Check the Monthly Caps on Your Parental Leave Benefit

The source is Work24 (checked 2026-10-13). Under the 6+6 special rule, where both parents take leave for the same child, the cap for the first 6 months is higher.

How much can you get in each period?

The benefit is calculated on your ordinary wages on the day your parental leave starts. Support lasts up to 1 year and 6 months.

For single-parent workers, the cap on the 100% payment for the first 3 months is KRW 3 million, and from month 4 the general standard in the table above applies.

How is the 6+6 parental leave system different?

When both parents take parental leave while the child is within 18 months of birth, the cap for the first 6 months goes up. If 100% of ordinary wages is above the cap, that month's cap applies (Ministry of Employment and Labor Q&A).

From month 7, the general standard applies. For the detailed conditions on which parent it applies to and in what order, check the Work24 guide.

Who can receive it?

The requirements in the Work24 guide are as follows.

• You take parental leave as a pregnant female worker, or as a worker with a child aged 8 or under (second grade of elementary school or lower).
• You have at least 180 days of insured period under employment insurance as of the day your parental leave starts.
• You take at least 30 days of parental leave for the same child.

Days on which you were not paid wages do not count toward the insured period, and periods enrolled as a self-employed person, artist, or labor provider are not added.

When and how do you apply?

You can apply from one month after your leave starts until 12 months after the leave ends. You can apply monthly or all at once.

1. Get a parental leave confirmation from your employer.
2. Apply on the Work24 website or mobile app, or visit an employment center.
3. If your leave end date changes, tell your local employment center.

You can request a review or re-review within 90 days of the day you receive the decision notice.

What is easy to miss?

• If you state false information, payment may be stopped or you may have to pay it back.
• If you work 15 hours or more a week or have income of KRW 1.5 million or more a month during the payment period, you must state it on the application.
• The lower limit is not in the Work24 guide, so confirm your own benefit calculation at the employment center.

Last checked: 2026-10-13. The Work24 guide was last updated on 2025-09-15, so please check again on Work24 or at the Ministry of Employment and Labor customer counseling center, 1350, whether the amounts have changed.