Disability Benefits

[Anchor Lead]

The disability grading system has been long under fire for poorly distributing welfare for people with special needs. The government has decided it will abolish the system next year, and provide customized welfare benefits that suit the specific needs of each individual.

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A person with a third-degree disability died in a fire when he was home alone. He was unable to move around on his own, but there was no one by his side to help him. He was not eligible for government-funded assistance services that so far have only been provided to people with first and second degree disabilities.

[Soundbite] Lee Yong-seok(Korea Federation of Organizations of the Disabled) : "Despite their vulnerabilities in terms of living environment, people with low-degree disabilities are excluded from social services. That's the biggest evil."

The disability grading system, which classifies disabled people into six grades according to medical standards, has been long criticized for hampering welfare for the disabled. The government plans to abolish the system in stages starting in July 2019 and classify disabilities only into two categories: mild and severe. Under the new regulation, people with disabilities will be able to receive assistance in line with their specific needs and financial situations.

[Soundbite] Lee Nak-yeon(Prime Minister) : "I hope we can guarantee life with dignity to some 2.5 Mn disabled people by devising policies and providing services in line with their individual needs."

As the first step to expanding benefits for people with disabilities, the government will conduct a survey next year on the demand for mobility assistance. The next year, another survey will be conducted to find out the demand for transportation among physically challenged people. In 2022, the government will survey how many disabled people need pensions and help with employment. Comprehending the exact needs of the disabled is of prior importance in designing customized welfare benefits.