Increase in Household Conflicts Due to Consumer Coupons for Recovery of Living Standards… "I Want My Share" vs "Parents Should Use It"
The government's "Consumer Coupons for Recovery of Living Standards," which began distribution on the 21st, has sparked ownership disputes within households, leading to heated debates in online communities.
Issues surrounding ownership of consumer coupons among family members have emerged as a social concern, with middle school children demanding their share or conflicts between couples arising from the parents using the subsidies.
Family Ownership Issues Regarding Consumer Coupons
Recently, a post in an online community gained attention: "My sister's daughter is a middle schooler, and she is causing chaos in our sister's house, claiming ownership of the Consumer Coupons for Recovery of Living Standards and demanding them."
The author expressed confusion, saying, "What kind of advice should I give? I've honestly never seen anything like this before."
According to regulations by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, minors born after January 1, 2007 must have the household head apply on their behalf. However, the individual distribution method seems to have led minor children to perceive it as “my share.”
"No Consultation Before Giving It to Parents"… Conflicts Between Couples Due to Consumer Coupons
The case of a dual-income couple, A, living in a provincial area reveals a more complex situation. A, the household head, received a total of 500,000 won in subsidies for two children, giving 180,000 won (the share of one child) to his wife and the remainder to his parents, leading to conflict with his wife.
A lamented, "She got angry because I gave it without discussing it," adding, "I told her not to use her share and to give it to her parents instead. Am I being petty?”
He continued, "Honestly, it's absurd that my wife is upset; it's not because our family is using it, but because I didn't give it to her mother," and stated, "If we receive the second round of subsidies, I'll just give it all to my parents as an act of filial piety."
As these stories spread, heated debates ensued online. Supporters of giving a share to minors argue, "It's money that came because of the children, so they should naturally receive it," "Since it's in the child's name, even if not the whole amount, they should get some," and "Use it as an opportunity for economic education."
On the other hand, there were numerous counterarguments like, "It's money that should be used for tuition or living expenses, so why is there a need to give it separately to the children?" and "It’s natural for parents to use it since the costs for children are high."
Regarding A's case, opinions are divided between criticism that "giving away the subsidy meant for the child without consultation is the problem" and defense that "it’s wrong to see the intention of wanting to show filial piety as a problem."
3,642,000 Applicants in 5 Days… Incheon Has the Highest Application Rate
Meanwhile, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety announced on the 26th that the first round of applicants for the Consumer Coupons for Recovery of Living Standards had reached 3,642,559, accounting for 72.0% of the total eligible population just five days after applications began on the 21st.
The total amount of subsidies distributed has reached 6.5703 trillion won. By region, Incheon recorded the highest application rate at 77.0% (232,4053 applicants), while Jeonnam had the lowest at 66.1% (117,2451 applicants). Seoul had a rate of 72.1%, with 657,8408 applicants.
By method of disbursement, credit and debit cards accounted for the highest number at 26,965,69, followed by local love gift certificates at 564,6922, prepaid cards at 321,6232, and paper vouchers at 60,1875.
From the 26th onwards, anyone can apply regardless of the last digit of their birth year, with the application deadline set for September 12 at 6 PM.
Applications for credit and debit cards can be made online through each card company’s website or app, while local love gift certificates can be applied for via apps from local governments or at community centers.
Prepaid cards and paper-type local love gift certificates require a visit to the local government office in charge of the applicant’s registered address, and offline applications will not be available on weekends.
Image source: News1, illustrative images for better understanding of the article / gettyimagesbank
