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Written on 2026-10-26 after checking public pages from the Ministry of Health and Welfare, policy briefing (korea.kr), Gov24, the National Happiness Card site, easylaw, law.go.kr and district offices. Amounts and periods can change; confirm with your community center or helpline 129. No logged-in screens were viewed. 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 birth support in 2026: the main cash supports after a baby is born (parent benefit, First Meeting voucher, child allowance) and how to apply for them all at once. For selling used kids’ items, see the kids’ items guide.
Who this suits
- Families expecting a baby or who have just had one
- Anyone unsure what to apply for, and when
1. How much is the parent benefit, and for how long?
- 0 to 11 months: 1,000,000 won a month
- 12 to 23 months: 500,000 won a month
- If your child attends daycare, you get the amount minus the childcare fee (you need to apply for the childcare fee separately).
- From 24 months the home childcare allowance takes over, so you don’t get both.
2. How much is the First Meeting voucher and where can it be used?
- Babies born on or after January 1, 2024: 2,000,000 won for the first child, 3,000,000 won for the second and later children
- It’s paid as National Happiness Card points, usable in most sectors (online included) except entertainment and gambling businesses.
- Sources state the deadline and usage period differently. The National Happiness Card site says the child must be within 1 year of birth, while a Seoul district guide says 2 years, so check with each agency. Helpline 1566-3232.
3. Up to what age is the child allowance paid in 2026?
- In 2026: 100,000 won a month for children under 9 (the age limit rises by one year each year from 2027)
- Depopulating areas get an extra 10,000 won a month (20,000 won in special areas), and other areas outside the capital region get 5,000 won.
4. How do you apply for all birth support at once?
- When you register the birth or afterwards, apply at the community center for the child’s address or on Government24 (after login).
- The mother or her spouse applies. Grandparents can apply on their behalf, but only in person.
- Apply for the parent benefit, child allowance and childcare allowance within 60 days of birth to get them backdated to the birth month.
- The same application also covers things like the multi-child KTX and SRT discount and the electricity discount for families with a new baby.
5. What does a second child get in the first year?
Example (illustrative numbers): a second child born in 2026 in the Seoul area and cared for at home
- First Meeting voucher: 3,000,000 won (Kookmin Haengbok card points)
- Parent benefit: 1,000,000 won a month for months 0–11
- Child allowance: 100,000 won a month
Apply within 60 days of birth to be paid from the birth month. Local governments’ own birth grants vary and are not included here.
Common mistakes
- Applying after 60 days and losing the earlier months
- Forgetting the childcare fee application when your child attends daycare
- Letting the First Meeting voucher expire
Checklist
- ☐ One-stop application filed along with the birth registration
- ☐ Applied within 60 days of birth
- ☐ National Happiness Card ready
- ☐ First Meeting voucher deadline checked
- ☐ Childcare fee applied for if using daycare
Related guides
FAQ
How much is the parent benefit?
1,000,000 won a month for 0–11 months, 500,000 won for 12–23 months; with daycare, the difference after childcare fees.
First Meeting voucher amount?
For births on or after January 1, 2024: 2,000,000 won for a first child, 3,000,000 won for later children.
Where can it be used?
As Kookmin Haengbok card points at most businesses (online too), except adult entertainment, gambling and similar.
Deadline?
The card site says within 1 year of birth; Seodaemun-gu says 2 years. Check with each agency (1566-3232).
What if I apply late?
Apply within 60 days of birth for the parent benefit, child allowance and home care allowance to be backdated to the birth month.
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