- Application to be made 60 days of childbirth; KRW 1.2 million provided in Incheon e-Eum Points -

- “i+ Plus 100 Million Dream” initiative to alleviate families’ financial burdens and overcome low birth rates -

Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jung-bok) has been implementing the Incheon-style birth policy “i+ 100 Million Dream” since July last year.

Through this initiative, the city began providing support for transportation expenses for pregnant women, the 1040 Subsidy Program, and the Child Dream Allowance. This year, the program was further expanded to include postpartum care expenses, helping to reduce the financial burden of child-rearing and fostering awareness of the need to address low birth rates.

As part of this Incheon-style birth policy, the 1040 Subsidy Program provides children aged 1 to 7 with an annual subsidy of KRW 1.2 million, totaling KRW 8.4 million over seven years. Eligible children must have been born on or after January 1, 2023, and must have continuously resided in Incheon for at least one year with a parent sharing the same resident registration.

In principle, parents must apply online through the Government24 (Subsidy24) website. However, if a non-parent guardian needs to apply or if online application is not possible, applications can be submitted in person at the local administrative welfare center. 

* Government24 (https://www.gov.kr) → Log in (authentication required) → Search for “1040 Subsidy” → Click “Apply” → Fill out and submit application form

Applications must be submitted each year within 60 days of the child’s birthday. Failure to apply within this period will result in the loss of eligibility for that year’s subsidy, and it cannot be paid retroactively. 

The subsidy will be provided as Incheon Love Gift Certificate (Incheon e-Eum) points, the city’s local currency, and will be issued by the end of the month following the application. To receive the subsidy, applicants must first sign up for the Incheon e-Eum app and obtain a card. The points can be used at Incheon e-Eum partner stores and are valid for 12 months from the date of issuance. Unused points will automatically expire after 12 months.

For further information, visit the Incheon Metropolitan City website (https://www.incheon.go.kr). For inquiries, contact the Michuhol Call Center (Tel: +82-32-120) or your local administrative welfare center.

* Incheon Metropolitan City website (https://www.incheon.go.kr/en) → Welfare → Infants & Toddlers → Childbirth → 1040 Subsidy

Incheon Director for Gender Equality and Family Si Hyeon-jeong stated, “Since the fully-fledged implementation of the Incheon-type birth policy 'i+ 100 Million Dream,' the year-on-year increase in births has been rising since June last year. Incheon continues to rank first nationwide, demonstrating positive effects in overcoming the low birth rate.”

She added, “Through active and effective promotions using various media, we will ensure eligible families can take full advantage of the 1040 Subsidy Program. We will also develop tangible response measures to low birth rates, doing our best to create an optimal environment for raising children.”