🚨 Single-Parent Families: The Reality of 70% Not Receiving Child Support and a Complete Guide to Support Programs

Today Korean Social News | 2025.03.31

📌 70% of Single Parents Don't Receive Child Support... Controversy Over Effectiveness Despite Increased Claims

💬 According to a survey released by the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, 7 out of 10 single parents have never received child support after divorce or separation. Although the number of child support claims has increased, many still report financial difficulties. The average monthly income remains at only 60% of the average household, and debt has significantly increased. Experts emphasize the urgent need for strengthening child support enforcement and improving awareness.

Summary

• A single-parent family refers to a family where one parent raises children, formed for various reasons such as divorce, death of a spouse, or unmarried status.
• Single-parent families face various challenges including financial difficulties, parenting burden, and social prejudice, with child support non-payment being a particularly serious issue.
• Support policies for single-parent families include child support enforcement, child-rearing subsidies, housing support, and more, along with the need for improved social awareness.

1️⃣ Definition

A single-parent family refers to a family where one parent raises children under 18 years of age (or under 22 if in school) in the absence of the other parent. Simply put, it's a family form where either the father or mother raises children alone.

Single-parent families are formed for various reasons including divorce, death of a spouse, unmarried status, separation, or abandonment, and are legally defined and supported by the Single-Parent Family Support Act.

💡 Why is this important?

• Single-parent families in Korea have steadily increased, now accounting for about 10% of all households.
• Single-parent families face various challenges including financial difficulties, parenting burden, and social prejudice.
• Understanding and support for single-parent families are necessary for children's healthy growth and social equity.

2️⃣ Current Status and Challenges of Single-Parent Families

📕 Current Status and Characteristics of Single-Parent Families

• Single-parent families are formed through various types and causes. Single-parent families can be categorized into several types based on how they were formed. First, single-parent families due to divorce, which account for about 60% of all single-parent families. These have been increasing with the rise in divorce rates. Second, single-parent families due to the death of a spouse, where one parent raises children alone after the death of their partner. Third, unmarried single-parent families, where children are raised by a parent who never married. This type has been increasing, especially among younger generations as social perceptions change. Fourth, deliberately chosen single-parent families formed through adoption or artificial insemination. Additionally, single-parent families can be classified as "father-child families" or "mother-child families" depending on which parent is raising the children. According to statistics, mother-child families account for about 80% of all single-parent families.

• The number of single-parent families is increasing and their characteristics are diversifying. According to Statistics Korea, single-parent families in Korea have steadily increased to about 2 million households as of 2024, accounting for about 10% of all households. This increase is related to various social changes, including rising divorce rates, changing perceptions of family, and increased economic participation of women. The characteristics of single-parent families have also diversified compared to the past. First, age groups have diversified. While middle-aged single parents were common in the past, the proportion of young single parents in their 20s and 30s has been increasing recently. Second, education and income levels have also diversified. The proportion of highly educated, professional single parents has increased, though low-income single-parent families still constitute the majority. Third, the regional distribution of single-parent families has changed. While they were previously concentrated in urban areas, single-parent families in small and medium-sized cities and rural areas have also been increasing recently. As single-parent families with diverse characteristics increase, more specialized and customized support policies are needed.

📕 Major Challenges Faced by Single-Parent Families

• Financial difficulties are the biggest challenge for single-parent families. Single-parent families face various financial difficulties. First, there is the issue of income reduction. Having to support a family on one income means that the average monthly income is lower than that of two-parent households. According to a survey by the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, the average monthly income of single-parent families is only about 60% of the average household income. Second, there is the issue of employment instability. Many single parents work in unstable jobs such as part-time or temporary positions because they need to balance childcare and work. Third, the problem of child support non-payment is serious. The rate of regularly receiving child support from the non-custodial parent after divorce is very low, with 7 out of 10 single parents not receiving any child support at all. Fourth, there is the issue of housing instability. Due to reduced income, housing costs are a burden, and it is often difficult to secure a stable living environment. These financial difficulties can lower the quality of life for single-parent families and negatively affect children's education and development.

• Parenting burden and social prejudice are also major challenges. Single-parent families face various difficulties beyond economic issues. First, there is a significant lack of time and stress due to balancing parenting and work. The physical and mental burden is very high as they have to manage childcare, housework, and work duties alone. Second, there are difficulties in supporting children's education and providing emotional support. In a busy daily life, it is often challenging to support children's learning and help with their emotional stability. Third, they experience social prejudice and discrimination. Negative perceptions of single-parent families still exist, and children may be exposed to prejudice at school or in society. Fourth, they experience a lack of emotional support networks. Relationships with relatives and friends often become distant during the family transition, making it difficult to receive emotional support. Fifth, there is a high risk of health problems. The risk of physical and mental health deterioration is high due to excessive stress and financial burden. These various difficulties are interconnected and have a complex impact on the quality of life of single-parent families.

Major Challenges Faced by Single-Parent Families

1. Financial difficulties: Income reduction, employment instability, child support non-payment, housing instability
2. Parenting burden: Lack of time, sole responsibility for childcare and housework, limitations in supporting children's education
3. Social prejudice: Negative perceptions of single-parent families, discrimination experienced by children
4. Lack of emotional support: Weakened support networks, isolation, emotional stress
5. Work-life balance: Difficulties in balancing work and family life, lack of flexible work environments
6. Legal issues: Disputes over custody, visitation rights, and child support
7. Health issues: Risk of physical and mental health problems due to excessive stress
8. Information accessibility: Lack of information about support systems and services
9. Concerns about child development: Worries about children's emotional and social development
10. Future anxiety: Lack of retirement preparation, anxiety about long-term economic stability

3️⃣ Support Policies and Systems for Single-Parent Families

✅ Current Status of Support Systems for Single-Parent Families

• Various support systems are operating under the Single-Parent Family Support Act. Several support systems are being implemented under the Single-Parent Family Support Act. First, there is child-rearing subsidy support. A monthly child-rearing subsidy of 200,000 won is provided for children under 18 in low-income single-parent families. Especially for unmarried single parents, additional child-rearing subsidies can be received. Second, there is education expense support. Entrance fees and tuition for high school children are supported, and scholarship benefits are also provided for college students. Third, there is medical expense support. Medical expense burdens are reduced through health insurance premium reductions and medical benefit support. Fourth, there is housing support. Housing stability is helped through priority supply of rental housing and housing benefit support. Fifth, there is childcare service support. Parenting burden is reduced through priority provision of childcare services and after-school care services. These supports help to alleviate the economic burden of single-parent families and improve the child-rearing environment.

• Child support enforcement systems are being strengthened. Systems to help enforce the child support obligation of non-custodial parents are being strengthened. First, there is support through the Child Support Agency. Established in 2015, the Child Support Agency provides comprehensive services including child support consultation, negotiation, litigation support, and debt collection. Second, there is the child support enforcement order system. Courts can issue enforcement orders to non-custodial parents who do not pay child support, and if violated, sanctions such as detention (up to 30 days) can be imposed. Third, the advance payment system for child support is being implemented. If the non-custodial parent does not pay child support, a system where the state pays first and then exercises the right to indemnity against the non-custodial parent has been piloted since 2023. Fourth, sanctions against child support debtors are being strengthened. Various sanctions such as travel bans, driver's license suspensions, and public disclosure of names are being introduced. These systems are intended to increase the child support payment rate and help the economic stability of single-parent families, but there are criticisms that improvements in effectiveness are still needed.

✅ Issues and Improvement Directions for Single-Parent Family Support

• Limitations and problems of the current support system are being pointed out. There are several limitations to the single-parent family support system. First, there is the issue of limited support targets and amounts. Current support is mainly focused on low-income single-parent families below 52% of the median income, making it easy for near-poor or middle-class single-parent families to fall into blind spots of support. Second, there is the issue of insufficient effectiveness of the child support enforcement system. Legal enforcement is weak and sanctions are limited, resulting in a still low payment rate of child support by non-custodial parents. Third, there is the issue of insufficient work-life balance support. There is a lack of flexible working arrangements and childcare services that consider the special circumstances of single parents. Fourth, there is the issue of information accessibility and procedural complexity. The process of finding and applying for support is complex, resulting in many families who need support not receiving benefits. Fifth, there is the issue of a lack of integrated approach. The effectiveness is lower because support in various areas such as economy, housing, childcare, and emotional support is fragmented. To overcome these limitations, a more comprehensive and effective support system is needed.

• Social awareness improvement and policy changes are needed. To strengthen support for single-parent families, social perception changes are needed along with institutional improvements. First, it is important to eliminate social prejudice against single-parent families. Respect and understanding for various family forms should be promoted through education, media, etc. Second, strengthening social responsibility awareness for child support payment is needed. The awareness that child-rearing is a joint responsibility of parents should be spread, and social awareness of child support non-payment should be raised. Third, an inclusive approach to family diversity is needed. A culture that recognizes single-parent families as one of various family forms rather than a 'vulnerable family' should be fostered. Fourth, policy-wise, expansion of support targets, realistic support amounts, strengthening enforcement of child support, expansion of work-life balance support, and establishing a one-stop service system are needed. Customized support considering the diverse characteristics and needs of single-parent families is particularly important. Through these awareness improvements and policy changes, an environment should be created where single-parent families can raise children without discrimination and live as equal members of society.

✅ International Cases and Implications

• There is much to learn from advanced countries' single-parent family support policies. Single-parent family support policies in foreign countries provide various implications for us. First, there are the cases of Nordic countries (Sweden, Denmark, Norway, etc.). These countries support single-parent families within a universal welfare system. They provide basic child allowances to all children regardless of income level, and additional allowances to single-parent families. They also have well-developed advance payment systems for child support, where the state pays first if the non-custodial parent does not pay child support and then exercises the right to indemnity later. Second, there is the case of France. France provides stable support to single-parent families through the 'Family Support Allowance (ASF)', and the child support collection agency (ARIPA) actively collects child support from non-custodial parents. Third, there is the case of Germany. Germany supports all families, including single-parent families, through 'Parental Allowance' and 'Child Allowance', and the advance payment system for child support has been operating stably for a long time. Fourth, there is the case of Japan. Japan supports single-parent families through 'Child Support Allowance', and recently has been focusing on strengthening child support enforcement and employment support for single parents.

• Policy development directions suitable for the domestic situation should be sought. While referring to international cases, policy development that considers Korea's situation and cultural context is needed. First, a phased expansion strategy is needed. The support target and amount should be gradually expanded considering budget and social consensus. Second, effective systems for strengthening child support enforcement are needed. Full introduction of the advance payment system, strengthening enforcement, and a balanced approach of incentives and sanctions for non-custodial parents are needed. Third, strengthening work-life balance support is important. Flexible work arrangements, expanded childcare services, vocational training, and employment support considering the special circumstances of single parents are needed. Fourth, establishing a community-based integrated support system is needed. A one-stop service system that comprehensively provides economic, housing, childcare, and emotional support can be effective. Fifth, a preventive approach is also important. Support should begin from the divorce process by strengthening counseling, education, and mediation services. Through these multi-faceted approaches, single-parent families should be supported to function healthily as equal members of society.

4️⃣ Related Term Explanations

🔎 Child Support Agency

• The Child Support Agency is a specialized institution that supports the enforcement of child support payments.
• The Child Support Agency is an institution under the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, established in 2015 to support the enforcement of child support obligations by non-custodial parents. The main functions of this institution are to provide comprehensive services related to child support, including consultation, agreement, litigation support, implementation monitoring, and sanctions for non-compliance. Specifically, first, it provides child support consultation and information services. It guides single parents on what procedures to follow regarding child support. Second, it provides legal support services for child support claims and enforcement. It provides free legal services for child support lawsuits, forced execution, and enforcement order applications. Third, it takes sanctions against child support debtors. It can take measures such as requesting travel bans, driver's license suspensions, and detention applications. Fourth, it provides services to locate non-custodial parents. It helps to locate non-custodial parents whose contact has been lost. Through these services, the Child Support Agency plays an important role in increasing the child support payment rate and helping the economic stability of single-parent families.

🔎 Child-Rearing Subsidy Support

• Child-rearing subsidy support is economic support to reduce the child-rearing burden of single-parent families.
• Child-rearing subsidy support is economic support provided to children under 18 (or under 22 if in school) in low-income single-parent families according to the Single-Parent Family Support Act. The main contents of this system are as follows. First, the support target is single-parent families below 52% of the median income. Second, the support amount is 200,000 won per month per child under 18 (as of 2025). Third, unmarried single parents can receive additional child-rearing subsidies. Fourth, the application method is to apply at the community service center of the address on the resident registration, or online through the Bokjiro website or app. Fifth, necessary documents include application form, ID, resident registration certificate, family relationship certificate, income and property related documents, etc. This support is intended to help with the basic livelihood and child-rearing of single-parent families, but there are criticisms that the amount is not sufficient considering realistic child-rearing costs, so gradual increases are being discussed.

🔎 Child Support Claim

• A child support claim is a legal document representing the right to receive child support from the non-custodial parent.
• A child support claim is a legal document that proves the right to regularly receive child support from the non-custodial parent, mainly secured through child support burden transcripts, child support payment judgments, or child support payment agreements made during divorce. The main characteristics of child support claims are as follows. First, a child support claim is a long-term claim valid until the child becomes an adult (usually until age 18 or college graduation). Second, child support is typically paid monthly on a regular basis, and the amount is determined considering the non-custodial parent's income, the child's age and needs, and the nurturing environment. Third, if the non-custodial parent does not pay child support, the custodial parent can take legal measures such as forced execution or enforcement order applications based on this claim. Fourth, recently, procedures for securing child support claims and enforcing them have been simplified through the support of the Child Support Agency. However, according to a survey by the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, even among those who hold child support claims, the rate of regularly receiving child support is less than 30%, raising issues about the effectiveness of the claims.

5️⃣ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How do I apply for single-parent family support?

A: The procedure to receive single-parent family support is as follows. First, check your eligibility. Single-parent family support is mainly targeted at single-parent families raising children under 18 (or under 22 if in school) with income below 52% of the median income. Second, find out how to apply. You can visit the community service center of the address on your resident registration, or apply online through the 'Bokjiro' website (www.bokjiro.go.kr) or app. Third, prepare the necessary documents. You need application form, ID, resident registration certificate, family relationship certificate, income and property related documents, documents proving you are a single-parent family (divorce judgment, death certificate, etc.). Fourth, understand the investigation process. After application, an investigation of the household's income, property, family situation, etc. is conducted, and support eligibility is determined based on this result. Fifth, check the support contents. If selected, you can receive various supports such as child-rearing subsidies, education expenses, housing support, childcare services, etc. Sixth, don't forget regular renewal. Most support requires renewal on a 1-year basis, so you need to reconfirm your eligibility before the support period ends. More detailed information can be obtained through the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family website or the single-parent family consultation phone (1644-6621).

Q: What help can I get when I don't receive child support?

A: When you don't receive child support from the non-custodial parent, you can get the following help. First, get support from the Child Support Agency. The Child Support Agency (1644-6621) provides comprehensive services such as child support consultation, negotiation, litigation support, debt collection, etc. for free. Second, consider applying for a child support enforcement order. If there is a child support payment judgment or agreement but it is not being paid, you can apply for an enforcement order to the court, and if violated, sanctions such as detention are possible. Third, utilize the advance payment system for child support. This system, implemented since 2023, is where the state pays a certain amount first (up to 200,000 won per month) if the non-custodial parent does not pay child support, and then exercises the right to indemnity against the non-custodial parent (currently in pilot operation). Fourth, check the single-parent family support system. Apart from child support, you can receive child-rearing subsidies, education expenses, etc. according to the Single-Parent Family Support Act. Fifth, visit the local single-parent family support center. Centers in each region provide various services such as legal support, psychological counseling, self-help meetings, etc. Sixth, utilize the free legal consultation of the Korea Legal Aid Corporation. You can get consultation on legal procedures related to child support. As child support issues can be complex, it is important to get expert help.

Q: How can I help the psychological stability of single-parent family children?

A: Methods to help the psychological stability of single-parent family children are as follows. First, maintain open communication. It is important to acknowledge your child's emotions, answer questions honestly and age-appropriately, and create regular time to share emotions. Second, provide consistent routines. Predictable daily life and rules give children a sense of security. Maintain meal, homework, bedtime, etc. consistently. Third, support relationships with the other parent. If possible, help maintain a healthy relationship with the non-custodial parent, and avoid involving children in conflicts between parents. Fourth, expand support networks. Positive relationships with various adults such as grandparents, relatives, friends, etc. help children's emotional development. Fifth, seek professional help when needed. Utilize psychological counseling services provided by child and youth counseling centers, school counseling rooms, single-parent family support centers, etc. Sixth, participate in self-help meetings. Sharing experiences with families in similar situations helps both parents and children. Seventh, encourage children's strengths. Acknowledge and encourage children's achievements and efforts to boost their self-esteem. Eighth, take care of your own psychological health. Parents need to be emotionally stable to provide stability to their children. The most important thing is to show unconditional love and support to your children.

Q: What support programs are there for economic independence as a single parent?

A: There are various support programs for the economic independence of single parents. First, there are vocational training and employment support programs. You can receive free or inexpensive vocational training and be connected to employment through the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family's 'Single-Parent Family Employment Success Package', the Ministry of Employment and Labor's 'Tomorrow Learning Card', etc. Second, there are asset formation support programs. Programs such as 'Hope Growing Account', 'Youth Tomorrow Savings Account', etc. help asset formation by having the government match a certain amount to the savings of low-income single parents. Third, there are entrepreneurship support programs. The Small Business Corporation's 'Single Parent Entrepreneurship Support Business', local governments' 'Women's Entrepreneurship Support Centers', etc. provide entrepreneurship education, funding support, consulting, etc. Fourth, there are academic support programs. If a single parent wants to attend college or continue studies, they can utilize 'Single-Parent Family Scholarships', 'Lifelong Education Vouchers', etc. Fifth, there are childcare support services. Priority use of 'Child Care Services', 'After-school Care', etc. helps balance work and family life. Sixth, there are housing support programs. Single-parent families can receive additional points when entering 'Public Rental Housing' or be prioritized for supply, and can receive rent support through 'Housing Benefits'. These programs can be guided through local community service centers, single-parent family support centers, women's re-employment centers, etc.