The National Employment Support System is a system that must be checked by job seekers, freelancers, career-interrupted women, and unemployed young people who do not receive unemployment benefits.As the job search promotion allowance was increased in 2026, the gap between types 1 and 2 support widened.
Let’s figure out which type is right for you.
What is the National Employment Support System?
The National Employment Support System is a policy where the government provides living expenses and employment support services to job seekers who are in the blind spot of employment insurance.It supports a wide range of targets, including young people, freelancers, self-employed people, and women with career breaks who cannot receive unemployment benefits, and is divided into Type 1 or Type 2 depending on income level and employment experience.
Type 1 vs Type 2, key differences
To summarize in one line, **”Type 1 is cash-centered, and Type 2 is service/activity cost-centered”**.If you are in urgent need of living expenses right away, it is best to consider type 1 first, and if you need a job change or training, it is best to consider type 2 first.
Type 1 — Job Search Promotion Allowance (focused on cash support)As of 2026, 600,000 won per month will be paid for up to 6 months (increased from the existing 500,000 won per month)A total of 3.6 million won can be received in 6 monthsIf you have dependents, an additional payment of 100,000 won per person per month is provided to up to 4 people (maximum 400,000 won per month).
Young people aged 18 to 34 can participate in Type 1 as a youth special exception even without employment experience as long as they meet the asset criteria (500 million won or less).However, the conditions are more stringent than Type 2, so you must carefully check the standards for income, assets, and employment experience.
Type 2 — Focus on participation in employment activity plans
There is no job search promotion allowance paid in a flat amount every month.Establishment of an Employment Activity Plan (IAP) Participation allowance of up to KRW 250,000 and participation incentive allowance of up to KRW 100,000 are paid.
The training participation support allowance will be abolished from 2026, so training costs will be supported through the Tomorrow Learning Card, but no separate training allowance will be paid.Instead, income and property standards have been relaxed, making it relatively easy for young people and general job seekers to participate.
Provides a wide range of job training, employment counseling, interview coaching, and employment-linked services.⚠️ Point of change in 2026: Type 1 allowance was increased while type 2 training allowance was abolished, making the gap between the two types of cash support wider than before.It is advantageous to first check whether you qualify for Type 1 qualifications.
Common Benefits – Employment Success Allowance
If you successfully find a job after participating in either type, you can receive an employment success allowance of up to 1.5 million won.
500,000 won for 6 months of employmentAfter another 6 months of service (total of 12 months), 1 million wonHowever, this allowance is paid only if separate requirements are met, such as earning less than 60% of the median income.
How to apply
Register your resume at **Worknet (work.go.kr)** and complete the job application.Apply through the ‘National Employment Support System Application’ menu on the Employment 24 (work24.go.kr) website or app.
After submitting the application, the competent employment center will notify you of whether you are eligible for benefits (Type 1/Type 2) within approximately one month.If you visit an employment center and establish an employment activity plan (IAP) with a counselor, your allowance will be paid to your designated account every month starting from the following month.
If you have difficulty visiting, you can apply online, but consultation at the employment center is required during the eligibility screening and IAP establishment stages.
Frequently confused part
If I work part-time, can I not receive job search promotion allowance?Part-time work itself does not prevent benefits, but benefits may be reduced or suspended depending on working hours and income.
It is safe to check with your counselor before work.Can college students participate?
Students on deferred graduation and students currently in their final semester can participate, but documents such as proof of enrollment and transcript may be required.If I participate once, can I never get it again?
In principle, you can reapply after 3 years from the end date of employment support.How is Type 1 employment experience recognized?
Only work with a history of signing up for the four major insurance policies is recognized, and part-time work for cash or unpaid work at a family business is not recognized.Can I receive unemployment benefits in conjunction with unemployment benefits?
While receiving unemployment benefits, you cannot receive National Employment Support System benefits at the same time.
Finishing Tips
If you are a young person between the ages of 18 and 34 and have no employment experience, check out the ‘Youth Special’ type 1 qualification first.If the conditions are right, you may be able to receive much more favorable cash assistance.
If you falsely report your income or assets or hide your employment, you may be subject to a 5-year ban on re-participation and criminal punishment as well as a refund of your support funds, so you must report them accurately.If you are uncertain about the type, we recommend that you first contact the Ministry of Employment and Labor’s Customer Service Center (1350 without area code) before applying.
This article has been written for general information purposes.The exact eligibility requirements and support amount may vary depending on individual circumstances, so please be sure to check with Work24 (work24.go.kr), your local employment center, or the Ministry of Employment and Labor Customer Service Center (1350) before applying.