The Comptroller General's Department has announced that since the distribution of the welfare cards began for eligible individuals in 70 provinces on September 21, 2017, approximately 40% of the total eligible recipients have received their cards. The cards can be used starting October 1 for purchasing items at participating stores, receiving discounts on cooking gas, or for travel on public transport such as buses, the subway, and trains.

          However, since the welfare card program started, less than 50% of eligible individuals have applied for the cards. It is believed that more citizens will gradually come to collect their cards. This welfare card program is new and may cause some confusion among the public, as it is the first time welfare is provided through electronic cards. Additionally, most of the participating stores are new and have recently installed EDC machines, with 4,000 machines already set up nationwide and plans to increase this to 8,000 machines by October 1 to cover every district.

          In the initial phase of using the cards at participating stores, citizens may not fully utilize the balance on their cards. Therefore, the Comptroller General's Department will carry over any remaining balance from purchases made at participating stores and other welfare services in October to be used in November 2017, allowing eligible individuals to familiarize themselves with using the cards for purchases.

          The welfare card program aims to alleviate the burden of essential living expenses for citizens. The government is closely monitoring and evaluating the distribution of the welfare cards, the use of benefits through the cards, and related matters to continuously improve and maximize the benefits for the public.