The saddest cases in conversations about education costs are families who were eligible and did not apply because they did not know. These schemes pay nothing unless you apply, even where the conditions are met. This article sets out only what exists and who can receive it.

Education benefit — what it covers

Education benefit is one of the benefits under the National Basic Living Security system. For primary, middle and high school students in households whose recognised income is at or below 50 per cent of the standard median income, it provides the following.

• Education activity allowance
• Textbook costs
• Admission fees and tuition (where applicable)

The item to note is the education activity allowance. It is paid not as cash but as a voucher (card points), and can be used directly on educational activity — academy fees, workbooks, school uniforms. The amount rises with school level: higher at middle school than primary, and higher again at high school.

"Recognised income" is not your salary

The most misunderstood point. The criterion is recognised income, which is assessed income plus the income conversion of assets.

So it cannot be judged from pay alone. Property, cars and financial assets are converted into income and added, and debt is deducted under set rules. Rather than deciding in advance that "we probably will not qualify", apply and receive the calculated result — that is the only accurate method. The principle is the same as the tuition support bracket used for national scholarships.

Education benefit and education cost support are different

The two names appear together in letters home and cause confusion. Briefly, the distinction is this.

• Education benefit — a national scheme, for households at or below 50 per cent of the standard median income.
• Education cost support — support run by metropolitan and provincial offices of education, covering meal costs, after-school free-course vouchers, and educational IT support (internet costs). Some items are set at a wider income threshold than education benefit.

So you may be eligible for education cost support even if you are not eligible for education benefit. Because a single application covers both in the assessment, it is better to apply if you are unsure.

How and when to apply

• Online — through Bokjiro or the one-click education cost application system
• In person — at the eup, myeon or dong community service centre for your registered address
• Timing — applications are accepted year-round, but the concentrated application period is generally in March. Some items only apply from a given semester if you apply at the start of it.
• If you already receive it, there is no need to reapply each year. But if your household circumstances change, you must report it so that it is reflected.

Easily missed situations

• The first year of primary school — a new case, so a separate application is needed.
• A sudden fall in household income — after job loss or a business closing, you can apply again at that point.
• Moving up to middle or high school — the items covered and the amounts change with school level.

Tuition support after entering university is different in character again. That is covered in the national scholarship article in For Parents.

In summary

Education benefit is for primary, middle and high school students in households at or below 50 per cent of the standard median income, and the education activity allowance is paid as a voucher. The criterion is not salary but recognised income, so do not prejudge. And above all, you do not receive it unless you apply.