Consumer Coupon 2.0: Key Things to Know & How to Qualify (Even If You're Close to the Top 10% Income Bracket)
I applied for the Consumer Coupon 2.0 program and found out some crucial differences from the first round.
Especially for parents and seniors in their 40s to 60s, this information is a must-know!
Don't just apply blindly. Eligibility is strictly determined by your health insurance premium; if you fall within the top 10% income bracket, you're automatically excluded. So, check your eligibility first.
The application period, method, and even asset criteria are more stringent than you might think.
I'll share the tips I learned firsthand, as if I were telling a friend.
First things first: confirm whether you're even eligible.
The first thing I checked was, 'Am I eligible?' This second round excludes the top 10% income bracket, unlike the first round.
Eligibility is based on your health insurance premium. If you're an employee, a monthly premium exceeding ₩273,380, or if you're self-employed, a premium exceeding ₩209,970, likely puts you in the top 10%.
In my case, as a dual-income couple, we had to combine our premiums. If it's confusing, check your 'Insurance Premium Assessment Details' on the National Health Insurance Service website.
Don't miss the application period!
The application period is from September 22nd to October 31st.
I almost missed it, initially thinking the first week was based on a day-of-the-week system. But this time, you can apply freely without such restrictions.
However, the coupons expire immediately after the period, so it's safest to apply in advance. Also, remember that for underage children, the application must be under the name of the head of household.
Asset criteria also matter, not just health insurance premiums.
I learned that even if your health insurance premium is low, you might be excluded if you have high-value assets.
For example, if you own a home with a property tax assessment exceeding ₩900 million or have annual financial income exceeding ₩20 million, you might be ineligible.
A retired couple I know was excluded because their health insurance premium was low, but their house was expensive. It's good to check this beforehand.
Sign up for the National Secretary Notification Service for early updates.
One of the most useful things I did was sign up for the 'National Secretary Notification Service.'
You could sign up through Naver, KakaoTalk, Toss, or the National Secretary website starting July 14th. I received a text message around July 19th confirming my eligibility and payment status.
Instead of just waiting, I recommend signing up for this service for easy confirmation!
You can appeal if you're classified in the top 10%.
If you're near the cutoff, like me, it might feel unfair. In this case, you can appeal through the 'e-People' portal or your local community center.
You'll need to submit your health insurance premium payment history or proof of income reduction, but don't just give up! If you make a legitimate request, they will re-evaluate your case.
Where can you use the Consumer Coupon 2.0?
This was really confusing. You can't use it just anywhere!
You can only use it at small business merchants like traditional markets, local restaurants, beauty salons, pharmacies, and small convenience stores.
You can't use it at department stores, large supermarkets, online malls, or franchise direct stores.
Even delivery apps might not work unless you pay with a card, and kiosks are mostly unusable.
Eligible Businesses
Ineligible Businesses
Traditional Markets, Beauty Salons
Large Supermarkets, Department Stores
Academies, Pharmacies, Small Cafes
Online Shopping Malls
Small Franchise Locations
Franchise Direct Stores
Remember the coupons expire!
Amounts received from the Consumer Coupon 2.0 application can only be used until November 30, 2025.
I thought it would just sit there, but the remaining balance automatically disappears after this date.
It's better to use it in advance, even if you don't need anything right now. You can use it at local chicken restaurants or beauty salons.
Health Insurance Premium Chart (Reference)
Household Type
Monthly Health Insurance Premium (Combined)
Property Tax Assessment
Eligibility
Single-Income, 3-Person Employee
₩245,000
₩600 Million
Eligible
Dual-Income, 2-Person Employee
₩290,000
₩400 Million
Ineligible
Self-Employed, 4-Person
₩215,000
₩700 Million
Ineligible
Single-Income Employee
₩280,000
₩200 Million
Ineligible
Retired Couple
₩180,000
₩1 Billion
Ineligible
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