Health ministry lifts 2027 median income by record 6.7 percent

The health ministry said Tuesday it will raise the 2027 standard median income by 6.7 percent, the largest increase since the metric was introduced in 2015.

Under the new calculation method adopted by the Central Living Security Committee, the monthly median income for a four-person household will rise to 6.93 million won from 6.49 million won this year. This adjustment pushes the maximum livelihood benefit for a four-person family up by approximately 140,000 won to 2.22 million won, while single-person households will see an increase of about 55,000 won.

Jeong Eun-kyung, the minister of health and welfare, stated that the historic hike reflects the government's resolve to more thickly protect the lives of its most struggling citizens. She noted that the deficit scale and ratio for the bottom 20 percent of households expanded in the first quarter of 2026.

Starting next year, the ministry will determine the median income based on the three-year average growth rate from the Household Finance and Welfare Survey, adjusted by consumer price indices and real GDP growth. This revised formula replaces the previous system used since 2021.

The standard median income serves as the eligibility threshold for 80 welfare programs across 15 central government agencies, including medical, housing, and education benefits. Selection criteria for these grants will remain fixed at percentages of the median income, ranging from 32 percent for livelihood support to 50 percent for educational aid.

In addition to cash benefits, the committee approved raising the standard rental fees used to calculate housing allowances by between 12,000 won and 50,000 won depending on region and household size. Educational activity support fees for elementary and middle school students will also increase by an average of 4.7 percent.

The minister added that the government plans to review broader systemic improvements, including reforms to the family support obligation system, within the fourth comprehensive plan for basic livelihood security expected later this year.