President Lee Jae-myung on November 10 directed officials to actively identify and address gaps in support for vulnerable groups facing heating costs this winter, stating, "No one should miss out on benefits due to lack of awareness of the system."
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), President Lee emphasized that for energy-vulnerable groups, the burden of heating costs is as concerning as the cold itself. He stated, "Winter, a season meant for sharing warmth, should not become a time of suffering for anyone."
He urged officials to check for individuals who may have difficulties applying for or using the support and to work diligently to reduce gaps in assistance. He introduced the government's 'Energy Voucher Finder Service,' aimed at directly identifying those in need of heating cost support.
The government plans to proactively locate individuals requiring heating cost assistance through this service. For those who find it difficult to use vouchers, a pre-cash payment method will be implemented. Additionally, the amount of support for kerosene and liquefied natural gas (LNG), which have seen price surges due to the recent Middle East conflict, will also be increased.
President Lee called on local governments to take proactive welfare measures, saying, "I hope each municipality will actively seek out those in need of support. Please ensure that the measures are functioning properly on the ground and check thoroughly to ensure no one is left without assistance."
He added, "The government will also pay closer attention to ensure that those in need do not miss out on support due to lack of knowledge about the system, allowing everyone to get through winter with peace of mind."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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