as the weather turns chilly, many of us are wondering if we should turn on the boiler or hang in there a little longer. With the phrase "heating bill bomb" becoming a reality, winter has become a dreaded season, especially for low-income households, where winter utility bills can account for 15% or more of income.

in fact, we've all heard the sad stories of people who have compromised their health to save money on their heating bills, resulting in higher hospital bills.

there's good news for those who need a little extra warmth this winter. it ' s the Love ON heating bill subsidy program . among the various heating bill support policies from the government and public institutions, this program is particularly noteworthy.Up to 1 million wonin cash will be provided to those who need it, and the application deadline is just around the corner.

today, we'll summarize who can apply for the 2025 ON Heating Benefit, how to apply, and what other government programs are available in case you missed out.

2025 Sarang ON heating bill, up to 1 million won in support

'Love ON Heating Bill' is a representative social contribution program organized by the Korea District Heating Corporation. it has been supporting people in the energy welfare blind spot since 2006, and it is operated separately from the government heating bill support, so it is possible to receive overlapping benefits.

who can apply: Who is eligible?

there are two main categories of applicants: individuals and organizations.

  1. individuals(households): Households that are struggling to pay their heating bills in the winter

    • basic needs recipients

    • secondary

    • low-income (50% to 120% of median income)

    it'simportant to note the broad threshold of "120% of median income." Unlike typical government heating bill assistance, which tends to focus on those on basic or secondary benefits, Love ON opens up the opportunity to a wider range of people. even if you didn't know you were eligible, you should check the criteria.

  2. organizations (facilities)

    • government-registered social welfare facilities

    • government-certified social enterprises (excluding prospective social enterprises)

amount of support and project timeline

  • amount of support:

    • individuals: 500,000 won

    • social welfare facilities and social enterprises: KRW 1 million

  • application period: October 27, 2025 (Mon) ~ November 23, 2025 (Sat)

  • announcement of selected applicants: december 11, 2025 (Thursday)

  • payment of heating bills: december 23, 2025 (Tuesday)

funds will be paid incashon December 23rd to the account registered at the time of application. it's a great way to get some warm cash before the end of the year without the hassle.

how to apply (A-Z)

you can only apply online through the official Love ON Heating Benefit website.

step 1: Access the online website and sign up

you need to search for "Love ON Heating Bill" on the portal site to access the official website and register.

step 2: Submit an application and prepare 'must-have' documents

after logging in, click [Business Application] - [Application Submission] to fill out the application form. there are some documents you need to prepare in advance

  • resident registration card (including proof of eligibility, such as beneficiary or secondary certificate)

  • business license (for organizations and companies)

  • photographs to verify your housing and heating situation

the most important thing here is the "photo" and "application story," because this program doesn't just select based on income, but also looks at desperation and need.

in fact, it's important to be honest with your story, such as "I live alone and have a high heating bill" or "My husband's health is not good this year and it's hard for me to work."

pro tip: When preparing your photos, don't just take a picture of your room - attach a photo of your old, outdated boiler, a picture of a drafty window, a picture of a thermometer showing the current room temperature - anything that demonstrates specifically "why I should receive heating assistance" and tie it into your application story is key to increasing your chances of being selected.

don't forget to check it out! What to look out for (who may not be selected)

there are two things to keep in mind before applying.

  1. if you received a Love ON heating bill in the previous year (2024), you are not eligible to be selected this year. This is to ensure that more people can benefit from the program.

  2. if your application contains any false information, your selection may be canceled.

what if I missed Love ON, the government heating bill assistance?

the Love ON heating bill application closes on November 23rd. if you missed the deadline or were not selected, don't be disappointed. there are other government heating assistance schemes you may be eligible for.

1. energy vouchers (the most popular government support)

this is the main government heating assistance program run by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.

  • eligibility: You must be a basic needs recipient (subsistence, medical, housing, or education benefits) and meet household characteristics (elderly, infants, disabled, pregnant, or seriously ill).

  • what you'll receive: Electricity, city gas, and district heating bills will be deducted, or you'll receive vouchers (vouchers) to purchase kerosene, LPG, etc. with your National Happiness Card.

  • how to apply: Apply in person at the administrative welfare center (resident center) in the town, village, or district where you live.

2. energy Efficiency Improvements for Low-Income Households (Fundamental Solutions)

this is a "free construction" program, not cash assistance.

  • eligibility: Basic living recipients, second-class citizens, and general low-income households in welfare blind spots

  • what it covers: Funding for fundamental home repairs that increase heating (and cooling) efficiency, such as installing insulation, replacing windows, replacing high-efficiency boilers, and installing high-efficiency air conditioners.

  • pro tip: While it's important to apply for heating bill assistance every year, making your home more efficient through this program can reduce your monthly heating bill itself. it's a radical solution.

3. reduce your utility bills (if you don't apply, you lose!)

this is an 'always on' discount that many people don't realize is available.

  • eligibility: Basic subsistence recipients, second-class citizens, people with disabilities (grades 1-3), single-parent families, etc

  • what it does: Provides a certain percentage (%) discount on your monthly city gas bill.

  • how to apply: Apply online once at the "Welfare" website, and you can continue to receive the discount as long as you are eligible.

heating bill subsidy Q&A (Frequently asked questions)

Q1: Can I receive both the Love ON heating payment and a government 'energy voucher'?

A: Yes, you can. 'Love ON' is a social contributionprogramof the Korea District Heating Corporation, while 'Energy Voucher' is awelfareprogram of thegovernment, so the organization and funding are different. if you are eligible for both, it is best to apply for both to receive the benefits.

Q2: I received Love ON last year, can I apply again this year?

A: No, it's not possible. according to the 2025 project announcement, households or facilities that received Love ON heating assistance in the previous year (2024) are not eligible for selection this year.

Q3: I missed the Love ON application period (November 23). is there anything else I can do?

A: While Love ON has closed, there may still be other government heating assistance available. Energy vouchers are often available until the end of the year, and utility bill reductions are always available through Welfare to Work, so check it out now.

Q4: I'm a 100% median income household. are there any subsidies I can apply for?

A: Yes, you can apply for Love ON heating bills. Love ON is broadly targeted at households up to 120% of median income. on the other hand, 'Energy Voucher' and 'Energy Efficiency Improvement' projects are more focused on the basic/secondary income group, so 'Love ON' may be the most suitable grant for you. make sure to apply before November 23rd.

november 23rd deadline, apply now

the 2025 Love ON heating bill grant is a generous program that will provide $500,000 in cash for individuals and $1 million for groups, but theNovember23rdapplication deadlineis fast approaching.

if you're eligible, take a minute to apply through the Love ON Heating Bills website and don't miss out on the $500,000 grant.

even if none of this applies to you, please share this article with your neighbors or elders if you know someone who is struggling with the cold. your support and sharing could make a difference in someone's winter.

have you ever applied for Love ON or any other government assistance? please share any challenges you've faced with heating bills or your own application 'tips' in the comments. your experience will be encouraging and helpful to others.