2026 Childbirth Incentives, Parental Leave, and Childcare Support: How to Apply

How do you apply for 2026 childbirth incentives?

Childbirth incentive payments for families with newborns vary by region. As of 2026, the central government provides 2 million won for the first child, 3 million won for the second child, and 4 million won for the third child, with additional support available from each province and city. For example, Seoul City adds an extra 2 million won for the first child on top of the central government support, for a total of 4 million won.

The application process is very simple. You can apply at your local township office or community service center after giving birth, or through online portals (Government24 or local government websites). Required documents include a birth certificate, resident registration certificate, and a bank account copy. You must apply within 6 months of giving birth, so it's important to act quickly. However, application deadlines may vary by region, so it's a good idea to check with your local community service center in advance.

Parental leave benefits: How long can you receive them?

You can apply for parental leave when your child is 8 years old or younger and in second grade of elementary school or below. You can take up to 3 years of parental leave, and you can receive benefits for 1 year of that period. As of 2026, parental leave benefits are 80% of your monthly salary (maximum 1.5 million won per month, minimum 700,000 won per month).

To receive parental leave benefits, you must apply through your employer to the employment insurance provider (Korea Workers' Compensation and Welfare Service) 15 days before your scheduled leave begins. The application requires your child's birth certificate or resident registration certificate, and your company's HR department may also submit the documents together. An important point to note is that periods exceeding 1 year of parental leave do not receive benefits, but you must continue paying employment insurance premiums during the leave period. However, if you are raising two or more children, the parental leave benefit period can be extended up to 1 year and 8 months maximum.

Childcare facility and kindergarten subsidies: Can everyone receive them?

Childcare costs for children aged 3 to 5 are fully covered by the government. Up to 350,000 to 450,000 won per month is supported at both daycare centers and kindergartens, and support is provided automatically without a separate application process. However, when your child first enrolls, you must register their information at the childcare facility (or kindergarten), and parents must apply for childcare subsidies through Government24.

For infants aged 0 to 2, 500,000 to 700,000 won per month is provided. This can also be applied for through Government24 after registering at a childcare facility. If you use a family daycare center or nanny service, you can receive support by requesting the childcare subsidy application documents from the relevant institution and submitting them together. Child allowance (100,000 won per month for children 8 years old and under) can also be applied for separately, and this can be received concurrently with childcare subsidies.

Additional support policies for multi-child families and low-income households

Multi-child families can receive additional benefits. For three or more children, childcare costs are discounted by 50%, and some local governments provide free childcare from the fourth child onwards. Additionally, families with three or more children can enjoy various benefits such as electricity bill discounts, public transportation fare discounts, and preferential loan rates when purchasing homes.

Low-income families (recipients of basic living security, near-poor households) receive full childcare subsidies and can also receive an additional 100,000 won monthly child-rearing support. Since these benefits are not distributed automatically, you must apply at your township office or community service center. Required documents for application include resident registration certificate, health insurance payment proof, and income documentation. Support is determined based on income criteria.

Maternity leave and health management support

Working women can receive a total of 90 days of maternity leave from 42 days before the expected delivery date through 60 days after delivery. 30 days are paid at 100%, and the remaining 60 days are paid by employment insurance. However, small and medium enterprise employees should note that maternity leave benefits have a maximum of 1.5 million won per month.

Additionally, the maternity and newborn health management program covers obstetric checkups, health screenings, and traditional medicine costs before and after delivery. You can apply simply through Government24 or your local health center, and can receive up to 200,000 won per month in support. Newborn screening tests are also typically provided free up to 500,000 won, so please make sure to apply and take advantage of these benefits.

This article is information provided by AI that analyzes and organizes various sources. Please verify more accurate details with relevant institutions or experts.