Eligibility and Criteria for the Sub-Poverty Out-of-Pocket Reduction: Income and Assets Must Be Confirmed
With the strengthened eligibility criteria for the Sub-Poverty Out-of-Pocket Reduction starting in 2025, it’s crucial to confirm your eligibility in advance. Being selected for the Out-of-Pocket Reduction significantly reduces your medical bills, alleviating your financial burden.
This article will briefly explain the key eligibility criteria for the Sub-Poverty Out-of-Pocket Reduction: income, assets, and dependents.

Table of Contents
Check Income Criteria
Check Asset Criteria
Check Dependents Criteria
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Eligibility for the Sub-Poverty Out-of-Pocket Reduction
Check Income Criteria
The most important criterion for the Sub-Poverty Out-of-Pocket Reduction is income. The household income of the recipient must be at or below 50% of the median income. As of 2025, the 50% median income amounts by household size are as follows:
One-person household: KRW 1,114,222 or less
Two-person household: KRW 1,841,305 or less
Three-person household: KRW 2,357,328 or less
Four-person household: KRW 2,864,956 or less
Five-person household: KRW 3,347,867 or less
Six-person household: KRW 3,809,184 or less
Seven-person household: KRW 4,257,497 or less
The recognized income amount is calculated by adding not only actual salary but also the converted income of assets such as real estate and deposits.
Check the Asset Standards
The asset standards for those eligible for the second-lowest self-payment reduction vary depending on their residential area. The total value of all assets owned by the applicant, including deposits, real estate, and vehicles, must not exceed the amounts listed below.
Seoul: KRW 172 million or less
Gyeonggi Province: KRW 151 million or less
Metropolitan Cities, Sejong, and Changwon: KRW 146 million or less
Other regions: KRW 112 million or less
Vehicles may be subject to certain exceptions, such as those used for livelihood purposes, and some deductions, such as financial debt, may also be included.
Check the criteria for dependents
Dependents are the direct relatives (parents, children) of the beneficiary and their spouses. If the beneficiary is unable to support a dependent or is unable to receive support, they may apply for a reduced out-of-pocket expense.
For example, if the dependent is severely disabled and unable to make a living, this may apply. 차상위 본인부담 경감대상자
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. What is the recognized income amount?
Dependent income is calculated by including not only salary but also assets such as real estate and deposits converted into income. 좋은뉴스
Q. If I exceed the asset criteria, can I still apply?
Yes. If your household’s total assets exceed the criteria, it will be difficult to apply. However, some debts or livelihood-related items may be deducted, so it’s recommended to consult with your local community before applying.
Q. Can I apply even if I have dependents?
Even if you have dependents, you can still apply if you are unable to support them or are unable to receive them.
Q. Who are dependents?
This refers to the applicant’s parents, children, and other first-degree relatives, as well as their spouses.
The “Next-Poverty Out-of-Pocket Reduction” program
is an important program that helps those facing financial difficulties reduce their medical expenses. Please carefully review the income, asset, and dependent requirements, and if applicable, visit your local community center to prepare your application. We hope this program will help you lead a healthy and stable life.