The Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs announced on March 3 that it will begin accepting applications for living subsidies from low-income spouses of war veterans starting March 17.
The move follows the Cabinet's approval of an amendment to the enforcement decree of the Act on the Honorable Treatment of and Support for Persons of Distinguished Service to the State, which outlines registration procedures for spouses of war veterans.
Previously, living subsidies of 150,000 won per month were provided only to war veterans themselves who were aged 80 or older and whose household income fell below 50% of the median income.
Under the revised decree, spouses of deceased war veterans who are aged 80 or older and meet the same income threshold will now be eligible for the same monthly payment.
The ministry estimates approximately 17,000 low-income spouses of war veterans will benefit from the policy change.