paid from the month you apply, so apply from 1 month before the birthday month.
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