This Summer's Heat Wave: Key Points of the 2026 Vulnerable Population Protection Plan

Record heat has been predicted this summer as well. This heat wave is difficult for everyone, but it is especially a life-threatening problem for the elderly who live alone or for families with high air conditioning costs. Therefore, the Ministry of Health and Welfare, together with related ministries, came up with the ‘2026 Summer Protection Measures for Vulnerable Groups’. This is information that may apply to my family or neighbors, so I will summarize only the key points.

First, checking your well-being will be strengthened

The most noticeable change is 'checking your well-being.' Normally, during heat wave advisories and warnings, we check on the well-being of seniors with limited mobility by phone or visit once a day, but this summer, when the 'Severe Heat Wave Warning', which is one level higher, is issued, this will be expanded to twice a day. The target population includes seniors living alone, seniors with dementia, those at risk of dying alone, the homeless, and residents of small-scale living quarters.

Please remember that if there is someone nearby who is vulnerable to heat waves, they can apply for such care services at a local community center or welfare center. I hope so.

There is also practical support for cooling costs

The part that is directly connected to money is support for cooling costs. During July and August, when heat waves are concentrated, senior centers across the country are provided with monthly cooling expenses of 165,000 won. Even at social welfare facilities, monthly cooling costs range from KRW 100,000 to KRW 500,000 depending on the type and size.

On an individual basis, energy vouchers are supported for energy-vulnerable groups such as basic livelihood recipients. In addition, on-site energy welfare services and support for installing and replacing old air conditioners are also being promoted. If you or your family are eligible to receive benefits, energy vouchers are a must-have benefit.

You receive benefits 'as much as you know'. Most support is not provided automatically unless you apply.

We also provide meals and outdoor activities

In order to gradually increase the provision of meals by senior centers to five days a week, grain expenses (12 packets per year) are provided to approximately 69,000 senior centers across the country. This is a measure to prevent people from skipping meals even in the heat.

Outdoor activities will also be adjusted. Elderly jobs can be operated by reducing activity hours from an average of 30 hours per month to 15 hours during the summer (late May to late September), and When a severe heat wave warning is issued, outdoor activities are completely suspended and people return home immediately or replace them with air-conditioned indoor activities.

In summary, this summer, the government The core of the measure is ‘strengthening safety checks + supporting cooling costs and energy vouchers + adjusting meals and outdoor activities.’ If you may be eligible, we recommend that you contact your nearest community center or welfare center to check the application process. Detailed energy voucher information can be found on the Energy Voucher website (energyv.or.kr).

This article is for informational purposes and is not a recommendation to join a specific system.