Get Paid More! New Korea Parental Leave Benefit & No More Delayed Payments (육아휴직 급여 인상 및 사후지급금 폐지)
Hi everyone, it’s 88한 열매맘.
As a team leader and a working mom, I know how much we worry about "income" while taking care of our precious babies. (직장인이자 엄마로서 휴직 중 수입 걱정, 저도 정말 공감해요.) But for 2026, the Korean government has made some fantastic changes that will put more money in your pocket right away!
Back when I was planning my leave, the "25% delayed payment" rule was so annoying. (예전에는 급여의 25%를 복직 후에나 줘서 휴직 중에 생활비가 빠듯했어요. 정말 너무 불편하더라구요.)
But starting this year, that rule is GONE! Plus, the maximum monthly pay has increased. (올해부터는 사후지급금이 폐지되고 상한액도 올랐어요!) This is such a relief for all working parents in Korea.
When I discussed parental leave with my company, the hardest part was aligning the timing of (1) the company’s confirmation document and (2) my first application month, because you can only apply after at least one month of leave. I also kept a folder with wage slips and the confirmation file ready, so I wouldn’t miss the submission window.
💰 Key Changes in 2026 (2026년 달라지는 점)
The most important update is that you can now receive 100% of your eligible benefit every month during your leave.
- Higher Monthly Limit: The maximum monthly benefit has increased from $2,200,000$ KRW to $2,500,000$ KRW. (월 상한액이 250만 원으로 인상되었습니다.)
- No More "Retention Payment" (사후지급제 폐지): Previously, 25% of your pay was held until 6 months after you returned to work. Now, you get the full amount every month! (복직 후 6개월 뒤에 주던 사후지급금이 폐지되어 휴직 중 100% 다 받습니다.)
✅ Eligibility for Foreigners (외국인 신청 자격)
Yes, international residents can also receive this if they meet the following:
- Employment Insurance (고용보험): You must be enrolled in Korea's Employment Insurance for at least 180 days before starting your leave. (고용보험 가입 기간이 180일 이상이어야 합니다.)
- Visa Type: Most working visas (E-7, F-2, F-5, F-6, etc.) are eligible. Check with your HR department.
- Child's Age: Your child must be under 8 years old or in the 2nd grade of elementary school or below. (자녀가 만 8세 이하 또는 초등 2학년 이하여야 합니다.)
📈 Benefit Calculation (급여 계산)
| Period (기간) | Monthly Max (월 상한액) | Notes |
| 1st ~ 3rd Month | 2,500,000 KRW | Max benefits for the first 3 months! |
| 4th ~ 6th Month | 2,000,000 KRW | |
| 7th ~ 12th Month | 1,600,000 KRW | Standard rate for the rest of the year. |
🧮 Example: If your average wage is ￦3,500,000 KRW, 80% is ￦2,800,000 KRW. Since the limit is ￦2,500,000 KRW, you will receive exactly ￦2,500,000 KRW every month!
👉 100% Payout: No more 25% retention payment! You get the full amount listed above every month. (사후지급금이 폐지되어 위 금액을 매달 100% 다 받습니다.)
☑️ Ordinary Wage: The benefit is 80% of your ordinary wage, up to the monthly maximum shown above. (통상임금의 80%를 지급하며, 위 상한액을 넘을 수 없습니다.)
📝 How to Apply (신청 방법)
You can apply after you have been on leave for at least 1 month.
- Company Side: Your employer must submit a "Parental Leave Confirmation" (육아휴직 확인서) to the Employment Center.
- Your Side: You can apply online via the 'Goyong24' (고용24) website or mobile app.
Official reference: Goyong24 / MOEL notice (https://www.work24.go.kr/cm/c/f/1100/selecSystInfo.do?systId=SI00000402) - Required Docs: Application form, copy of the confirmation from your company, and wage slips (임금대장).
88한 열매맘's Pro Tips!
- Split Your Leave: You can divide your 1-year leave into two separate periods. (육아휴직은 2회에 걸쳐 나누어 사용할 수 있어요.)
- 6+6 Parent Policy: If both parents take leave for the same child, you can get even higher benefits for the first 6 months! Check out the "6+6 부모육아휴직제" for more details.
- 🎁 Bonus Tip: Want to get up to 39 million KRW? (부부 합산 최대 3,900만 원까지?)
If both you and your spouse take parental leave for the same child, you could be eligible for the "6+6 Parent Policy." This special system provides up to 100% of your ordinary wage (up to 4.5 million KRW per month) for the first 6 months. - Eligibility: Children under 18 months old.
- Key Benefit: Max 4.5 million KRW per parent, each month!
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| ⓒ88한열매맘 |
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