Child Rearing Allowance (Jidō Fuyō Teate)

This system supports the stability and independence of single-parent households raising children who do not share a household with one of their parents due to reasons such as divorce. It aims to promote the welfare of these children.

The allowance is provided to mothers, fathers, or guardians raising children who fall under one of the following categories:
・Children whose parents are divorced
・Children whose father or mother has passed away or whose whereabouts are unknown
・Children whose father or mother has a severe disability
・Children whose father or mother has been imprisoned one year or longer
・Children who have been abandoned by their father or mother for one year or longer
・ Children born out of wedlock

Not eligible if any of the following apply:
・The child is living in a child welfare facility or under foster care
・The child is being raised by the father's or mother's spouse (including common-law marriage or de facto partnership)
・The child, father, or mother does not reside in Japan

The amount of allowance depends on income and the number of dependents.

Due to revisions in the Child Rearing Allowance Act, the payment frequency has changed to six times per year starting from the November 2019 payment.
*Payments are made in January, March, May, July, September, and November.

To receive the allowance, please complete the application at the Welfare Section, Health & Welfare Division.
Required documents:
・Certified copy of the family register (Koseki Tōhon/Shōhon) for both applicant and child. (Foreign residents should submit a Certificate of Registered Matters)
・Personal seal (hanko)
・Bankbook (applicant's account)
・ Other necessary documents as requested
・ Documents showing the applicant's My Number
(My Number Card, notification card, or juminhyo (certificate of residence) with My Number printed on it)
・Applicant’s identification document
(My Number Card, driver’s license, passport, or other government-issued ID with photo)
・The My Number of the child, spouse, and any cohabiting dependents must also be provided. Please confirm this information beforehand.

・Those receiving child rearing allowance must submit a "Status Report (Genkyō Todoke)" every August.
・This report records your situation as of August 1 and confirms continued eligibility for the allowance.
・All recipients must submit it between August 1 and August 31 each year. If not submitted for two consecutive years, your eligibility will be terminated.