Seoul's Gangbuk-gu will expand eligibility for its veterans' honor allowance program to include the spouses of deceased war veterans starting this month, district mayor Jeong Chang-su announced, as part of efforts to strengthen support for those who served the country and their families.
The expansion follows an amendment to the Act on the Honorable Treatment of and Support for Persons of Distinguished Service to the State, which took effect in March. Eligible recipients are spouses of deceased Korean War and Vietnam War veterans who reside in Gangbuk-gu and have completed spousal registration with the Seoul Northern Veterans Affairs Office.
Applicants must first complete the spousal registration process at the Seoul Northern Veterans Affairs Office, then apply for the allowance at their local community service center. Once approved, recipients will receive 70,000 won ($49) on the 25th of each month, beginning with the month of application.
When applying, individuals must visit their community service center in person with a national veterans' registration card or a certificate of bereaved family status, along with a copy of a bank account in their name. The district will verify eligibility based on the submitted application before disbursing the allowance.
However, those receiving basic livelihood benefits or classified as near-poor should be aware that the allowance may count toward income calculations and could affect their benefit eligibility or payment amounts. They are advised to check the relevant details before applying.
To ensure no eligible recipients miss out due to lack of awareness, the district is actively promoting the program through individual text messages and mailings, and is encouraging applications on an ongoing basis.
For more information on eligibility and how to apply, residents may contact their local community service center or the district's welfare policy division.
"Behind every veteran's dedication to the country stood a family — enduring years of sacrifice and hardship by their side," district mayor Jeong said. "I hope this support conveys our gratitude and respect to the spouses, and we will continue to look carefully after those who devoted themselves to the nation and their families, so they receive the recognition they deserve in their daily lives."
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