South Korea's child‑support advance program aids over 10,000 children

South Korea’s Ministry of Gender Equality and Family reported that the child‑support advance scheme, introduced in July 2023, has provided 167.3 billion won to 6,923 households, benefiting 10,917 minor children in its first year. The system pays the support amount to single‑parent families before collection from the non‑custodial parent, with recovery actions—forced collection under the tax‑collection law—recovering 640 million won by the end of May 2024. The ministry eased eligibility rules, allowing applications when the average monthly support received in the preceding three months is less than the advance amount, expanding coverage beyond the original strict non‑payment condition. A further reform slated for October will remove the income‑threshold, extending aid to more single‑parent families. Minister Won Min‑kyung said the program has become a “solid safety net” supporting stable growth for children in need.