Employment of People With Disabilities in Korea: The Roles of Support Systems and Household Type

This study aims to examine the role of (a) informal social and emotional support and (b) financial support on the relationship between the level of dependence and employment of people with disabilities in Korea and whether this association varies by household type. Using the 4th wave of the Disability and Life Dynamics Panel (DLDP), this study analyzed 2,665 Koreans with disabilities. The results showed that both informal social and emotional support and financial support mediated the relationship between the level of dependence and employment, and two significant interaction terms were found. A moderated mediation effect was identified in households with two or more members, indicating that the likelihood of employment decreased as financial support increased. Based on these findings, the study suggested that employment support for people with disabilities should consider household type and informal social networks, with particular attention to personalized services for those living alone.