Child Care: Special Child-care Allowance

Receiving Special Child-care Allowance

Special Child-care Allowance is assistance given to those who care for children under twenty years-old who have physical or mental disabilities. (Assistance is limited to children and caretakers who have an address within Japan.)

(1) Level of Disability and Assistance

Level 1 (severe)

This basically applies to those who are certified as having a level 1 or 2 physical disability, or are certified as having a category “A” learning disability. The monthly assistance amount is 50,750 yen.

Level 2 (moderate)

This basically applies to those categorized as having a level 3 physical disability and some of those who are categorized as having a level 4 physical disability. The monthly assistance amount is 33,800 yen.
*Note: many, including those with internal disabilities or a level “B” learning disability, may qualify for assistance with a doctor’s certificate.

However, no assistance is provided in the following circumstances:

Those whose income exceeds a certain government-set amount
When the child is in a child-welfare facility, etc. (excluding homes for mothers and children (boshi seikatsu shien shisetsu), child-care centers (hoikusho), and homes for children with mental disabilities (tsuen shisetsu))
Children who can collect public pension as a result of their disability.

(2) Filing for your Allowance

You can file your allowance by receiving a governor’s approval through the city welfare office nearest your address (in Kyoto city there is an office in each ward) or at a town and village office.

(3) Support

Payments are made three times per year (April, August, and November) by bank transfer.

Contact:

Family Assistance Division, TEL: 075-414-4585
Municipality