국민기초생활보장제도의 문제점과 그 개선책에 대한 연구

Studies on the Problems and Reforms of Guaranteed Basic Life Program

Guaranteed Basic Life Program(GBLP) has a characteristics of a guaranteed minimum income program if the labor income is not deducted. It has a characteristics of a negative income tax if some portion of the labor income is deducted. In both cases the marriage penalty is imposed because GBLP is administered on a family unit. There are some problems in GBLP. The most serious one is that it has a disincentive for labor supply. Moreover the practical programs which support conditional beneficiaries for them to get financially independent are to be improved. There is also a problem with regard to a criterion which is applied on the determination of the compulsory supporters. That is, income reversion might occur around a critical income level. Administration cost is too high when the government tries to figure out the income and wealth of both beneficiaries and compulsory supporters. This paper suggests some remedies for GBLP. If it is reformed with them it will have the following shape in the long run. Anyone whose income is below a certain level is guaranteed basic living necessities such as foods and medical services through in-kind transfer program. In addition to this benefit the basic life is guaranteed with GBLP. Those who have ability to work, however, are assisted temporarily. This paper also suggests investigating a matter of adopting 'earned income tax credit'.