Trained health managers visit new mothers at home to assist with postpartum recovery and newborn care; starting in 2026, families of premature infants who received inpatient treatment can access a higher tier of service
Seongbuk-gu in Seoul is running a maternal and newborn health management support program to help new mothers recover after childbirth and care for their newborns.
Under the program, trained health managers visit households with newborns to assist with the mother's meals and health, as well as infant care. The service allows mothers to receive the support they need while recovering at home, easing the caregiving burden on the rest of the family.
The program is open to households registered in Seongbuk-gu under either Korean resident registration or foreign national registration. Families at or below 150 percent of the median income threshold are eligible for standard support, while those above that level may qualify under the Seoul Metropolitan Government's exceptional support category. The amount of assistance and the out-of-pocket cost vary depending on the number of fetuses, birth order, income bracket and length of service.
Starting in 2026, families whose premature infants received inpatient treatment in an intensive care unit or neonatal intensive care unit for medical reasons will be able to select a service tier one level higher than they would otherwise qualify for.
Additional support is available for households facing significant financial hardship. Recipients of basic livelihood benefits and near-poverty households can receive a cash supplement covering 90 percent of their out-of-pocket costs under the service fee schedule. Applications for this additional support can be submitted to the local public health center after completing the service. However, out-of-pocket costs already paid using the Seoul postpartum care expense voucher are not eligible for duplicate support.
Applications are accepted from 40 days before the expected due date through 60 days after delivery. Families can apply online through the Bokjiro welfare portal or visit the public health center with jurisdiction over the mother's registered address.
"I hope this program helps mothers recover and care for their newborns," Seongbuk-gu District Mayor Lee Seung-ro said. "We will actively inform residents about how to apply and what support is available so that families with newborns can receive assistance when they need it most."
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