Check Whether Young Caregivers Can Apply for Support at a Youth Future Center
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Key Takeaway
Young people aged 13 to 34 who care for family members can look into Youth Future Center support. The centers are expanding to 17 nationwide, and the self-care allowance has its own income condition.
Where can young family caregivers get advice?
According to the Policy Briefing's September guidance, the centers that had been operating in Incheon, North Chungcheong, North Jeolla and Ulsan are being expanded to each metropolitan city and province. First check how to apply at the Youth Future Center in the area where you live. The announcement of a nationwide expansion alone doesn't mean every center has the same hours or the same application deadline.
How do the self-care allowance and case management differ?
The self-care allowance is described as a one-time KRW 2 million payment to young family caregivers with income at or below 100% of median income. Case management looks at a young person's situation and links them to the services they need, so applying doesn't mean cash comes right away. When you go for a consultation, ask separately about the requirements for cash selection and the conditions for using services.
| Support | What to check |
|---|---|
| Self-care allowance | Income condition and selection of recipients |
| Case management | The care and daily-life burdens the young person faces |
| Linking services for the family | Daily care, long-term care and so on that the family needs |
Source: Policy Briefing's September 2026 guidance, date checked 2026-10-10.
Do they link services for the family being cared for too?
The center links the family to services such as daily care services and long-term care benefits, and links the young person to services such as scholarships and the Youth Challenge support program. Each link goes through that program's own eligibility check, so one consultation doesn't mean every benefit will be paid.
What if it's hard to apply on your own?
The guidance says a blood relative within the eighth degree who lives with you can also apply on your behalf. Ask your local center how family relationships and your living situation are verified.
It helps to bring notes like these to the consultation.
- Studies, job hunting or daily-life matters you've had to put off because of caregiving
- Daily care that the family member you look after needs
The date checked is 2026-10-10.
Frequently Asked Questions
If I'm over 34, do I apply for the same program?
The age range for young family caregivers in the guidance I checked is 13 to 34. If you're outside it, ask about other care support available in your area.
If I apply to a center, do I get the whole KRW 2 million?
The self-care allowance comes with a condition of income at or below 100% of median income. Check case management applications and selection for cash support as two separate things.
Can a family member apply on my behalf?
The official guidance says a blood relative within the eighth degree who lives with the child or young person needing help can apply on their behalf. Ask the center what documents are needed to file.
Sources & Verification Date
- Policy Briefing: September policy changes and the Youth Future Center expansion (2026-09-01) · Verified
- Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism Public Communication Office: Youth policy changes in the second half (2026-07-09) · Verified
All materials have been verified from official announcements and may have changed since verification.