The National Pension Fund announced an expansion of its insurance‑premium support policy for low‑income regional subscribers starting this year. Previously, it provided 50% support on the pension premium to subscribers whose monthly income was below ₩800 000; under the new adjustment, the threshold will rise to below ₩1 000 000. This change is scheduled to be incorporated into the 2027 budget and is expected to be finalized during the government’s review of policy reforms and fiscal allocation.
Under the revised support scope, regional subscribers whose monthly income falls between ₩800 000 and less than ₩1 000 000 will now qualify. In the current system, a subscriber with a declared monthly income of ₩799 000 receives 50% of the ₩75 000 premium (₩37 500). If the monthly income is above ₩800 000, they are excluded from support and must pay the full premium themselves. This structure creates a “threshold effect” where a modest increase in monthly income leads to an approximate ₩38 000 rise in actual burden.
The eligibility conditions for receiving the support have also been broadened. Until last year, only those who had paused and then resumed payment after a period of layoff or business interruption were eligible; starting January this year, any low‑income regional subscriber meeting income and fiscal criteria can apply regardless of past payment interruptions. However, because the threshold is set at below ₩800 000, some lower‑income groups may still be excluded.
The Fund’s plan also raises the insurance premium rate for all subscribers. The rate will increase from 9% to 9.5%, and regional subscribers are not required to share half of the cost with non‑regional subscribers; thus they must bear the increased premium entirely. With this structural shift, support coverage expands while easing fiscal pressure on subscribers. If enacted in the 2027 budget, the National Pension Fund will establish a future policy direction.