First National Pension Premium Support for Those Born in 2009: Applications Are Open Even Without Income, and Parents Can Apply on Their Behalf
People born in 2009 can apply for the 'Youth First-Ever Pension Premium Support' program even if they currently have no income. Advance applications began on 2026-10-01, and the program takes effect on 2027-01-01. Parents can also apply on behalf of their children. As of January 2027, the support amount is KRW 41,000 for 1 month of premiums.
Can Students or Job Seekers Without Income Apply?
Yes. The Youth First-Ever Pension Premium Support program has no separate asset or income requirements.
Therefore, people born in 2009 are not excluded from the program simply because they are still students or are preparing for employment and have no earned income.
The first eligible group consists of people born in 2009 who turn 18 after the program takes effect on 2027-01-01. Applications can be submitted between the ages of 18 and 26, and advance applications for those born in 2009 have already been accepted since 2026-10-01.
However, Korean nationals living abroad who are under 27 and do not reside in Korea, participants in other public pension schemes, and foreign nationals are excluded from eligibility.
Understanding the Support Amount: It Is Not a Monthly Subsidy
This program does not continuously pay National Pension premiums on behalf of participants. Instead, it covers their first 1 month of premiums.
As of January 2027, the minimum standard monthly income amount is KRW 410,000, and the corresponding National Pension premium of KRW 41,000 is covered in full. The support amount may change if the standard monthly income amount is adjusted in subsequent years.
There is another important distinction.
A young person aged 18 who has never paid National Pension premiums receives support for their first 1 month of premiums. By contrast, someone aged 18 who has already paid premiums does not receive another 1 month of premium payments. Instead, 1 month is added to their recognized National Pension contribution period.
Therefore, it would be inaccurate to assume that everyone born in 2009 automatically receives KRW 41,000. The form of support may differ depending on their previous contribution history.
How Can Parents Apply on Behalf of Their Children?
People born in 2009 can apply directly, or a parent or legal guardian can submit an application on their behalf.
Parents applying online can use the 'Youth First-Ever Pension Premium Support (Application by Proxy)' menu provided by the National Pension Service (NPS). Applications are also accepted through the website, mobile app, telephone, mail, fax, or in-person visits.
If the family relationship between the parent and child can be verified through the NPS electronic records system, the application can be submitted without additional supporting documents.
The procedure is different when a parent applying online and their child are not registered as members of the same household in the resident registration records. In that case, a family relationship certificate issued in the child's name must be attached.
In other words, the simplest first step when preparing an application by a parent is to check whether the parent and child are registered as members of the same household.
After an application is submitted, the relevant NPS branch reviews the eligibility requirements and separately notifies the applicant of the decision. If additional documentation is needed during the review, the responsible staff member may contact the applicant.
Can People Born in 2009 Apply Now Even If Their Birthday Has Not Yet Passed?
Yes. Advance applications have been accepted for people born in 2009 since 2026-10-01.
For advance applications, the program covers 1 month of premiums calculated using the minimum standard monthly income amount applicable when the applicant turns 18. If an application is submitted after the applicant turns 18, the calculation is based on the minimum standard monthly income amount in effect on the application date.
People born in 2009 who are still minors can also apply directly through the NPS website or mobile service if they can complete identity verification. Their parents are not required to apply on their behalf.
Can Applicants Receive This Support Alongside Other Pension Premium Subsidies?
Using another support program does not automatically disqualify someone from the Youth First-Ever Pension Premium Support program. The NPS explains that applicants can receive overlapping support regardless of whether they receive assistance through another program.
However, submitting an application does not mean support is immediately approved. The NPS reviews the applicant's eligibility and then issues a final decision.
Applicants should also be aware before applying that once support has been approved, it cannot be canceled simply because the applicant changes their mind.
Three Things People Born in 2009 Should Check Before Applying
First, confirm whether you were born in 2009 and belong to the first group eligible for the program in 2027.
Second, check whether you have previously paid National Pension premiums. This matters because applicants without a contribution history may receive support for their first 1 month of premiums, while those with a contribution history may instead receive an additional 1 month credited toward their pension participation period.
Third, if a parent is applying online on behalf of their child, check whether the parent and child are registered as members of the same household. If they are not, prepare a family relationship certificate issued in the child's name.
There is no need to delay applying simply because you have no income. The Youth First-Ever Pension Premium Support program for people born in 2009 has no income or asset requirements, and advance applications have been underway since 2026-10-01. Eligible individuals can apply directly, or their parents can apply on their behalf.