Policies · Planned · 2 sources combined
Basic Pension rises
but livelihood aid cut
In short
The government decided to raise the Basic Pension (monthly state pension for low-income seniors) starting in 2027.
However, elderly people receiving livelihood assistance will have it reduced by the same amount the Basic Pension increases.
Critics point out that the actual money in their hands remains unchanged.
Key facts
| When | From 2027, the government plans to increase the Basic Pension by 30,000 won per month for the lowest 30% income bracket. |
|---|---|
| Who | As of 2025, 783,000 elderly people receive both livelihood assistance and Basic Pension. |
| What | As the Basic Pension rises, livelihood assistance is cut by the same amount, so actual income does not increase. |
| How | This is because the Basic Pension payment is counted as 100% income when calculating livelihood assistance. |
What it means for me
Households receiving both livelihood assistance and Basic Pension will struggle to feel the benefit of the increase.
If you are 65 or older receiving livelihood assistance, your actual income stays the same even if Basic Pension rises.
