During your stay here in Japan, there might be times when unexpected things occur. Getting into an accident and being hospitalized are some of the things the least you would expect to happen in your daily life. If worse comes to happen, the bad event can lead to you being unable to work. There are also times when family problems will arise, especially during this pandemic where the virus is still spreading and affecting millions of people around the world.

In these events, Seikatsu Hogo (生活保護) or Public Assistance for Livelihood Protection provided by the Japanese Government might become a good aid for the people in need. An applicant must go to the Local City Hall for screening and apply. It might be possible to receive 100,000JPY to 130,000JPY per month (depends on the result of the application).

However, the process of the application is not easy. It requires a thorough investigation of the applicant’s livelihood. For example, an applicant living together with his family including extended family, might not be possible to get approved.

ASSETS AND INCOME

To be eligible for the assistance, it is proper to know that the applicant’s salary needs to be lower than the designated minimum salary wage per month on his local government. Or compared to what he earns before, the amount he earns now is below the minimum salary wage per month. The minimum living expense will depend on the place where he resides. But if the applicant’s salary is lower than the minimum designated salary wage, he might be eligible to apply.

WHOLE HOUSEHOLD’S INCOME

In most cases, families living together with their extended families tend to get disapproved of the Seikatsu Hogo support. The reason is that, if the applying family member has their extended family on their household, the minimum income of the whole registered household needs meet the requirements that it is lower than the designated minimum salary wage.

WHO CAN APPLY

The beneficiaries include residents who had problems with living expenses in Japan (representative of the household can also apply). One thing to remember is the assistance is offered to Japanese nationals, and other foreigners who possess the requirements below:

• Foreign nationals who have rights to live in Japan like Permanent Residents, Long-tern residents, Spouses of Permanent residents, Spouses of Japanese Nationals.
• Those who possess Special Permanent Residence from the Immigration Control (Koreans in Japan, Taiwanese in Japan, etc.)
• Certified Refugees under the Immigration Control Act.

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR APPLYING

• ● Application Form
• ● Declaration Form (Income / Asset Declaration Form)
• ● Identity verification documents (Passport, Residence Card, Driver’s  License, etc. needs face photo)
• ● Health Insurance Card (Hokensho)
• ● Personal Seal (Inkan)

Possible other documents to submit:

• ● Income statements  (Salary statements, Pension notebook)
• ● Rental contract, Medical certificate

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER APPLYING

After successfully applying for the Seikatsu Hogo, staff from the government will take charge and possibly visit your home for investigation. They need to be sure if the documents you submitted are true and they might possibly investigate the living conditions that you have. If there are no problems after the investigation, then you will receive the benefits.

For a more detailed explanation of the application and process, please consult your local City Hall.