Korea’s National Pension does not only pay in old age. If an illness or injury that began while you were a member leaves a disability, a disability pension is paid at any age. By grade it is 100%, 80% or 60% of the basic pension as a pension, or 225% as a one-off payment for grade 4. But you must meet a contribution test as at the first day of treatment. We read articles 67–70 of the National Pension Act as written.
1. Grades 1–3 are pensions, grade 4 a lump sum. Grade 1 gets 100% of the basic pension, grade 2 80% and grade 3 60%, each plus dependants’ additions; grade 4 gets 2,250/1,000 of the basic pension once (art. 68).
2. One of three contribution tests applies at first treatment. Contributions paid for a third or more of the period you were liable, 3 of the last 5 years (not if 3+ years in arrears), or 10 years of membership (art. 67(1)2).
3. The grade is set 1 year 6 months after first treatment. If you recover earlier, the recovery date is used (art. 67(2)).
Who qualifies — art. 67(1)
A member or former member with a physical or mental disability caused by illness or injury who meets both requirements below is paid from the disability decision date for as long as the disability lasts.
| Requirement | Content | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 18 or older at first treatment (or from joining, if before 18) and below old-age pension age | Item 1 |
| Contributions (a) | Paid for a third or more of the period liable at first treatment | Item 2(a) |
| Contributions (b) | Paid for 3 years or more in the 5 years to first treatment (not if 3+ years in arrears) | Item 2(b) |
| Contributions (c) | 10 years or more of membership at first treatment | Item 2(c) |
Any one of tests (a)–(c) is enough. The age test and a contribution test are both needed.
When the grade is set — art. 67(2)
- Recovered within 1 year 6 months — the recovery date.
- Not recovered after 1 year 6 months — the day after 1 year 6 months from first treatment.
- Not eligible then but worse later — the earlier of the claim date and recovery date (only if claimed before old-age pension age).
How much — art. 68
| Grade | Payment | Basic pension = 100 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pension — basic pension + dependants’ additions | 100 + dependants |
| 2 | Pension — 800/1,000 of basic pension + dependants’ additions | 80 + dependants |
| 3 | Pension — 600/1,000 of basic pension + dependants’ additions | 60 + dependants |
| 4 | Lump-sum compensation — 2,250/1,000 of basic pension | 225 (once) |
The “= 100” column is our restatement to compare ratios. Grading criteria and assessment are set by the Decree (art. 67(4)), and the National Pension Service calculates the actual basic pension from membership and earnings.
When it is not paid — art. 67(3)
- First treatment fell in a period excluded from coverage
- First treatment fell in a period of emigration or loss of nationality
- You received a lump-sum refund — rejoining and repaying brings that period back into membership (art. 78(3)), as covered in National Pension lump-sum refund.
Changes while receiving it — arts. 69 and 70
- A further disability — the combined disability sets the new grade, but if that pays less than before, the earlier pension continues (art. 69).
- Review by the Service — a different grade changes the amount; no longer meeting any grade ends the right (art. 70(1)).
- Getting worse — the recipient may claim a change in amount (art. 70(2)).
Checklist
- ☐ The first treatment date — confirm from medical records
- ☐ One of the three contribution tests at that date (a third, 3 of 5 years, 10 years)
- ☐ The day 1 year 6 months on — when the grade is set
- ☐ Took a refund before? It is a ground for exclusion — check repayment
- ☐ Claim from the National Pension Service — generally a 5-year limitation
Questions that remain
Is it the same as the disability grade under the Welfare of Disabled Persons Act?
National Pension grades (1–4) are a separate standard set by the Decree under article 67(4). Do not assume they match; have the Service assess you.
Can it be paid alongside an old-age pension?
This article does not cover the rules on overlapping benefits. If you already receive another pension, check with the Service.
Sources
- National Pension Act [in force 17 Jun 2026] [Act No. 21203] — original text (checked 1 October 2026). Article 67 (eligibility, 18, a third, 3 of 5 years, 10 years, 1 year 6 months, three exclusions, grades 1–4), article 68 (800, 600 and 2,250 per 1,000), article 69 (combined disabilities), article 70 (change, loss, claims) and article 115 (5-year limitation).
- Our own working. The comparison with the basic pension set at 100 is ours.
Where to check further
- Claims and assessment — a National Pension Service branch or call centre.
- How the pension works — National Pension basics.
Written on 1 October 2026. Articles are from the National Law Information Center; the tables are ours.
