A Comprehensive Guide to Childcare Support and Child Allowances in Japan for Foreign Families

Introduction

Raising children in Japan offers various government benefits, including child allowances, fee reductions, and medical subsidies. These programs are open to foreign families who meet certain criteria. However, navigating the system can be challenging due to language barriers and differences across municipalities. This guide covers the essential childcare support programs in Japan, including Tokyo’s 018 Support and examples from Shibuya, Setagaya, and Hachioji.

Child Allowance (児童手当 | Jidō Teate)

Overview

The Child Allowance provides financial support for raising children from birth until the end of junior high school.

Payment Amounts

  • 0–3 years old: ¥15,000 per month
  • 3 years old until elementary school completion: ¥10,000 per month (¥15,000 for the third child or beyond)
  • Junior high school students: ¥10,000 per month

How to Apply

  • Where to apply: Childcare Support Section (子育て支援課 | Kosodate Shien-ka) at your local city hall.
  • Required Documents:
    • Application form
    • My Number card (マイナンバーカード) or notification card (通知カード)
    • Bank account information
    • Residence card (在留カード)

Example: Shibuya Ward (渋谷区)

  • Applications are processed at the Childcare Support Section (子育て支援課).
  • Payments typically start 1–2 months after approval.
  • Annual submission of a Status Report (現況届 | Genkyō Todoke) is required to continue receiving payments.

Learn more about Shibuya Ward’s Child Allowance

Tokyo 018 Support (東京都018サポート)

Overview

The 018 Support Program provides additional financial assistance for families with children aged 0 to 18 living in Tokyo.

Payment Amount

  • ¥5,000 per child per month.

Eligibility

  • Children aged 0–18 who reside in Tokyo or had a registered address in Tokyo during the current fiscal year.

How to Apply

  • Applications can be made online through the 018 Support Portal or via mail.

Access the 018 Support Portal

Childcare and Preschool Fee Reduction (保育料無償化 | Hoikuryō Mushōka)

Overview

Japan’s Early Childhood Education and Care Program reduces or eliminates childcare fees for eligible families.

Eligibility

  • Free tuition: Available for children aged 3–5 attending licensed facilities.
  • Tax-exempt households: Free care for children aged 0–2.

How to Apply

  • Apply directly at your childcare or preschool facility.
  • Procedures may vary by municipality.

Example: Setagaya Ward (世田谷区)

  • Unlicensed childcare facility users can receive subsidies ranging from ¥30,000 to ¥60,000 per month, depending on household income.
  • Applications are processed by the Childcare Section (保育課 | Hoiku-ka).

Learn more about Setagaya Ward’s Childcare Support

Pregnancy and Birth Support (妊娠・出産サポート | Ninshin / Shussan Support)

Pregnancy Registration

  • Register your pregnancy at your local city hall to receive a Maternal and Child Health Handbook (母子健康手帳 | Boshi Kenkō Techo) and Prenatal Checkup Vouchers (妊婦検診補助券 | Ninpu Kenshin Hojoken).

Childbirth Lump-Sum Allowance (出産育児一時金 | Shussan Ikuji Ichijikin)

  • Receive ¥500,000 per birth through your health insurance provider.

Example: Hachioji City (八王子市 | Hachioji-shi)

  • Provides 14 free prenatal checkup vouchers and a “Baby Care Kit.”
  • Postnatal care services, including midwife home visits, are available for ¥2,000 per session.

Learn more about Hachioji City’s Parenting Support

Medical Expense Assistance for Children (子どもの医療費助成 | Kodomo no Iryōhi Josei)

Overview

Most municipalities cover or heavily subsidize children’s medical expenses, often making them free.

How to Apply

  • Apply at the Medical Subsidy Section (医療費助成課 | Iryōhi Josei-ka) at your local city hall.
  • Required Documents:
    • Child’s health insurance card (健康保険証 | Kenkō Hokenshō)
    • Residence card (在留カード)
    • Bank account information

Example: Shibuya Ward vs. Setagaya Ward

  • Shibuya Ward: Covers all medical expenses for children up to junior high school.
  • Setagaya Ward: Support extends to high school students, with no income restrictions.

Multilingual Resources

Navigating Japan’s childcare support system can be challenging for non-Japanese speakers. Fortunately, several organizations offer multilingual resources to assist foreign families:

  • Council of Local Authorities for International Relations (CLAIR): Provides basic information on child-care allowances in 12 languages, including English, Chinese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish, Tagalog, Vietnamese, Thai, Indonesian, Russian, French, and German. Council of Local Authorities for International Relations
  • Kanagawa International Foundation: Offers a multilingual guide for foreign residents with a flowchart covering from pregnancy until a child enters elementary school. Kanagawa International Fundation

These resources can help bridge language gaps and provide valuable information on childcare support available in Japan.

Conclusion and How We Can Help

Childcare-related administrative procedures in Japan can vary significantly by municipality. Without knowing about available benefits or how to apply, families may miss out. Visiting the Childcare Support Section (子育て支援課) at your local city hall is the best way to confirm eligibility.

However, these systems are designed for Japanese residents and may be difficult for foreign families due to language barriers or procedural complexity.

At Tanabe Immigration Office, we offer:

  • Translation services
  • Administrative procedure guidance
  • Support for navigating Japan’s childcare systems

Let us make your parenting journey in Japan easier.
Contact Tanabe Immigration Office Today!

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