Feb 17 • 05:35 UTC 🇰🇷 Korea Hankyoreh (KR)

Useful Welfare Services: Preparing for Old Age, Psychological Counseling, and More

The article details various welfare services available in South Korea, aimed at helping citizens prepare for old age and access psychological counseling, but highlights that many are unaware of these benefits.

The article discusses the extensive range of welfare services available in South Korea, which includes over 5,000 types from central government ministries, local governments, and private organizations. It emphasizes that many citizens are not fully utilizing these resources due to a lack of information. Notable services covered include counseling for preparing for old age, which consists of financial, health, leisure, and social relationship assessments provided by the National Pension Service, available for free to all citizens. Users can seek in-person consultations or access online resources to estimate their anticipated pension amounts across various retirement plans.

Another significant welfare initiative mentioned in the article is the 'Mental Health Counseling Voucher', aimed at individuals facing emotional difficulties such as depression and anxiety. This program offers free psychological counseling through various qualified institutions based on a referral or diagnosis note. There are no age or income restrictions for applicants, who can receive a total of eight sessions of professional counseling, with costs varying depending on income levels, thereby promoting accessibility to mental health support.

Lastly, the article encourages young people aged 18 to 34 to apply for financial assistance with driving license costs, which is part of the support services in Seoul and Gyeonggi Province. This initiative reflects the broader effort to enhance welfare services, especially for vulnerable populations, by ensuring they are informed and able to utilize the benefits available to them, thus addressing social issues more effectively.

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