How to apply for high oil price subsidies: Eligibility, period, and usage at a glance

If you are looking for how to apply for high oil price subsidies, it is best to check the official name first. The name of the system used in the government's official guidance is High Oil Price Damage Subsidy. When searching, the expressions high oil price livelihood support fund, high oil price support fund, and high oil price damage support fund are used together, but actual application and use must follow the official guidance standards.

Original Korean article: How to apply for high oil price subsidies: Eligibility, period, and usage at a glance

This article is based on official guidance from the Ministry of the Interior and Safety and focuses on who can receive it, when to apply, where to apply, and where it can be used. In particular, it is easy to miss the application period and expiration date. Before applying, please check your eligibility and payment method at the official app, community center, bank branch, or call center.

Policy Information Confirmation Guide This article was written based on the official guidance confirmed on May 20, 2026. Policy details are subject to change. Before actually applying, check the latest information at the official Ministry of the Interior and Safety information, credit card company app, local love gift certificate app, community center, bank branch, or dedicated call center.

Image of a domestic gas station to provide guidance on how to apply for subsidies for high oil prices in Korea
Image of a domestic gas station to provide guidance on how to apply for subsidies for high oil prices in Korea

Key summary of high oil price subsidies

Confirmation items Official information standard Key contents Official system name High oil price damage support fund Search expression High oil price livelihood support fund, high oil price support fund, High oil price damage support fund Support targets Official guide standard 70% of citizens Support amount KRW 100,000 to 600,000 per person, differential application method by target and region Online or offline application Online application Card company app/homepage, local love gift certificate App/homepage offline application Community center, bank branch Payment method Local love gift certificate, credit/check card, Choose between prepaid cards. Expiration date: Until August 31, 2026. Contact: High oil price damage relief fund dedicated call center 1670-2626

The first thing to look at is simple. Confirm the target → Confirm the application period → Select payment method → ​​Confirm where it will be used. You should not judge your amount just by looking at the expression “up to 600,000 won.” The amount of support varies depending on target category and region.

index

  1. What is high oil price damage subsidy?
  2. Eligibility for application for high oil price subsidies
  3. How much is the support amount?
  4. When is the application period?
  5. How to apply for high oil price subsidies
  6. How to choose a payment method
  7. Where high oil price subsidies are used
  8. Pre-Application Checklist
  9. Frequently Asked Questions
  10. Beware of smishing and fake application sites
  11. Official References

What is high oil price damage subsidy?

The high oil price damage subsidy is a policy subsidy introduced to reduce the burden of living caused by high oil prices, high exchange rates, and high inflation. The official guidance from the Ministry of Public Administration and Security uses the name high oil price damage support fund. “High oil price livelihood support fund,” which readers often search for, can be understood as an expression to find this system.

This system is not a way for cash to be deposited freely. Payment is made through designated payment methods such as local love gift certificates, credit/debit cards, and prepaid cards. There are also criteria for available regions and industries.

Distinguish it from other oil price support systems

There are several systems with similar names. For example, the targets and application routes for the truck fuel price subsidy and the agricultural duty-free oil price-linked subsidy are different. This article explains the high oil price damage relief funds for the general public.

Category Check whether this article is subject to explanation Points Subsidy for damage to high oil prices Yes Based on official guidance from the Ministry of the Interior and Safety Fuel price subsidy for trucks No Separate system related to transportation business operators and vehicles Oil price-linked subsidies for agricultural duty-free oil No Separate system related to agricultural businesses and duty-free oil

Eligibility for application for high oil price subsidies

Based on official information, 70% of the population is eligible to apply for high oil price subsidies. One thing to be careful of is that it is difficult for an individual to arbitrarily calculate and determine income and qualifications. It is safe to check whether you are actually eligible through official application channels such as credit card company apps, local love gift certificate apps, community centers, and bank branches.

Target classification

The main divisions that can be found in the official guide are as follows.

  • Basic beneficiary
  • Second lower class, single parent family
  • Those in the bottom 70% of income bracket
  • Preferential support by region

Principles for applying for adults and minors

Category Application/receipt principle Application/payment for each individual adult Minor householder application/receipt principle Check at the application office whether the minor householder can apply directly

Adults can understand by applying on their own. In principle, for minors, the head of the household must apply and receive it. One thing to be careful of is that household composition or whether a representative can apply may vary depending on the region and place of application.

How much is the support amount?

The amount of high oil price subsidies varies depending on the target category and region. You should not think that everyone receives the same amount just by looking at the phrase “up to 600,000 won.”

Category Metropolitan area Non-metropolitan area Remarks Basic recipient 550,000 won 600,000 won Official guide standard Second highest income/single parent 450,000 won 500,000 won Official guide standard Bottom 70% income 100,000 won 150,000 won Official guide standard Area with declining population Preferential support area 200,000 won 200,000 won Separate preference Special support area 250,000 won 250,000 won Separate preference

For example, basic beneficiaries are advised to receive 550,000 won in metropolitan areas and 600,000 won in non-metropolitan areas. On the other hand, those in the bottom 70% income bracket are advised to receive 100,000 won in metropolitan areas and 150,000 won in non-metropolitan areas. Please check your amount on the application screen or through the official consultation channel.

When is the application period?

The application period for high oil price subsidies varies depending on the target category. In particular, a distinction must be made between the first application for basic and second-level applications and the second application for 70% of the population.

Category Application/Payment Period Remarks Basic/Next-highest 1st round 2026.4.27.(Mon) ~ 2026.5.8.(Fri) Priority payment to vulnerable groups Basic/Next-highest 2nd 2026.5.18.(Mon) ~ 2026.7.3.(Fri) 1st Non-applicant, etc. Need to be confirmed 70% of citizens 2nd Application period for general applicants: 2026.5.18. (Mon) ~ 2026.7.3. (Fri)

If you have already applied and received payment in the first period, you are informed that duplicate applications and payments cannot be made in the second period. If you are confused about which period you are eligible for, check first whether you are eligible on the application screen.

Check the day schedule for the first week of application

There may be a lot of connections and visits in the early stages of application. In some guides, a day system is based on the last digit of the year of birth. Check the information on the card company app, local love gift certificate app, community center, and bank branch before applying.

How to apply for high oil price subsidies

Image of a domestic card terminal to provide information on payment methods for Korea's high oil price subsidies.
Image of a domestic card terminal to provide information on payment methods for Korea's high oil price subsidies.

Application methods for high oil price subsidies are largely divided into online and offline. If you are familiar with using the smartphone app, applying online is easy. If you need to check in person or have difficulty using the app, you can use a community center or bank branch.

How to apply online

Online application can be made through the following route:

  • Card company app or card company website
  • Local Love Gift Certificate app or website
  • Call center/ARS information for some application channels

The general flow can be seen like this.

  1. Access card company app or local love gift certificate app
  2. Identity verification
  3. Check whether you are eligible for oil price damage subsidies
  4. Select payment method
  5. Check application details
  6. Application completed
  7. Confirm payment or recharge

Menu names may vary depending on the credit card company. Check out “High Oil Price Damage Subsidy,” “High Oil Price Subsidy,” and “People’s Livelihood Support Fund” in the search box. It's safest to look for it within the official app.

How to apply offline

Offline applications can be made at the following locations:

  • Community center with jurisdiction over address
  • Affiliated Bank Branch

Please have your ID ready before your visit. It is a good idea to check in advance the operating hours, whether the day of the week system applies, and whether proxy applications are possible. The counter may be crowded, especially on closing days, so please allow plenty of time.

How to choose a payment method

High oil price damage subsidies are received by selecting a payment method. The official guide informs you that you can choose between local love gift certificates, credit/check cards, and prepaid cards.

Advantages of payment methods Points to check Local Love Gift Certificates Good to use at local merchants Need to check available merchants Credit/debit cards Can be used with cards you normally use Need to check if card company can apply Useful if using prepaid card app is difficult Need to check pickup location and stores that can be used

Which method is best depends on your lifestyle. If you use cards a lot on a regular basis, credit or check cards may be convenient. If you frequently use local stores, a local love gift certificate is a good choice.

Where high oil price subsidies are used

An image of a domestic traditional market that can be seen as an example of how Korea's high oil price subsidy funds can be used
An image of a domestic traditional market that can be seen as an example of how Korea's high oil price subsidy funds can be used

The confirmation method for the use of high oil price livelihood support funds is slightly different depending on the payment method. This is a structure commonly used in the jurisdiction of the applicant's address. Check the standards for special/metropolitan cities and city/county levels.

Basic usage criteria

Item Content Expiration date Until August 31, 2026 (Monday) Area of ​​use Applicant's jurisdiction Special/metropolitan city and city/county Local Love Gift Certificate Local Love Gift Certificate Credit, check, and prepaid cards cannot be used at affiliated stores Focused on small business stores with sales of KRW 3 billion or less, excluding businesses

Where use may be restricted

The official guidance explains that industries that cannot be used, such as entertainment and gambling industries, are excluded. In general, department stores, hypermarkets, corporate supermarkets, and online shopping malls may be restricted. One thing to note is that detailed standards may vary depending on region and payment method.

Before use, check whether the merchant is affiliated with the card company app or local love gift certificate app. You can also receive guidance on how to use it at community centers or call centers.

Be sure to check the expiration date

The expiration date is until August 31, 2026. After the period expires, the remaining amount may not be available or refunds may be limited. If you have received a subsidy, it is recommended that you use it within the deadline according to your living expenses spending plan.

Pre-Application Checklist

Please check the items below in order before applying.

  • [ ] It was confirmed that the official name of the system is High Oil Price Damage Support Fund.
  • [ ] I checked whether I was a basic recipient, second-lowest income/single parent, or bottom 70% of income earner.
  • [ ] I confirmed the application period.
  • [ ] Checked whether the day system applies in the first week of application.
  • [ ] I decided whether to apply online or offline.
  • [ ] The payment method was decided among cards, local love gift certificates, and prepaid cards.
  • [ ] We confirmed the area and place of use.
  • [ ] It was confirmed that the expiration date is August 31, 2026.
  • [ ] Instead of using a text link, I accessed the official app or official website directly.
  • [ ] If you have any questions, please contact the dedicated call center at 1670-2626 or the community center.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will all citizens receive subsidies for high oil prices?

no. Based on official guidance, 70% of the population is eligible. Please check whether you are actually eligible through official channels such as the application screen or community center.

Is the official name of the high oil price livelihood support fund?

The name of the system in the government's official information is High Oil Price Damage Subsidy. One thing to watch out for is that in searches, the expressions “high oil price support fund” and “high oil price support fund” are also used.

If I get it in the first round, can I also get it in the second round?

According to the official information, if you applied and received payment in the first period, you cannot apply or receive payment twice in the second period.

Where do I apply online?

You can apply through the card company app/homepage or the Local Love Gift Certificate app/homepage. Some channels also provide call center or ARS guidance.

Can I apply at a community center?

yes. Offline applications can be made at community centers and bank branches. Please check operating hours and required documents before visiting.

Is the subsidy paid in cash?

Based on the official guide, you can choose between local love gift certificates, credit/check cards, and prepaid cards. It should not be understood as a regular cash deposit.

Where can I use it?

It can be used mainly at local love gift certificate affiliated stores in the jurisdiction of the address or small business stores with sales of 3 billion won or less, excluding businesses where use is not allowed. Please check the app or official instructions for actual availability.

When is the expiration date?

According to official information, the expiration date is August 31, 2026.

Beware of smishing and fake application sites

During the subsidy application period, the number of impersonated text messages and fake application sites may increase. Do not immediately click on the link included in the text. It is safer to access directly through trusted channels such as the credit card company's official app, local love gift certificate official app, official information from the Ministry of Public Administration and Security, and community centers.

We recommend that you avoid the following actions:

  • Click on text link from unknown source
  • Accessing unofficial sites that request personal and account information
  • Install the Local Love Gift Certificate app from a location other than the App Store
  • The act of providing an authentication number or password over the phone
  • Responding to SNS messages impersonating official organizations

If you receive any suspicious information during the application process, please contact the dedicated call center or community center first.

finish

The method of applying for high oil price subsidies may seem complicated, but it is not difficult if you break down the steps. First, check if you are eligible and check the application period. Then, select the online or offline application route and confirm the payment method and usage.

The first thing to look at is using the official route. Please apply at card company apps, local love gift certificate apps, community centers, bank branches, etc. Before use, be sure to check with the affiliated store and the expiration date.

Policy-related articles can also be found in the policy information category.

Official References

  • Ministry of the Interior and Safety — Official information on high oil price damage subsidies
  • Busan Metropolitan City — Example of high oil price damage subsidy information
  • Kookmin Shinmungo — Link to objection information

image source

  • Wikimedia Commons — Hyundai Oilbank Songak Gas Station 20240729.jpg , CC0
  • Wikimedia Commons — YeongchunBus-Cardreader.jpg , Public Domain
  • Wikimedia Commons — Gukje Market Busan South Korea 01.jpg , CC0

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FAQ

What is this article about?

This article is an English translation and global-reader adaptation of the Korean post “How to apply for high oil price subsidies: Eligibility, period, and usage at a glance.” It preserves the original article’s main explanation, examples, and practical context.

Why is it translated into English?

The English version helps global readers access Thinknote articles through English search keywords while keeping the Korean source available as the original reference.

Where can I read the original Korean version?

You can read the original Korean article here: https://www.thinknote.co.kr/high-oil-price-support-application-guide/