The Energy Voucher program is a government initiative designed to provide financial assistance to vulnerable households to help cover their heating and cooling costs. The primary goal is to alleviate the burden of energy expenses, particularly during periods of extreme temperatures (such as cold winters or hot summers), and ensure access to essential energy for daily living.
#### **1. Eligibility Criteria (Who Can Apply)**
To be eligible for the Energy Voucher, households generally must meet specific income and social welfare criteria. Typically, this program targets:
* **Low-income households:** Recipients of the National Basic Livelihood Security System (a social welfare program for low-income individuals and families) are usually the primary beneficiaries.
* **Specific Household Types:** Further conditions may apply based on household composition, such as elderly individuals living alone, individuals with disabilities, pregnant women, young children, or patients with severe illnesses.
The exact criteria are determined each year and announced by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, along with the local governments.
#### **2. Application Method (How to Apply)**
There are typically three main ways to apply for the Energy Voucher:
1. **In-person Application (Visit Application):**
* Applicants or their authorized representatives (proxies) can visit the community service center located at their registered address.
* **Proxy Application:** An individual can apply on behalf of the applicant if they obtain a power of attorney and are a household member or a relative (within 8 degrees of kinship by blood, or 4 degrees by marriage) listed on the applicant's resident registration certificate. Proxy signatures are acceptable on all application forms.
2. **Ex-officio Application (Official Initiative Application):**
* In certain cases, a responsible public official may apply on behalf of eligible individuals. This happens if the official contacts the eligible person (via phone or in-person visit) and obtains their verbal or written consent for the application.
3. **Online Application (Online Application):**
* Eligible individuals can apply through the official "Bokjiro" website (www.bokjiro.go.kr). After an online submission, the responsible public official at the community service center will process the application through the "Happy E-um" system.
#### **3. Application Period**
The application period for the Energy Voucher generally spans several months each year. For example, in a previous year, the application window was from June 9th to December 31st. It is crucial to check the annual announcements for the exact dates each year.
#### **4. Relationship with KEPCO and District Heating Corporations**
The Energy Voucher works by providing eligible households with a means to pay for various energy sources, including electricity, city gas, LPG (liquefied petroleum gas), and district heating.
* **Payment Mechanisms:**
* **Rate Deduction Method (Charge Deduction Method):** For specific periods, such as the summer Energy Voucher (often focused on cooling), the support may be applied directly as a deduction on the electricity bill. This means KEPCO (Korea Electric Power Corporation), as the electricity provider, would directly reduce the amount owed by the voucher amount.
* **National Happiness Card:** For other energy sources (city gas, LPG, district heating) and often for electricity during the winter, the voucher amount is loaded onto a "National Happiness Card." This card acts like a debit card specifically for energy purchases. Households can then use this card to pay their utility bills to providers like **KEPCO** for electricity, **City Gas companies** for gas, **LPG providers**, and **District Heating Corporations** for district heating services.
* **Role of Providers:** KEPCO, District Heating Corporations, and other energy suppliers collaborate with the government to implement this program. They accept payments made via the rate deduction method or through the National Happiness Card, ensuring that the voucher directly translates into reduced energy costs for the beneficiaries.
#### **5. National Happiness Card Issuance**
The National Happiness Card can be issued by several credit card companies and financial institutions. Applicants can typically obtain this card through:
* **Visiting a branch:** Banks (e.g., NH Nonghyup, IBK Industrial Bank, Busan Bank, Woori Bank, Hana Bank) and some card company centers (e.g., Lotte Department Store card center for Lotte Card, Shinsegae Department Store customer service center for Samsung Card) offer in-person issuance.
* **Phone application:** Many card companies (e.g., BC Card, Lotte Card, Samsung Card, KB Kookmin Card, Shinhan Card) also support phone applications.
*Please note: Some banks or card companies may have specific requirements or might stop issuing the card, so it's always best to verify with the card issuer directly.
#### **6. Important Considerations**
* **Assistance for Applicants:** If applicants face difficulties in applying, they can receive cooperation from related personnel such as senior welfare managers (senior welfare managers), disability activity assistants (disability activity assistants), long-term care workers (caregivers), or volunteers. These individuals can help facilitate the application process at the community service center.
* **Annual Changes:** The specific details, including eligibility criteria, application periods, voucher amounts, and participating energy types, can be updated annually. Always refer to the latest official announcements from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy or the local community service center.
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