Income Changes, Yet a 70-Year-Old Woman Received 54 Million Won in Basic Living Allowance

A woman in her 70s has become a criminal after receiving tens of millions of won in government basic living benefits without applying for a change in her status as a basic living recipient.

On the 16th, the Gwangju District Court's Criminal Unit 7 (Chief Judge Kim So-yeon) sentenced 70-year-old A to 8 months in prison, suspended for 2 years, on charges of violating the National Basic Living Security Act.

She was also ordered to undergo probation and complete 160 hours of community service.

The court pointed out, "She failed to report without delay to the relevant authority when her income and assets changed, and she unlawfully received various benefits, indicating a serious nature of the crime."

The court further explained, "However, considering that recovery actions are expected for the amount unlawfully received during the period, we will determine the sentence accordingly."

The woman unlawfully received various basic living allowances… "In reality, she even bought and operated a used car."

According to the ruling, A was indicted for unlawfully receiving over 54 million won in various basic living allowances from Gwangju, Seo-gu, from January 11, 2021, to November 20, 2023, over hundreds of occasions.

Investigations revealed that A received 6.7 million won in living allowances over 24 occasions and 3.6 million won in housing allowances over 42 occasions.

Additionally, while holding the status of a basic living recipient, she made hospital visits, leading Seo-gu to provide 43.92 million won in medical benefits over 175 occasions.

However, it was uncovered that A had been receiving monthly rent from her common-law husband for her residence, used a check card in her son's name, and had received hundreds of thousands of won for living expenses.

It was even revealed that she purchased a used Equus sedan, registering it in the name of an acquaintance before operating it.

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