Park Hong-geun, the Minister of the Ministry of Economy and Finance, announced that if citizens who were notified they do not qualify for the high oil price relief payments file an appeal, the criteria will be adjusted favorably based on recent income and asset changes.
On May 22, Park visited the Sinwol 1-dong community center in Yangcheon-gu, Seoul, to assess the second round of high oil price relief payments.
During the visit, he stated, "Even if someone is informed they are not eligible for the payments, if there have been recent changes in income or assets, we will quickly adjust health insurance premiums and apply the criteria in a way that benefits the citizens."
This visit was organized to review the status of the second round of applications and payments, which began on May 18. Park checked the application and reception counters, the operation of the system, and the availability of prepaid cards, urging local officials to ensure prompt and smooth execution of the program.
Park emphasized, "In a challenging economic environment due to high oil and inflation, it is the government's fundamental role to alleviate the burden on citizens through proactive fiscal management. I understand the significant burden on local officials who are managing both the upcoming local elections and the relief payment tasks."
He added, "To boost the morale of staff handling the high oil price relief payments, we have implemented an exception for overtime pay limits. We also plan to discuss additional support measures, such as special grants and rewards for outstanding local governments, with relevant ministries."
After visiting the community center, Park went to the nearby Sinyeong Market to meet with merchants and hear about the difficulties faced by local businesses due to high oil prices and inflation. He expressed hope that the high oil price relief payments would help reduce the actual burden on self-employed individuals and invigorate local economies.
He also stated, "Despite the tough economic situation, we will ensure that the budget for alleviating the burdens of small business owners and low-income citizens is reflected in next year's budget proposal."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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