nighttime emergency childcare / infant care allowance / childcare support expansion / youth independence allowance / Ministry of Gender Equality and Family budget

Nighttime Emergency and Infant Care Allowances: Expanded Childcare Support in 2026

The Ministry of Gender Equality and Family has announced its 2026 budget plan, which introduces nighttime emergency care allowances and infant care allowances, expands childcare subsidies, and strengthens financial and welfare support for single-parent families and vulnerable youth. The budget totals 1.9866 trillion won, marking an 11.8% increase compared to this year. The key goals are to reduce childcare blind spots, enhance youth support, and promote a safe and gender-equal society.

👶 Expanded Childcare Services and Family Support

Starting next year, the income threshold for childcare subsidies will be relaxed from 200% of median income to 250% of median income, increasing the number of supported households from 120,000 to 126,000. Tailored support will also be expanded for working parents, single-parent households, and multi-generational families.

  • Introduction of nighttime emergency care allowances
  • Introduction of infant care allowances
  • Additional childcare hours for single-parent and grandparent-headed households
  • 10% extra subsidy for families in population-declining regions

For low-income single-parent households, the welfare benefit income standard will be eased from 63% → 65% of the median, with increases in supplementary childcare allowances, school supplies subsidies, and living support grants.

🧒 Supporting Youth Growth and Wellbeing

Policies to strengthen mental health services and independence support for youth will be significantly expanded.

  • Expansion of one-stop support packages for isolated and withdrawn youth
  • Increase in specialized clinic staff for high-risk youth (105 → 124)
  • Support for three new “growth workplace” projects at youth welfare facilities
  • Monthly youth independence allowance of 500,000 won, beneficiaries increased from 440 → 540
  • Increase in meal subsidy at youth facilities from 5,000 won → 6,000 won

In addition, new programs will promote international exchange and local youth participation committees, giving young people more opportunities to engage in policy-making and leadership development.

💡 Building a Safer and Gender-Equal Society

The government will also intensify efforts to combat digital sexual crimes and expand support for victims of gender-based violence.

  • Recruitment of additional victim support staff and provision of specialized training
  • Improvements to the illegal content deletion support system
  • Monthly independence allowances of 500,000 won for victims of sexual exploitation after leaving shelters
  • Enhanced safety equipment and housing protection for victims of violence
  • Promotion of gender equality awareness and balance among younger generations

Construction of the National Museum of Women’s History and procurement of historical artifacts will also be advanced, while local governments will play a bigger role in vocational training and re-employment programs for women.

❓ FAQ

1. Who is eligible for nighttime emergency childcare allowances?

Families with urgent childcare needs during nighttime hours, including working parents, single-parent households, and at-risk families, will be prioritized.

2. How has the childcare subsidy standard changed?

The eligibility threshold has been expanded from households earning ≤200% of the median income to ≤250%, enabling more families to qualify for support.

3. What is the updated youth independence allowance?

Facility-leaving youth will receive a monthly allowance of 500,000 won, with the number of recipients increasing from 440 to 540.

4. What support is offered to victims of sexual exploitation?

Youth leaving protection facilities will receive a monthly independence allowance of 500,000 won, along with psychological and social reintegration support.

5. How is victim protection being strengthened?

Victim shelters will be upgraded, and enhanced housing safety equipment will be provided to ensure greater protection and recovery.

🚀 Conclusion

The 2026 budget plan by the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family emphasizes expanded childcare support, increased assistance for single-parent families, strengthened youth wellbeing and independence, and enhanced responses to digital sexual crimes. The introduction of nighttime emergency and infant care allowances in particular will significantly reduce the childcare burden for families. These people-centered policies aim to ensure that citizens feel tangible improvements in everyday life while moving toward a more equitable and inclusive society.

👉 External Reference: Official Ministry of Gender Equality and Family Website

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