The Seoul Metropolitan Government is offering free ‘Home Helpers’ (home care assistants) for families with disabilities who are facing difficulties with childcare. From pregnancy and childbirth to the upbringing of infants and young children, a comprehensive system of care services is provided.
Home Helpers target pregnant women with disabilities, offering support from two months before childbirth, including maternal health care, preparations for birth, postpartum care, and emotional support. After childbirth, the service includes assisting with outings necessary for child-rearing, teaching and playing, bathing, changing diapers, preparing baby food, and more, tailored to the child’s age.
The service is available to registered families with disabilities in Seoul with incomes below 120% of the median income who are either pregnant, in childbirth, or have children under the age of nine. In families where both parents have disabilities and at least one has a severe disability, children up to age 12 are included in the support criteria.
The service usage hours are applied differently based on stages. Pregnancy and childbirth support is available for up to 30 hours a month, newborn care within 100 days after birth for up to 120 hours a month. For child-rearing, care is provided for up to 90 hours a month for children older than 100 days but under four years old, and up to 70 hours a month for children aged four to under nine.
Currently, there are 112 people working as Home Helpers, and the city is recruiting additional personnel. Eligibility includes possessing qualifications such as babysitters, postpartum helpers, and childcare teachers. Those interested can inquire with the implementing agency. The standard wage is 11,030 KRW per hour, and newborn care is 12,030 KRW per hour, with a 20% hourly wage increase for families with multiple children. Separate payments are made for weekly allowances, four major insurance benefits, transportation costs, and holiday bonuses.
Additionally, Seoul operates ‘安心 (Anshim) Care 120’ to provide consulting related to care for anyone, including citizens requiring intensive care services, such as those with disabilities. Consulting is available from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays, and reservations can be made for nights or holidays.
Seoul’s Welfare Planning Officer, Jeong Choong-hyun, said, “We will ensure that families with disabilities who find it difficult to care for children can raise their children with peace of mind through meticulous support.”