“"Don't Quit Your Job" Childcare Short-Term Work Pay Jumps to Up to 2.5 Million Won Per Month! (Application Requirements, 2026 Update)
Hello! I'm a reliable mentor for working moms and dads.
Every time I drop my child off at school “Will I be able to continue working at the company?” I know many people are worried. I completely understand that feeling. But before you resign, This government-supported systemI really want to ask you if you have already taken care of it.
as soon as ‘Reduced Working Hours for Childcare’ no see.
As this system has been significantly strengthened recently, The fact that the salary calculation standard has been raised to 2.5 million won per month, Did you know that not only do they reduce your working hours, but the government also makes up for the reduced wages quite nicely.
I opened it myself ‘How to Use Short-Term Work Instead of Quitting’, I will only give you the key points from now on.
1. Why is shortened working hours better than quitting your job?
The core of this system is “Even if you leave work two hours early, your salary remains roughly the same.” It is about fitting it closely.
- time: Reduced to 15 to 35 hours per week (usually 1 to 2 hours per day)
- Salary Preservation: The company will cut your salary for the reduced hours, The government (employment insurance) supports the differencedo.
💡 Editor's Fact Check: In the past, the short-term pay was low “"It's better to quit"”There was a saying. But now Section supporting regular wage 100%This has increased significantly. It is possible to secure time to care for children while maintaining a career. ‘Cost-effectiveness’ It's the best system.
2. 2.5 million won in salary? How much exactly do you earn?
“"Jumped to 2.5 million won"”Let me explain to you in simple terms how this is calculated.
The most important change is Expanding the 'normal wage ceiling' and 'support hours' supported by the government under the 100% program.no see.
- Expanded support range: It used to be that they only gave 100% for the first 5 hours, but now Supports 100% up to 10 hours per week(This means that even if you reduce your work by 2 hours a day, there is almost no loss in salary!)
- Increase the salary cap: The standard wage used as a basis for calculating the subsidy is 2 million to 2.5 million won per month It has been upgraded to a higher level.
[Example: If an employee earning 3 million won a month shortens their work schedule by 2 hours per day]
- company: Pay according to the amount of work done (6 hours)
- government: About the 2 hours reduced Standard wage 100% (upper limit of 2.5 million won applied) Deposit the support fund
- result: There is not much difference in actual take-home pay compared to full-time work.
3. Does my child qualify? (Enrollment requirements)
As of 2026, the threshold for enrollment has been significantly lowered. Parents of elementary school students are considered eligible.
- Target children: 8 years old and under → Up to 12 years old (6th grade of elementary school) Significant expansion
- Period of Use: Up to 1 year → Up to 3 years (When combining unused periods of childcare leave)
- Employment Requirements: If you have worked at the company for more than 6 months, you can apply.
“I can’t use our company because I have to be careful…”? Now, if an employer refuses to hire a replacement worker without a special reason (such as not being able to hire a replacement worker), the law surchargeis imposed. You can confidently demand your rights.
4. How to apply (accessing employment insurance)
The application process is simple. Simply contact the company, submit the required documents, and submit them online.
- company: ‘Request for issuance of a 'Certificate of Reduction in Working Hours for Childcare'
- principal: Employment Insurance (Ei) Access the website
- menu: Click [Maternity Protection] > [Apply for Reduced Working Hours for Childcare]
If you apply by attaching your monthly payslip, the subsidy will usually be deposited into your account within two weeks.
Conclusion: Protect your career and protect your children.
It's a shame to give up 10 years of experience just to raise a child. If you take advantage of the shortened work schedule, Even if I leave work at 4 PM and go to pick up my child from school, I can still keep my paycheck in my account.
Check the amount you're eligible for on the Employment Insurance website right now. It's not too late to consider quitting your job later.
👇 Check your short-time work pay Go to the Employment Insurance (Ei) website >
*You can check it in the [Maternity Protection] menu after logging in.