SUPPORT FOR VETERANS ACT
Wholly Amended by Act No. 7791, Dec. 29, 2005
Amended by Act No. 8229, Jan. 3, 2007
Act No. 8514, Jul. 13, 2007
Act No. 9080, Mar. 28, 2008
Act No. 9327, Dec. 31, 2008
Act No. 9397, Jan. 30, 2009
Act No. 9462, Feb. 6, 2009
Act No. 9754, jun. 9, 2009
Act No. 10258, Apr. 15, 2010
Act No. 11204, Jan. 17, 2012
Act No. 11556, Dec. 18, 2012
Act No. 11731, Apr. 5, 2013
Act No. 11849, jun. 4, 2013
Act No. 11942, Jul. 16, 2013
Act No. 13717, Jan. 6, 2016
Act No. 13718, Jan. 6, 2016
Act No. 14259, May 29, 2016
Act No. 15032, Oct. 31, 2017
Act No. 15477, Mar. 13, 2018
Act No. 15704, jun. 12, 2018
Act No. 16760, Dec. 10, 2019
Act No. 17118, Mar. 24, 2020
Act No. 18139, Apr. 20, 2021
Act No. 18234, jun. 8, 2021
Act No. 18425, Aug. 17, 2021
Act No. 19228, Mar. 4, 2023
Act No. 19525, Jul. 11, 2023
CHAPTER I GENERAL PROVISIONS
The purpose of this Act is to stabilize the livelihood of veterans and contribute to economic growth and social development by helping veterans, discharged after faithfully performing their duties to defend national land, return to civilian society smoothly and by facilitating the development and utilization of the human resources.
[This Article Wholly Amended on Mar. 28, 2008]
| (1) | The terms used in this Act are defined as follows: <Amended on Jul. 11, 2023> |
| 2. | The term "veteran discharged from long-term service" means a person discharged from active service after serving as an officer, warrant officer, or noncommissioned officer for 10 years or longer; |
| 3. | The term "veteran discharged from mid-term service" means a person discharged from active service after serving as an officer, warrant officer, or noncommissioned officer for not less than 5 years but less than 10 years; |
| 4. | The term "veteran discharged from mandatory service" means a person discharged after being in active service, supplementary service, or alternative service for less than five years under the Military Service Act, the Military Personnel Management Act, or the Act on the Assignment to and Performance of Alternative Service. |
| (2) | The period of military service or service in the field of public interest under paragraph (1) shall be calculated by the number of years and months for a period from the month in which a person was commissioned or enlisted in the military to the month in which he or she is discharged from the service, but the periods of service during which a person has served as an officer, warrant officer, noncommissioned officer, and an enlisted rank respectively shall all be aggregated when enlisted or commissioned in active service. <Amended on Jul. 11, 2023> |
[This Article Wholly Amended on Mar. 28, 2008]
| Article 3 (Responsibilities of the State) |
| (1) | The State and each local government shall endeavor to assist veterans in their return to civilian society and to develop and utilize the human resources. |
| (2) | The State and each local government shall seek necessary policy measures to ensure that veterans' careers in military service can be recognized in civilian society and the education and skills that they have received and learned while in military service can be utilized in civilian society. <Amended on Jul. 11, 2023> |
| (3) | The State and each local government shall make efforts necessary for the improvement of employment of veterans and the stabilization of their livelihood. |
| (4) | Matters necessary for the formulation and implementation of policy measures to assist veterans in their return to civilian society or for the development, utilization, etc. of the human resources pursuant to paragraphs (1) through (3) may be prescribed by ordinance of each local government. <Newly Inserted on Jul. 11, 2023> |
[This Article Wholly Amended on Mar. 28, 2008]
| Article 3-2 (Veterans' Week) |
| (1) | The second week of October each year shall be designated as a Veterans' Week in order to enhance the pride of veterans and raise public awareness thereof. |
| (2) | The State and each local government may conduct an event or a program that serves the purpose of the Veterans' Week. |
| (3) | Matters necessary to conduct an event or a program referred to in paragraph (2) shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. |
[This Article Newly Inserted on Jun. 8, 2021]
| Article 4 (Applications for Benefits) |
| (1) | A person who intends to receive benefits under this Act file an application therefor with the Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, as prescribed by Presidential Decree: Provided, That the foregoing shall not apply where the person intends to receive benefits under Article 16. <Amended on Mar. 4, 2023; Jul. 11, 2023> |
| (2) | The Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs shall verify whether a person who files an application for benefits in accordance with paragraph (1) is eligible for the benefits under this Act and shall determine whether to grant the benefits. In such cases, the Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs may request the head of a relevant administrative agency to verify relevant facts or furnish him or her with relevant data, and the head of the relevant administrative agency shall, in receipt of the request to verify relevant facts or furnish relevant data, comply with the request unless there is good cause. <Amended on Mar. 4, 2023; Jul. 11, 2023> |
| (3) | Matters necessary for the procedures for application under paragraph (1) and for verification of whether a person is eligible for benefits under paragraph (2) shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Jul. 11, 2023> |
[This Article Wholly Amended on Mar. 28, 2008]
| Article 5 (Entitlement to Receive Benefits under This Act Arises or Lapses) |
| (1) | An entitlement to receive benefits under this Act shall arise in the month in which an application for benefits is filed in accordance with Article 4 (1). |
| (2) | If any of the following statuses occurs to a veteran, the entitlement to receive benefits under this Act shall lapse in the month immediately following the month in which such a status occurs: |
| 2. | If he or she loses his or her Korean nationality; |
| 3. | If he or she falls under any subparagraph of Article 25 (1). |
| (3) | If an application for benefits under Article 4 (1) is filed by fraud or other improper means, the entitlement to receive benefits under this Act shall lapse retroactively on the day on which the entitlement otherwise arises. |
[This Article Wholly Amended on Mar. 28, 2008]
| Article 6 (Assistance in Research Activities) |
| (1) | The Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs may conduct the following activities for support for veterans and the development and utilization of the human resources: <Amended on Mar. 4, 2023> |
| 1. | Hosting of symposiums; |
| 3. | Other research necessary for support for veterans and the development and utilization of the human resources. |
| (2) | The Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs may fully or partially subsidize research institutes, organizations, etc. that conduct research activities with regard to support for veterans, etc. to cover the expenses incurred in such activities, within the budget. <Amended on Mar. 4, 2023> |
[This Article Wholly Amended on Mar. 28, 2008]
| Article 7 (Collection and Management of Personal Information) |
| (1) | The Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs may collect and manage personal information for the purposes of supporting veterans (including soldiers to be discharged; hereafter in this Article the same shall apply) and the development and utilization of the human resources. <Amended on Mar. 4, 2023; Jul. 11, 2023> |
| (2) | The Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs may, if necessary for the collection and management of personal information under paragraph (1), request the Minister of National Defense or the Commissioner of the Military Manpower Administration to furnish him or her with personal data about veterans. In such cases, the Minister of National Defense or the Commissioner of the Military Manpower Administration shall, upon receiving the request to furnish data, comply with such request unless there is good cause. <Amended on Mar. 4, 2023> |
| (3) | The Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs may establish and operate a corporation to manage personal information about veterans and to provide guidance for the career and employment of veterans discharged from mid-term service or long-term service (hereinafter referred to as "veteran discharged from mid- or long-term service") and assistance in their starting up of new business. In such cases, the Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs may grant contributions or subsidies, within the budget, for expenses incurred in the establishment and operation of the corporation. <Amended on Mar. 4, 2023; Jul. 11, 2023> |
| (4) | Matters necessary for the details of the request for personal information under paragraph (2), the procedure for requesting and furnishing such information, and the timing to request or furnish such information shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. |
[This Article Wholly Amended on Mar. 28, 2008]
| Article 8 (Fact-Finding Surveys) |
| (1) | The Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs shall conduct surveys on the living standards of veterans and other matters every three years in order to efficiently provide support under this Act for veterans. <Amended on Mar. 4, 2023; Jul. 11, 2023> |
| (2) | Matters necessary for the scope, methods, etc. of a fact-finding survey under paragraph (1) shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Newly Inserted on Jan. 11, 2023> |
[This Article Wholly Amended on Mar. 28, 2008]
[Title Amended on Jul. 11, 2023]
| Article 9 Deleted. <Jan. 30, 2009> |
| Article 10 Deleted. <Jan. 30, 2009> |
| Article 11 Deleted. <Jan. 30, 2009> |
| Article 12 Deleted. <Jan. 30, 2009> |
CHAPTER III ASSISTANCE IN EMPLOYMENT AND BUSINESS START-UP
| Article 13 (Occupational Education and Training) |
| (1) | The Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs may provide veterans discharged from mid- or long-term service (including those to be discharged from mid- or long-term service; hereafter in this Article the same shall apply) with educational programs for social adaptation and occupational education and training. <Amended on Mar. 4, 2023> |
| (2) | The Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs may recommend veterans discharged from mid- or long-term service to an institution that conducts vocational skills development training pursuant to the National Lifelong Vocational Skills Development Act so that they can receive vocational skills development training. <Amended on Aug. 17, 2021; Mar. 4, 2023> |
| (3) | The State may fully or partially subsidize expenses incurred in providing education for social adaptation, the occupational education and training, and the training for the development of occupational skills under paragraphs (1) and (2), within the budget. |
| (4) | Matters necessary for the methods and details of providing educational programs for social adaptation and occupational education and training under paragraph (1) shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Newly Inserted on Jul. 16, 2013> |
[This Article Wholly Amended on Mar. 28, 2008]
| Article 14 (Employment Support) |
| (1) | The State shall provide employment support to any of the following persons (hereinafter referred to as "person entitled to employment support"): <Amended on Jul. 16, 2013; Jun. 8, 2021> |
| 1. | A veteran discharged from long-term service; |
| 2. | One of the children of a veteran discharged from long-term service who is designated by the veteran, if he or she has a difficulty in obtaining employment due to a disease or disability that makes him or her unable to maintain livelihood. In such cases, matters necessary for the criteria, etc. for diseases or disabilities eligible for employment support shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. |
| (2) | As to the provision of employment support pursuant to paragraph (1), institutions entitled to employment support, the duty of State agencies, etc. to employ, the inspection of the actual state of employment by State agencies, etc., the duty of enterprises, etc. to employ preferentially, the reporting of enterprises, etc., the special employment of veterans, the aggregation of a career period, and prohibition against discriminative treatment, Articles 30, 32, 33, 33-2, 33-3, 34 (1) through (4), 35-2, and 36 of the Act on the Honorable Treatment of and Support for Persons of Distinguished Service to the State shall apply mutatis mutandis. <Amended on Feb. 6, 2009; Jul. 16, 2013> |
| (3) | Where necessary to ensure that any of the following persons returns to civilian society without any difficulty and leads a stable life, the State may provide the relevant person with counseling on careers and jobs or job placement services, hold job fairs, or give any other support:<Amended on Jul. 11, 2023> |
| 1. | A veteran discharged from mid- or long-term service; |
| 2. | A veteran for whom three years have not elapsed since he or she was discharged from mandatory service due to an injury incurred in action or on duty; |
| 3. | A veteran for whom three years have not elapsed since he or she was discharged from mandatory service and who is deemed to need support and determined and publicly notified by the Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs following consultation with the Minister of Employment and Labor. |
| (4) | The number of occasions when employment support is provided to a person entitled to employment support and other matters necessary for employment support shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Newly Inserted on Jun. 8, 2021> |
[This Article Wholly Amended on Mar. 28, 2008]
[Title Amended on Jul. 16, 2013]
| Article 14-2 Deleted. <Jun. 8, 2021> |
| Article 14-3 Deleted. <Jun. 8, 2021> |
| Article 14-4 Deleted. <Jun. 8, 2021> |
| Article 15 (Preferential Employment for Specific Type of Jobs) |
| (1) | When an institution entitled to employment support under Article 30 of the Act on the Honorable Treatment of and Support for Persons of Distinguished Service to the State (hereinafter referred to as "institution entitled to employment support") recruits or employs an employee for a type of a job suitable for veterans discharged from long-term service, such as safety control, it shall preferentially recruit or employ a veteran discharged from long-term service, who is entitled to employment support and recommended by the Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs. <Amended on Jul. 16, 2013; Mar. 4, 2023> |
| (2) | The scope of types of jobs suitable for the employment of veterans discharged from long-term service under paragraph (1) shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree, taking into consideration the branches and specialities in the military. |
[This Article Wholly Amended on Mar. 28, 2008]
| Article 16 (Preferential Treatment in Employment) |
| (1) | When an institution entitled to employment support places a limitation on the age eligible for an application for an employment examination conducted by it in order to employ an employee, it shall extend the maximum age for an application by up to three years for veterans who apply for the employment examination, as prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Jun. 9, 2009; Jun. 4, 2013; Jul. 16, 2013; Jul. 11, 2023> |
| (2) | Where a person who is in active service, supplementary service, or alternative service applies for an employment examination not more than six months before the day on which he or she is expected to be discharged from the relevant service, the person shall be deemed a veteran. <Amended on Jun. 9, 2009; Jun. 4, 2013; Jul. 11, 2023> |
| (3) | An institution entitled to employment support may include the period of military service or service in the field of public interest of a veteran in his or her employment period, when it determines the salary grade or wage for the veteran employed by the institution. <Amended on Jul. 16, 2013; Jul. 11, 2023> |
| (4) | If persons attained the same score in excess of the number of persons to be employed when an institution entitled to employment support determines persons who successfully passed an examination, it shall determine the persons eligible for the employment support under this Act preferentially as persons who successfully passed, prior to those who are not eligible for the employment support. <Amended on Jul. 16, 2013> |
[This Article Wholly Amended on Mar. 28, 2008]
| Article 16-2 (Certification of Exemplary Enterprises in Employment of Veterans) |
| (1) | To facilitate support for the employment of veterans, the Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs may certify an enterprise or a public institution under the Act on the Management of Public Institutions that employs veterans from mid- or long-term service at or above the level prescribed by Presidential Decree (hereinafter referred to as "enterprise, etc.") as an exemplary enterprise, etc. in the employment of veterans (hereinafter referred to as "certification of an exemplary enterprise, etc. in the employment of veterans"). <Amended on Mar. 4, 2023> |
| (2) | Where an enterprise, etc. intends to obtain the certification of an exemplary enterprise, etc. in the employment of veterans, it shall file an application for certification with the Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, as prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Mar. 4, 2023> |
| (3) | Upon receipt of an application under paragraph (2), the Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs may allow an enterprise, etc. that meets the criteria under paragraphs (1) and (7) to place a mark or sign indicating that it obtains the certification of an exemplary enterprise, etc. in the employment of veterans, as prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs. <Amended on Mar. 4, 2023> |
| (4) | Where an enterprise, etc. which obtains the certification of an exemplary enterprise in the employment of veterans under paragraph (1) falls under any of the following cases, the Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs may revoke such certification: Provided, That in cases falling under subparagraph 1, the certification shall be revoked: <Amended on Mar. 4, 2023> |
| 1. | Where it obtains the certification by fraud or other improper means; |
| 2. | Where it ceases to meet the certification criteria under paragraphs (1) and (7). |
| (5) | The State and each local government may provide necessary support to an enterprise, etc. which obtains the certification of an exemplary enterprise in the employment of veterans. |
| (6) | Where the Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs intends to revoke the certification of an exemplary enterprise, etc. in the employment of veterans, he or she shall hold a hearing. <Amended on Mar. 4, 2023> |
| (7) | Except as provided in paragraphs (1) through (5), matters necessary for the criteria and procedures for, and the validity period of, the certification of an exemplary enterprise, etc. in the employment of veterans, support for such enterprise, etc. shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. |
[This Article Newly Inserted on Jun. 8, 2021]
| Article 17 (Support for Business Start-up) |
The State may conduct programs necessary for counseling and education on business start-up within the budget, in order to assist veterans falling under any subparagraph of Article 14 (3) in their starting up of new business. <Amended on Jul. 11, 2023> [This Article Wholly Amended on Mar. 28, 2008]
| Article 18 Deleted. <Jul. 16, 2013> |
| Article 18-2 (Incentives for Job Changes) |
| (1) | The State shall pay an incentive for a job change in order to promote the stabilization of livelihood of veterans discharged from mid- and long-term service and their employment and business start-up: Provided, That the amount of the incentive for a job change paid to veterans discharged from mid-term service shall be determined, as prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Jul. 16, 2013> |
| (2) | The incentive for a job change shall be paid to a veteran discharged from mid- or long-term service for not more than six months, if the person actively seeks a job (including activities for starting up of new business; hereinafter the same shall apply), as prescribed by Presidential Decree, while unemployed, and the Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs confirms such activities: Provided, That no incentive for a job change shall be paid to any of the following persons: <Amended on Jul. 16, 2013; Dec. 10, 2019; Mar. 4, 2023> |
| 1. | A veteran discharged from mid- and long-term service who files an application for the payment of the incentive for job change more than six months after he or she is discharged from service; |
| 2. | A person who received or receives the retirement pension, the lump-sum retirement pension, or the lump-sum retirement pension deductions under subparagraphs 1 (a) through (c) of Article 7 of the Military Pension Act; |
| 3. | A person who has received the full amount of the incentive for a job change pursuant to paragraph (3). |
| (3) | The incentive for a job change shall be paid on a monthly basis within the maximum of 50/100 of the amount calculated by multiplying the maximum amount of the job-seeker's daily benefit under Article 46 (1) of the Employment Insurance Act by 30, but another 50/100 of the total amount payable for the remaining months from the next month may be paid in lump sum if the person who has received the incentive for job change is employed or starts up new business during the benefit period. <Amended on Jan. 30, 2009> |
| (4) | If a person who receives the incentive for a job change is employed or starts up new business, he or she shall immediately report it to the Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs. <Amended on Mar. 4, 2023> |
| (5) | No entitlement to receive the incentive for a job change shall be transferred, seized, or offered as security. |
| (6) | Matters necessary for the amount payable as the incentive for a job change, the application for payment, the payment method, and the confirmation of activities for seeking a job shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. |
[This Article Wholly Amended on Mar. 28, 2008]
| Article 18-3 (Suspension of Payment of Incentive for Job Change) |
| (1) | If an eligible beneficiary falls under any of the following subparagraphs, the Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs may suspend the payment of the incentive for a job change, as prescribed by Presidential Decree: <Amended on Mar. 4, 2023> |
| 1. | If the beneficiary does not actively engage in seeking a job: Provided, That the foregoing shall not apply where such inactivity is due to a disease or other cause or event prescribed by Presidential Decree; |
| 2. | If the beneficiary received or intends to receive the incentive for job change by fraud or other improper means. |
| (2) | If an offense under paragraph (1) 2 has been committed or the incentive for a job change has been erroneously paid, the Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs shall recover the incentive for job change according to the procedures prescribed by Presidential Decree or may collect it in the same manner as delinquent national taxes are collected, if he or she fails to have the incentive returned. <Amended on Mar. 4, 2023> |
| (3) | The Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs may write off the incentive as a loss, if he or she has tried to recover the incentive for a job change pursuant to paragraph (2), but finds that the recovery is impossible because the whereabouts of the person who is obligated to return it is not known or the person has no assets or owing to circumstances beyond his or her control. <Amended on Mar. 4, 2023> |
[This Article Wholly Amended on Mar. 28, 2008]
CHAPTER IV EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS, MEDICAL BENEFITS, LOANS, AND OTHERS
| Article 19 (Educational Benefits) |
| (1) | Where any veteran discharged from long-term service is enrolled as a student in a school under subparagraphs 1 through 6 of Article 2 of the Higher Education Act (excluding graduate schools and graduate school universities or colleges under Articles 29-2 (1) and 30 of that Act)) or any school equivalent thereto, the State may, as prescribed by Presidential Decree, provide him or her with entitlement to a reduction in, or exemption from, admission fees and tuition fees. <Amended on Jan. 17, 2012; May 29, 2016; Jun. 8, 2021> |
| (2) | Where any veteran discharged from long-term service struggles to meet the living standards prescribed by Presidential Decree and his or her children are enrolled as students in a high school under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act or a school equivalent thereto, the State or the competent local government may, as prescribed by Presidential Decree, provide him or her with entitlement to a reduction in, or exemption from, his or her children's admission fees and tuition fees. <Amended on Jun. 8, 2021> |
| (3) | Where a veteran discharged from long-term service or his or her children eligible for entitlement to a reduction in or exemption from admission fees, and tuition fees under paragraph (1) or (2) has benefited from a reduction in or subsidies for admission fees and tuition fees, etc. under other statutes or regulations, the relevant amount shall not be subsidized, as prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Jan. 17, 2012; Jul. 16, 2013; May 29, 2016> |
[This Article Wholly Amended on Mar. 28, 2008]
[Title Amended on Jun. 8, 2021]
| Article 19-2 (Consent to Provision of Financial Information) |
| (1) | Where a veteran from long-term service who intends to receive educational benefits under Article 19 (2) files an application for such benefits under the main clause of Article 4 (1), he or she shall submit a document (including an electronic document) indicating that the veteran and his or her household member (referring to a member of an individual household defined in subparagraph 8 of Article 2 of the National Basic Living Security Act; hereafter in Articles 19-3 and 19-4, the same shall apply) consent to provide the following data or information: <Amended on Jul. 11, 2023> |
| 3. | Insurance premiums paid after purchasing any insurance referred to in the subparagraphs of Article 4 (1) of the Insurance Business Act, and other data or information prescribed by Presidential Decree (hereinafter referred to as "insurance information"). |
| (2) | Matters necessary for the methods, procedures, etc. for consent under paragraph (1) shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. |
[This Article Newly Inserted on Jun. 8, 2021]
| Article 19-3 (Investigations and Inquiries) |
| (1) | To verify eligibility for educational benefits, the Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs may request that a veteran discharged from long-service who intends to receive or receives educational benefits under Article 19 (2) (hereinafter referred to as "person eligible for educational benefits") and his or her household member submit necessary documents or other data regarding their income, property, etc., and may require a public official under his or her jurisdiction to access the house of the relevant person eligible for educational benefits and his or her household member or necessary places to investigate documents, etc. or inquire relevant persons. <Amended on Mar. 4, 2023> |
| (2) | A person who has access, conducts an investigation, or makes an inquiry under paragraph (1) shall carry identification verifying his or her authority and present it to relevant persons. |
| (3) | Where a person eligible for educational benefits and his or her household member refuses to submit documents or data under paragraph (1), or refuses, obstructs, or evades an investigation or inquiry, the Minister of Veterans and Patriots Affairs may return the relevant application for educational benefits or cease to grant such benefits. <Amended on Mar. 4, 2023> |
| (4) | Matters necessary for the scope, timing, and details of an investigation and inquiry under paragraph (1) shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. |
[This Article Newly Inserted on Jun. 8, 2021]
| Article 19-4 (Provision of Financial Information) |
| (6) | No person who engages or has engaged in the duties referred to in paragraph (1) or (2) shall use any financial information, etc. that he or she has acquired in the course of performing such duties for a purpose other than that prescribed in this Act or provide or divulge the information, etc. to other persons or institutions. |
| (7) | Matters necessary to request the provision of financial information, etc. and to provide such information, etc. under paragraphs (1) through (3) and (5), and other matters shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. |
[This Article Newly Inserted on Jun. 8, 2021]
| Article 20 (Medical Benefits) |
| (2) | The Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs may permit veterans discharged from long-term service and persons discharged from military service after participating in establishing the Armed Forces of the Republic of Korea to have medical treatment with medical expenses reduced or exempted at a veterans hospital, as prescribed by Presidential Decree. In such cases, the Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs may reimburse the veterans' hospital, within the budget, for expenses incurred in relation to reduction in or exemption from medical expenses. <Amended on Apr. 20, 2021; Mar. 4, 2023> |
| (3) | Veterans discharged from long-term service may use military hospitals, as determined by the Minister of National Defense. |
| (4) | Where a veteran who suffers from a disease contracted or aggravated while in military service meets all of the following requirements, he or she may have medical treatment for the disease with medical expenses reduced or exempted, as prescribed by Presidential Decree, in a veterans hospital or in a medical institution designated by the Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs for the entrustment of medical treatment. In such cases, costs incurred in the reduction in or exemption from medical expenses shall be borne by the State: <Amended on Jul. 16, 2013; Mar. 24, 2020; Apr. 20, 2021; Mar. 4, 2023> |
| 1. | A person who was in active service or secondment service under the Military Service Act (including a person appointed as a noncommissioned officer without volunteering); |
| (5) | The criteria and scope of serious diseases under paragraph (4) shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. |
[This Article Wholly Amended on Mar. 28, 2008]
| Article 20-2 (Supply of Prosthetic Devices) |
Where the degree of impairment of a soldier discharged from service with an injury sustained in action or on duty fails to meet the requirements under Article 4 (1) 4 or 6 of the Act on Honorable Treatment of and Support for Persons of Distinguished Service to the State or Article 2 (1) 2 of the Act on Support for Persons Eligible for Veteran’s Compensation and the surgical operation of his or her injury requires the installation of a prosthetic device, the State may provide him or her with such device, as prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Jul. 16, 2013> [This Article Newly Inserted on Jan. 17, 2012]
| Article 20-3 (Medical Treatment in Case of Disasters) |
Notwithstanding the former part of Article 20 (2), where a disaster defined in subparagraph 1 of Article 3 of the Framework Act on the Management of Disasters and Safety occurs and such disaster causes or is likely to cause a serious disruption to medical treatment in veterans hospitals, the State may entrust medical treatment under Article 20 (2) to a medical institution, other than veterans hospitals. In such cases, medical expenses shall be reduced or exempted, as prescribed by Presidential Decree, and expenses so reduced or exempted shall be borne by the State. [This Article Newly Inserted on Apr. 20, 2021]
| Article 20-4 (Psychological Rehabilitation) |
| (1) | The Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs shall prepare policy measures for psychological rehabilitation services, such as psychological counseling, for the psychological stability and social adaptation of veterans, and shall conduct the relevant programs. <Amended on Mar. 4, 2023> |
| (2) | Matters necessary for the details of, and the procedures for, providing assistance under paragraph (1), and other matters shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. |
[This Article Newly Inserted on Apr. 20, 2021]
| (1) | The Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs may grant long-term loans at a low interest rate to veterans discharged from long-term service. <Amended on Jul. 16, 2013; Mar. 4, 2023> |
| (3) | Loans under paragraph (1) shall be classified into the following types: |
| 1. | Loans for purchasing farmland; |
| 2. | Housing loans (referring to loans for purchasing a residential house, loans for purchasing a housing site, loans for the construction of a new residential house, loans for the amelioration of a residential house, and loans for renting a residential house); |
| 4. | Loans for the stabilization of livelihood; |
| 5. | Loans for school expenses. |
| (4) | The maximum amount, interest rate, and term for repayment of each type of loan shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. |
| (5) | As to the application and security for a loan, Articles 52, 56, and 60 through 62 of the Act on Honorable Treatment of and Support for Persons, etc of Distinguished Service to the State shall apply mutatis mutandis. <Amended on Jul. 16, 2013> |
| (6) | A person who borrows a loan for the amelioration of a residential house, a loan for renting a residential house, a business loan, a loan for the stabilization of livelihood, or a loan for school expenses pursuant to paragraphs (1) and (3) shall provide real estate or his or her military pension under the Military Pension Act as security to the State: Provided, That the Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs may permit a borrower to offer a guarantor or other property as security, if the borrower has no real estate to be offered as security or if the borrower is not eligible for the military pension under the Military Pension Act. <Amended on Jan. 30, 2009; Mar. 4, 2023> |
| (7) | If an applicant for a loan under paragraph (1) is a person eligible for a loan under Article 47 of the Act on Honorable Treatment of and Support for Persons, etc of Distinguished Service to the State or Article 56 of the Act on Support for Persons Eligible for Veteran’s Compensation, he or she shall choose a loan for which he or she intends to apply. If an applicant files an application for another loan after fully paying off a loan that he or she borrowed, he or she may change the existing option. <Amended on Jul. 16, 2013> |
[This Article Wholly Amended on Mar. 28, 2008]
| Article 22 (Preferential Supply of Residential Houses) |
| (1) | The State or a local government may supply residential houses built by the State or the local government or built with financial assistance from the State or local government finance or the housing and urban fund under the Housing and Urban Fund Act preferentially to veterans discharged from long-term service in consideration of the non-homeownership period and standards of living, etc., as prescribed by Presidential Decree. |
| (2) | A project operator constructing and supplying privately constructed housing pursuant to Article 54 of the Housing Act may preferentially supply some of the whole units of the privately constructed and supplied housing to veterans discharged from long-term service. |
| (3) | A person who intends to be supplied with the housing under paragraph (1) or (2) shall file an application therefor with the Minister of Patriots and Veterans. In such cases, Articles 19-2 through 19-4 shall apply mutatis mutandis to the procedures for ascertaining the standards of living of the applicant. <Amended on Jun. 8, 2021; Mar. 4, 2023> |
[This Article Wholly Amended on Oct. 31, 2017]
| Article 23 (Use of Public Facilities) |
| (1) | The State or a local government may allow veterans discharged from long-term service to use, gratuitously or at a discounted rate, old palaces, parks, and other facilities managed by the State or the local government, as prescribed by Presidential Decree. |
| (2) | Veterans discharged from long-term service and their family members who use welfare facilities operated by the military (including physical training facilities) may be given benefits similar to those to military personnel in active service, as determined by the Minister of National Defense. |
[This Article Wholly Amended on Mar. 28, 2008]
| Article 23-2 (Legal Aid Assistance) |
| (1) | The Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs may provide legal aid under Article 2 of the Legal Aid Act to a veteran discharged from mid- or long-term service (excluding a person falling under Article 18-2 (2) 2) via the Korea Legal Aid Corporation established under Article 8 of that Act. <Amended on Mar. 4, 2023> |
| (2) | The Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs may provide subsidies to cover all or part of the expenses incurred in legal aid under paragraph (1) within the budget. <Amended on Mar. 4, 2023> |
| (3) | The provisions of Article 22 of the Legal Aid Act shall apply to the requirements, procedures, etc. of legal aid under paragraph (1), and other matters necessary for legal aid assistance shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. |
[This Article Newly Inserted on Jan. 17, 2012]
CHAPTER V SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISIONS
| Article 24 (Suspension of Benefits) |
If a veteran eligible for the application of this Act is serving a sentence of imprisonment without labor or heavier punishment imposed for a crime under the Criminal Act, the benefits under this Act shall not be given to him or her during the term of penal servitude: Provided, That the foregoing shall not apply to a criminal negligence. [This Article Wholly Amended on Mar. 28, 2008]
| Article 25 (Exclusion from Eligibility for Application of This Act) |
| (1) | If a veteran who has benefited, or is expected to benefit, from the application of this Act falls under any of the following subparagraphs, the Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs shall exclude him or her from the scope of those eligible for the application of this Act: <Amended on Apr. 15, 2010; Dec 18, 2012; Apr. 5, 2013; Jul. 16, 2013; Jan. 6, 2016; Mar. 13, 2018; Apr. 20, 2021; Jun. 8, 2021; Mar. 4, 2023> |
| 1. | A person upon whom a sentence of imprisonment without labor or heavier punishment imposed for a violation of the National Security Act becomes final and conclusive; |
| 3. | A person upon whom a sentence of imprisonment without labor for at least one year or heavier punishment imposed for any of the following crimes becomes final and conclusive: |
| (a) | A crime under any provision of Articles 250 through 253 of the Criminal Act or an attempt to commit such crime; a crime under Article 264 of that Act; a crime under Article 279 of that Act or an attempt to commit such crime; a crime under Article 285 of that Act or an attempt to commit such crime; a crime under any provision of Articles 287 through 292 and 294; a crime under any provision of Articles 297, 297-2, 298 through 301, 301-2, 302, 303, and 305 of that Act; a crime under Article 332 of that Act (limited to a habitual offender under Article 329 through 331) or an attempt to commit such crime; a crime under any provision of Articles 333 through 336 of that Act or an attempt to commit such crime; a crime under any provision of Articles 337 through 339 of that Act, or an attempt to commit a crime under Article 337 through 339 of that Act; a crime under 341 of that Act or an attempt to commit such crime; a crime under Article 351 (limited to a habitual offender under Article 347, 347-2, 348, 350, or 350-2 of that Act) of that Act or an attempt to commit such crime; a crime under Article 363 of that Act; |
| (b) | Deleted; <Jan. 6, 2016> |
| 4. | A public official under Article 2 of the State Public Officials Act and Article 2 of the Local Public Officials Act and an employee prescribed by Presidential Decree who is engaged in daily duties in the State or local governments, who had committed any of the following crimes with regard to his or her duty during the period of service and for whom the punishment became final and conclusive after being sentenced at least one year of imprisonment without labor or a heavier punishment: |
| (2) | If a person who has become ineligible for the application of this Act pursuant to paragraph (1) files an application for benefits, in accordance with Article 4, three years after he or she fully served (or is deemed to have fully served) or was fully discharged from his or her sentence, the Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs may determine a person eligible for the application of this Act and may grant benefits to him or her, subject to the deliberation and resolution by the Merit Reward Judgment Committee under Article 74-5 of the Act on the Honorable Treatment of and Support for Persons of Distinguished Service to the State: Provided, That the foregoing shall not apply to a person who falls under paragraph (1) 2. <Amended on Jul. 16, 2013; May 29, 2016; Mar. 4, 2023> |
| (3) | When the Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs intends to cease to grant benefits under this Act for a veteran pursuant to Article 24 or exclude a veteran from those eligible for the application of this Act pursuant to paragraph (1), he or she may request the head of a relevant agency to provide the criminal records of the veteran or a copy of a statement on the final and conclusive decision. <Amended on Mar. 4, 2023; Jul. 11, 2023> |
[This Article Wholly Amended on Mar. 28, 2008]
| Article 26 (Exclusion from Eligibility for Application) |
| 1. | Occupational education and training under Article 13; |
| 2. | Providing veterans from mid- or long-tern service with counseling on careers and jobs or any other support under Article 14 (3); |
| 3. | Giving preferential treatment in employment or any other support under Article 16 (1) through (3); |
| 4. | Providing veterans from mid- or long-tern service with support for business start-up; |
[This Article Wholly Amended on Jul. 11, 2023]
| Article 26-2 (Requests for Provision of Data) |
| (1) | For the support prescribed in this Act including employment support, business start-up support, support for payment of an incentive for a job change, educational benefits, medical benefits, and loans; suspension of the payment of an incentive for a job change and recovery of such incentive; suspension of benefits; verification of qualifications related to the exclusion from eligibility for application of this Act; and fact-finding surveys under Article 8, the Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs may request the head of a relevant agency to provide the data prescribed by Presidential Decree, including financial information, etc., and data related to family relation registration information, certificate of earned income, local taxes, land, buildings, health insurance, national pension, or immigration. <Amended on Mar. 4, 2023; Jul. 11, 2023> |
| (2) | Upon receipt of a request for providing data under paragraph (1), the head of a relevant agency shall comply with such request unless there is a compelling reason not to do so. <Newly Inserted on Jul. 11, 2023> |
| (3) | To verify the data prescribed in paragraph (1), the Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs shall use the information system under Article 6-2 (1) of the Social Welfare Services Act in connection with the data. <Amended on Jun. 8, 2021; Mar. 4, 2023; Jul. 11, 2023> |
| (4) | No person who engages or has engaged in the duties referred to in paragraphs (1) and (3) shall use the data provided pursuant to paragraph (1) or the information acquired in the course of performing his or her duties for a purpose other than that prescribed in this Act or provide or diverge it to other persons or agencies. <Amended on Jul. 11, 2023> |
[This Article Newly Inserted on Jul. 16, 2013]
| Article 27 (Delegation and Entrustment) |
| (1) | The Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs may delegate some of his or her authority under this Act to the head of each affiliated agency under his or her control and the Governor of the Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, as prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Mar. 4, 2023> |
| (2) | The Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs may entrust business affairs related to requests for provision of data to the head of the relevant agency pursuant to Article 26-2 (1) to the Minister of Health and Welfare. <Newly Inserted on Jul. 16, 2013; Mar. 4, 2023> |
| (3) | The Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs may entrust some of business affairs (excluding business affairs pursuant to paragraph (2)) under his or her control under this Act to a related corporation or specialized institution, as prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Jul. 16, 2013; Mar. 4, 2023> |
[This Article Wholly Amended on Mar. 28, 2008]
[Title Amended on Jul. 16, 2013]
| Article 28 (Penalty Provisions) |
| (1) | Any of the following persons shall be punished by imprisonment with labor for not more than five years or by a fine not exceeding 50 million won: <Amended on Jul. 16, 2013; Oct. 31, 2017; Jun. 12, 2018; Jun. 8, 2021> |
| 1. | A person who is supported or have others get supported pursuant to this Act by fraud or other improper means; |
| 2. | A person who uses, provides, or divulges financial information in violation of Article 19-4 (6) (including cases applied mutatis mutandis in the latter part of Article 22 (3)). |
| (2) | Any of the following persons shall be punished by imprisonment with labor for not more than three years or by a fine not exceeding 30 million won: <Newly Inserted on Jul. 16, 2013; Oct. 31, 2017; Jun. 12, 2018; Jun. 8, 2021; Jul. 11, 2023> |
| 1. | A person who uses, provides, or divulges credit information or insurance information in violation of Article 19-4 (6) (including cases applied mutatis mutandis in the latter part of Article 22 (3)); |
| 2. | A person who uses, provides, or divulges data or information in violation of Article 26-2 (4). |
| (3) | Any attempt to commit a crime under paragraph (1) 1 shall be punished. <Amended on Jul. 16, 2013> |
[This Article Wholly Amended on Mar. 28, 2008]
| Article 29 (Administrative Fines) |
| (1) | A person who has failed to comply with an employment order issued pursuant to Article 34 (3) of the Act on the Honorable Treatment of and Support for Persons, etc. of Distinguished Services to the State, to which Article 14 (2) applies mutatis mutandis, without good cause shall be punished by an administrative fine not exceeding 10 million won. <Amended on Feb. 6, 2009; Jul. 16, 2013; Jun. 12, 2018> |
| (2) | A person who has failed to comply with a request for rectification under Article 36 (2) of the Act on the Honorable Treatment of and Support for Persons, etc. of Distinguished Services to the State, to which Article 14 (2) applies mutatis mutandis, shall be punished by an administrative fine not exceeding three million won. <Amended on Jul. 16, 2013> |
| (3) | An administrative fine under paragraphs (1) and (2) shall be imposed and collected by the Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, as prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Mar. 4, 2023> |
| (4) | Deleted. <Jan. 30, 2009> |
| (5) | Deleted. <Jan. 30, 2009> |
| (6) | Deleted. <Jan. 30, 2009> |
[This Article Wholly Amended on Mar. 28, 2008]
ADDENDA <Act No. 7791, Dec. 29, 2005>
| (1) | (Enforcement Date) This Act shall enter into force on May 1, 2006. |
| (2) | (Applicability to Exclusion from Eligibility for Application of Act) The amended provisions of Article 25 (1) 1 and 3 shall apply to cases whether a veteran who files an application for benefits under this Act on or after the date this Act enters into force is eligible for the benefits shall be determined. |
| (3) | (Transitional Measures concerning Development of Cemeteries) A corporation that was entrusted by the State or a local government pursuant to the former Article 17 before this Act enters into force to develop a cemetery may continue the development project until the project is complete. |
| (5) | (Relationship to Other Statutes and Regulations) A citation of the former Support for veterans Act or a provision thereof by other statutes and regulations in force as at the time this Act enters into force shall be deemed a citation of this Act or the corresponding provision of this Act in lieu of the provision, if such provision corresponding thereto exists in this Act. |
ADDENDUM <Act No. 8229, Jan. 3, 2007>
This Act shall enter into force three months after the date of its promulgation.
ADDENDA <Act No. 8514, Jul. 13, 2007>
| (1) | (Enforcement Date) This Act shall enter into force on January 1, 2008. |
| (2) | (Applicability) The amended provisions of Articles 18-2 and 18-3 shall apply to veterans discharged from long-term service after this Act enters into force. |
| (3) | (Transitional Measure concerning Calculation of Military Service Period) Notwithstanding the amended provisions of Article 2 (2), a person whom the Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs confirmed as a veteran discharged from mid- or long-term service pursuant to the former provisions at the time this Act enters into force shall be deemed a veteran discharged from mid- or long-term service. |
ADDENDUM <Act No. 9080, Mar. 28, 2008>
This Act shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation. (Proviso Omitted.)
ADDENDA <Act No. 9327, Dec. 31, 2008>
| (1) | (Enforcement Date) This Act shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation. |
ADDENDUM <Act No. 9397, Jan. 30, 2009>
This Act shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation.
ADDENDA <Act No. 9462, Feb. 6, 2009>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Act shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation. (Proviso Omitted.)
Articles 2 through 6 Omitted.
ADDENDA <Act No. 9754, Jun. 9, 2009>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Act shall enter into force six months after the date of its promulgation. (Proviso Omitted.)
Articles 2 through 4 Omitted.
ADDENDA <Act No. 10258, Apr. 15, 2010>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Act shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation. (Proviso Omitted.)
Articles 2 through 6 Omitted.
ADDENDA <Act No. 11204, Jan. 17, 2012>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Act shall enter into force three months after the date of its promulgation.
Article 2 (Applicability to Education Benefits)
The amended provisions of Article 19 shall begin to apply from the semester to which the date on which this Act enters into force belongs.
ADDENDA <Act No. 11556, Dec. 18, 2012>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Act shall enter into force six months after the date of its promulgation. (Proviso Omitted.)
Articles 2 through 10 Omitted.
ADDENDA <Act No. 11731, Apr. 5, 2013>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Act shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation. (Proviso Omitted.)
Articles 2 and 3 Omitted.
ADDENDA <Act No. 11849, Jun. 4, 2013>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Act shall enter into force six months after the date of its promulgation. (Proviso Omitted.)
Articles 2 through 7 Omitted.
ADDENDA <Act No. 11942, Jul. 16, 2013>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Act shall enter into force six months after the date of its promulgation: Provided, That the amended provisions of Article 18-2 shall enter into force on January 1, 2014. Article 2 (Applicability to Procedures for Figuring Out Living Standards)
The amended provisions of Articles 14-2 and 14-4 and the latter part of Article 19 (2) shall begin to apply from an application for employment support or education benefits after this Act enters into force. Article 3 (Applicability to Payment of Incentives for Job Changes)
The amended provisions of Article 18-2 shall begin to apply from a veteran who was discharged first from mid-term service after the same amended provision enters into force. Article 4 (Applicability to Reduction of or Exemption from Admission Fees, Tuition Fees, and Dues for School-Supporting Association)
The amended provisions of Article 19 (3) shall begin to apply from a semester commencing after this Act enters into force. Article 5 (Applicability to Exclusion from Eligibility for Application of This Act)
The amended provisions of Article 25 (1) 3 and 4 shall begin to apply from a veteran for whom the punishment became final and conclusive after being sentenced at least one year of imprisonment without labor or a heavier punishment due to an act committed after this Act enters into force.
ADDENDA <Act No. 13717, Jan. 6, 2016>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Act shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation.
Articles 2 and 3 Omitted.
ADDENDA <Act No. 13718, Jan. 6, 2016>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Act shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation.
Articles 2 and 3 Omitted.
ADDENDUM <Act No. 14259, May 29, 2016>
This Act shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation.
ADDENDUM <Act No. 15032, Oct. 31, 2017>
This Act shall enter into force six months after the date of its promulgation.
ADDENDA <Act No. 15477, Mar. 13, 2018>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Act shall enter into force three months after the date of its promulgation.
Article 2 (Applicability to Exclusion from Eligibility for Application of This Act)
The amended provisions of Article 25 (1) 3 (a) shall begin to apply from a veteran for whom the punishment becomes final and conclusive after being sentenced at least one year of imprisonment without labor or a heavier punishment for an act committed by him or her after this Act enters into force.
ADDENDUM <Act No. 15704, Jun. 12, 2018>
This Act shall enter into force six months after the date of its promulgation.
ADDENDA <Act No. 16760, Dec. 10, 2019>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Act shall enter into force six months after the date of its promulgation.
Articles 2 through 21 Omitted.
ADDENDUM <Act No. 17118, Mar. 24, 2020>
This Act shall enter into force six months after the date of its promulgation.
ADDENDA <Act No. 18139, Apr. 20, 2021>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Act shall enter into force six months after the date of its promulgation: Provided, That the amended provisions of Article 25 (1) 3 (g) shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation. Article 2 (Applicability to Exclusion from Eligibility for Application of this Act)
The amended provisions of Article 25 (1) 3 (g) shall begin to apply to veterans for whom imprisonment without labor for at least one year is declared by a court and such punishment becomes final.
ADDENDUM <Act No. 18234, Jun. 8, 2021>
This Act shall enter into force six months after the date of its promulgation: Provided, That the amended provisions of Articles 25 (1) 3 and 26-2 (2) shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation.
ADDENDA <Act No. 18425, Aug. 17, 2021>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Act shall enter into force six months after the date of its promulgation.
Articles 2 and 3 Omitted.
ADDENDA <Act No. 19228, Mar. 4, 2023>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Act shall enter into force three months after the date of its promulgation: Provided, That amendments to Acts, which were promulgated before this Act enters into force but the enforcement dates of which have yet to arrive, among the Acts amended under Article 7 of these Addenda, shall enter into force on the enforcement date of the respective Act. Articles 2 through 8 Omitted.
ADDENDA <Act No. 19525, Jul. 11, 2023>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Act shall enter into force six months after the date of its promulgation.
Article 2 (Applicability to Fact-Finding Surveys)
The amended provisions of Article 8 shall begin to apply to surveys conducted in 2024. Article 3 (Applicability to Support for Employment and Business Start-Up)
The amended provisions of Articles 14 (3) and 17 shall also apply to persons who are discharged from military service before this Act enters into force and who meet the requirements for support prescribed in that amended provisions.