South Korea's Ministry of Health and Welfare (보건복지부) announced that the Cabinet approved a partial amendment to the Enforcement Decree of the Act on Activity Assistance Services for Persons with Disabilities on October 13, 2026. It extends the limited period during which qualifying recipients with profound developmental disabilities or rare diseases may receive activity-support services from a family member who serves as an activity-support worker. The previous end date was October 31, 2026; the new end date is December 31, 2028.

What the date change does—and does not—mean

Normally, a family member providing activity support to a recipient is permitted only in exceptional circumstances, such as residence in a remote area or a natural disaster. Since November 2024, a temporary exception with specific conditions has also applied to some recipients with profound developmental disabilities or rare diseases, in recognition of the difficulty of finding support workers. The announcement extends the expiration of that exception. It does not establish an automatic payment or eligibility for every family that includes a disabled person.

One adult offering another adult a glass of water at home.

Questions to take to the responsible office

  • Is the person already a recipient of the relevant activity-support benefit, and which local activity-support provider handles their case?
  • Do the person's circumstances and the proposed family support worker meet the specific conditions for family-provided services? Do not infer approval from a diagnosis or family relationship alone.
  • If family-provided support is already arranged, how will the new end date affect this particular case? The date is the exception's allowed-period end, not an individualized promise of hours or payments through 2028.

The Cabinet's approval of an amendment is distinct from a case decision. The press release does not establish each household's eligibility or describe every practical step. Confirm the effective rules and procedures with the relevant local government or activity-support provider rather than relying on a general summary.

An empty wheelchair in a corridor inside a home.

The shorter Life Mokcha Naver article is available in Korean.

About the Author

The Life Mokcha editorial team checked the October 13 announcement from Korea's Ministry of Health and Welfare (보건복지부). Individual eligibility and implementation details must be confirmed with the responsible provider.

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