Many young people living on their own miss out on rent support simply because they don't know it exists, or give up thinking it's over after missing the application window. Here's what to check.
1Check your eligibility first
Special Rent Support for Young People provides up to 200,000 won a month, once in a lifetime, for up to 24 months, to unmarried young people aged 19 to 34 who live apart from their parents, don't own a home, have a household income at or below 60% of median income, and whose parents' (original) household income is at or below 100% of median income. Since asset levels are assessed along with income, it's best to check the exact figures in each year's announcement — and the support is paid into the applicant's own account, not the landlord's.
2Missing the application window doesn't mean it's over for good
Special Rent Support for Young People used to run as a time-limited program that ended once its budget for the year ran out, starting in 2022. From 2026, it has become an ongoing program that recruits new recipients every year. That said, there is still a set application period (in 2026, applications run from March 30 to May 29), so you cannot apply just any time — if you missed this round, the next step is to find out when the next round's announcement will open.
3Apply through Bokjiro or your community center
You can apply online after identity verification on the Bokjiro website, or visit your local eup/myeon/dong community center to apply in person. Before applying, entering your income and assets on My Home Portal lets you check what other housing welfare benefits you may be eligible for, in addition to the youth rent support.
Services mentioned in this guide
Special Rent Support for Young People
A Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport program supporting homeless young people living apart from their parents with up to 200,000 won a month in rent for up to 24 months
Online 24 hours (during the application period); in-person follows community service center hours
Operated by · 국토교통부
Cost · Free
Bokjiro (Welfare Portal)
The Ministry of Health and Welfare's main welfare portal for searching life-stage welfare services and applying online directly
24 hours
Operated by · 보건복지부·한국사회보장정보원
Cost · Free
My Home Portal
An integrated portal that finds the public-housing and welfare benefits - such as public rental housing and housing benefit - that fit your income and asset level in one place
24 hours (call center 1600-1004)
Operated by · 국토교통부·한국토지주택공사
Cost · Free