The 2026 housing benefit is part of the National Basic Livelihood Security System, which supports rent for low-income households or repairs deteriorated parts of owner-occupied homes. Eligibility is determined based not only on monthly wages but on recognized income, which converts both income and assets into a combined amount.
The amounts below are based on the eligibility criteria and minimum benefit levels effective from January 1, 2026. The standard rent or repair limits are not fixed amounts guaranteed to be paid, and the assistance provided varies according to the results of household and housing inspections.
2026 Housing Benefit Eligibility and Income Criteria
The basic eligibility criterion for housing benefit is that the household’s recognized income must be at most 48% of the standard median income. The income or assets of persons obligated to provide support are not considered in the housing benefit eligibility criteria, but the applicant household’s own income, assets, and actual residential status are investigated.
Monthly Recognized Income Limits by Household Size
| Household size | 48% of the 2026 standard median income |
|---|---|
| 1 person | KRW 1,230,834 |
| 2 people | KRW 2,015,660 |
| 3 people | KRW 2,572,337 |
| 4 people | KRW 3,117,474 |
| 5 people | KRW 3,627,225 |
| 6 people | KRW 4,106,857 |
The amounts in the table are not benefit amounts but the monthly recognized income ceilings used to determine eligibility. Households of 7 or more people must separately check the official standard applicable to their household size.
How Is Recognized Income Calculated?
Recognized income is the sum of the following two items.
Recognized income = assessed income + income-converted value of assets
- Assessed income: The amount calculated by applying deductions recognized under the system to earned income, business income, property income, public transfer income, and other income
- Income-converted value of assets: The amount calculated by accounting for the basic asset allowance and recognized debts in assets such as homes, land, rental deposits, savings, and automobiles, and then applying the conversion rate
Accordingly, even if monthly wages are below the eligibility threshold, assets may cause the household to exceed the threshold. Conversely, earned-income deductions and other adjustments may result in recognized income being lower than the applicant expected. The exact amount is determined through a review of official records and an investigation by the relevant city, county, or district.
Standard Rent and Payment Method for Renter Households
Eligible households renting and residing in another person’s home receive rental benefits. The amount of assistance is calculated by considering the area of residence, household size, actual rent, and recognized income together.
2026 Standard Rent
The following amounts are monthly ceilings, in KRW.
| Grade | Area classification | 1 person | 2 people | 3 people | 4 people | 5 people | 6 people |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 1 | Seoul | 369,000 | 414,000 | 492,000 | 571,000 | 594,000 | 703,000 |
| Grade 2 | Gyeonggi·Incheon | 300,000 | 335,000 | 397,000 | 459,000 | 480,000 | 568,000 |
| Grade 3 | Metropolitan cities·Sejong City·Special-status cities outside the Seoul metropolitan area | 247,000 | 275,000 | 327,000 | 377,000 | 397,000 | 470,000 |
| Grade 4 | Other areas | 212,000 | 237,000 | 281,000 | 325,000 | 340,000 | 403,000 |
For households of 7 people, the standard rent for 6 people applies. For households of 8–9 people, 10% is added to the standard rent for 6 people, with an additional 10% added for every subsequent increase of 2 household members.
When Actual Monthly Rent Is Lower Than the Standard Rent
The rental benefit does not automatically pay the full standard rent. In principle, it is calculated based on the lower of the standard rent and the actual rent.
For example, although the standard rent for a one-person household in Seoul is KRW 369,000 per month, if the verified actual rent is KRW 300,000 per month, KRW 300,000 becomes the starting point for the calculation. Conversely, if the actual rent is KRW 450,000, the standard rent of KRW 369,000 applies as the ceiling. If recognized income is more than the livelihood benefit eligibility threshold, a household contribution may be deducted, so the actual benefit may be lower.
Actual rent reflects not only monthly rent but also the rental deposit converted into a monthly amount at a specified rate. Maintenance fees may be investigated separately from the rent specified in the lease agreement.
Key Points in Calculating Rental Benefits
- If recognized income is at most the livelihood benefit eligibility threshold, the benefit is calculated primarily based on the lower of the standard rent and actual rent.
- If recognized income is more than the livelihood benefit eligibility threshold, a household contribution based on the difference between recognized income and the livelihood benefit threshold is reflected.
- Additional verification may be conducted depending on actual occupancy, the validity of the lease agreement, and the relationship between the landlord and tenant.
- Residents of public rental housing may also be eligible, but payment outcomes vary depending on rental data and how other housing assistance is taken into account.
Repair and Maintenance Benefit Criteria for Owner-Occupier Households
Eligible households residing in their own homes generally do not receive rent payments in cash. Instead, the deterioration of the home is assessed based on a housing inspection by the Korea Land and Housing Corporation or another relevant organization, and repairs are supported under the categories of minor, medium, or major repairs.
2026 Repair Scope and Limits
| Category | Typical scope of repairs | Repair cycle | Repair limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minor repairs | Relatively light repairs, such as improving finishing materials | 3 years | KRW 7.95 million |
| Medium repairs | Repairs focused on functional improvements, such as windows, insulation, and heating | 5 years | KRW 13.99 million |
| Major repairs | Repairs to structures and major facilities, such as roofs, columns, bathrooms, and kitchens | 7 years | KRW 20.06 million |
The repair limit is not paid to the applicant as a lump sum in cash. Repairs are carried out according to the condition of the home identified during the on-site inspection, repair priorities, and the actual scope of construction.
Support Rates by Income Bracket
| Recognized income bracket | Percentage of repair limit applied |
|---|---|
| At most the livelihood benefit eligibility threshold | 100% |
| More than the livelihood benefit threshold and at most 35% of the standard median income | 90% |
| More than 35% and at most 48% of the standard median income | 80% |
For example, even if the home is assessed as requiring major repairs, if the household’s recognized income is more than 35% of the standard median income, assistance is provided within 80% of the major repair limit. The actual construction cost and scope are determined based on the inspection results.
For homes occupied by persons with disabilities or older adults, the need to install accessibility facilities may also be reviewed. However, additional assistance is not automatically provided to every household; the eligibility requirements and on-site inspection criteria must be met.
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