2026 Energy Voucher Winter Heating Support: Automatic Application Rules for Basic Livelihood Security Recipients and How to Use Up to KRW 701,300
The 2026 Energy Voucher program helps reduce winter heating costs, but benefits are not automatically provided to everyone receiving basic livelihood security benefits in South Korea. Households must meet both the income and household-member eligibility requirements. Even households that received support last year must submit a new application if they have moved or their household composition has changed.
As of 2026-10-18, the application deadline is December 31. Support amounts vary according to the number of household members, ranging from KRW 295,200 to a maximum of KRW 701,300.
It is particularly important to distinguish between households applying for the first time this year and those that received support last year, as their application procedures may differ.
Are Energy Vouchers Automatically Provided to Basic Livelihood Security Recipients?
Under the 2026 Energy Voucher program, automatic applications are possible for existing beneficiaries whose registered information remains unchanged and who continue to meet the eligibility requirements this year. However, simply being designated as a recipient of basic livelihood security benefits does not mean that an Energy Voucher will automatically be issued.
Whether an application is processed automatically depends on the household's Energy Voucher usage history from the previous year and whether it remains eligible this year.
| Household Situation | Application Procedure |
|---|---|
| Household received support last year and its information has not changed | Automatic application if eligibility is maintained |
| Household receiving support for the first time this year | New application |
| Household received support last year but has since moved | New application |
| Household information, such as the number of household members, has changed | New application or reapplication |
| Household information changes while receiving support | Report the changes and reapply |
For example, a 2-person household that used an Energy Voucher last year may qualify for automatic application if it still lives at the same address and continues to meet the eligibility requirements this year.
However, even if a household received support last year, it must ensure that any changes in address or household size this year are reflected in its registered information.
Even if you believe your household qualifies for automatic application, it is safer to verify the actual application and approval status.
Who Is Eligible for the 2026 Energy Voucher Program?
The 2026 Energy Voucher program is available to households that meet both the income requirements and the household-member characteristics requirements.
First, the applicant must be a recipient of at least one benefit under South Korea's National Basic Livelihood Security system: livelihood benefits, medical benefits, housing benefits, or education benefits.
In addition, the benefit recipient or another household member listed on the resident registration record must fall into at least one of the designated eligibility categories.
The household-member characteristics requirements for 2026 are as follows.
Older adults: Individuals born on or before 1961-12-31
Infants and young children: Preschool children aged 7 or younger who were born on or after 2019-01-01
Persons with disabilities: Individuals registered as persons with disabilities under the Act on Welfare of Persons with Disabilities
Pregnant women: Women who are pregnant or who gave birth within the past 6 months
Persons with severe illnesses, rare diseases, or severe intractable diseases: Individuals who meet the criteria specified in the relevant official notices
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