"I Had No Idea, I Need to Tell My Parents Fast"... From 50% Off Phone Bills to 70% Off Implants [The Art of Benefits]

Up to 11,000 Won Monthly Discount on Mobile Bills
Don't Miss Out on K-Pass, Dental Care, and Local Allowances

Editor's Note'The more you know, the more you see, and the more you save.' We live in an age overflowing with information, yet there are many things we overlook simply because we don't know about them. In [The Art of Benefits], we deliver useful news that can help you save money in daily life and may cost you if you miss out.

#A, an office worker in their 30s working in Seoul, recently began to feel the financial burden of supporting their parents. This is because recurring monthly expenses such as mobile phone bills, medical expenses, and transportation costs are not insignificant. A became curious about what kinds of discount and support programs are available for the elderly.

Image of an elderly person to aid article understanding. Pixabay

According to the Ministry of Data and Statistics' "2025 Senior Citizen Statistics," in 2025, the population aged 65 and older accounted for 20.3% of the total population. This is projected to exceed 30% in 2036 and 40% in 2050. As the elderly population increases, there is growing interest in programs that help reduce recurring expenses such as telecommunications, transportation, and medical costs.

Reduced Telecommunications and Transportation Costs: From Discounts to Refund Benefits

The first benefit to check is the mobile phone bill discount. According to the National Pension Service, recipients of the Basic Pension are eligible for a 50% discount on their monthly mobile phone service bills. The discount is capped at a maximum of 11,000 won per month. Assuming one receives the maximum benefit, this means up to 132,000 won in annual telecommunications savings.

Applications can be made in person at a mobile carrier branch or a nearby community service center. Online applications are also available through the Bokjiro or Government24 websites.

K-pass image to aid article comprehension. The Asia Business Daily DB

There are also transportation benefits for seniors. In addition to the existing free ride policies, this year the "Everyone's Card" based on the K-Pass system has strengthened benefits for seniors. According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, previously, seniors aged 65 and older received the same 20% reimbursement rate as the general public, but this year, with the introduction of a new senior category, the reimbursement rate has increased to 30%.

In particular, from April to September this year, temporary additional reimbursement benefits are available. According to a policy briefing, the "Half-Price Everyone's Card" program is being implemented during this period, reducing the fixed amount threshold for standard and plus types by 50%. In the Seoul metropolitan area, youth, families with two children, and seniors can receive reimbursements for transportation costs that exceed 25,000 won for the standard type and 45,000 won for the plus type.

To receive these benefits, you must use and register a K-Pass card. New users need to obtain a dedicated K-Pass card from a card issuer, sign up via the app, and register the issued card. Existing K-Pass users can continue to use their current card without reapplying.

From Dental Care to Vaccinations: Customized Benefits to Ease Medical Expenses

There are also programs to reduce out-of-pocket dental expenses. According to the National Health Insurance Service, insured persons or dependents aged 65 and over are eligible for dental implant health insurance coverage. The benefit is limited to two implants per person in their lifetime, and the insured pays 30% of the total health insurance treatment cost. However, in some cases, such as for patients receiving full-mouth implants, the procedure may not be covered, so it is important to check eligibility beforehand.

AI-generated image to aid article comprehension. ChatGPT

Dentures are also covered by health insurance. Insured persons or dependents aged 65 and over are eligible for both complete and partial dentures, with a 30% copayment.

Vaccination and medical checkup benefits are also available. According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency's vaccination guide, as of 2026, seniors aged 65 and over are eligible for one dose of the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine. Vaccinations can be administered at public health centers and designated medical institutions. Costs incurred at non-designated institutions are not covered.

Early dementia screening is also available. According to the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the Early Dementia Screening Program is operated to detect and manage dementia early in individuals who have not been diagnosed with dementia or mild cognitive impairment. The Dementia Relief Center conducts preliminary screening, and those with cognitive decline are referred for diagnostic and differential testing.

"How much does my community offer?" Finding Local Senior Allowances and Hidden Subsidies

There are also cash support programs provided by local governments. Some municipalities offer separate allowances such as longevity allowance, filial piety allowance, and senior welfare allowance for the elderly or families with three generations living together.

For example, Hwaseong City announced that through its "Three-Generation Family Filial Piety Allowance" program in 2026, it would provide 100,000 won per quarter to seniors aged 80 and over and three-generation families who have lived at the same address in the city for at least five years. If both spouses are eligible, 200,000 won per quarter will be provided. Applications can be submitted to the local town or township administrative welfare center. However, the age, residency requirements, and allowance amounts for filial piety or longevity allowances vary by municipality, so it is necessary to check with your city, county, district office, or administrative welfare center.

As Korea enters a super-aged society, national and local support programs are becoming increasingly diverse. It is worth checking for "hidden benefits" for your parents through Government24, your local community center, or the Bokjiro website.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.