Child Allowance in Japan: Amounts & How to Apply [2026, for Foreigners]
- Child Allowance (jido teate) is paid to people raising children who live in Japan.
- It was greatly expanded from October 2024: income limits were removed and coverage was extended to high-school age.
- Foreign residents are eligible too, as long as they and their child are registered residents in Japan.
- The payment amounts, payment timing, and how to apply are explained in the article.
Child Allowance (jido teate) is paid to people raising children who live in Japan. It was greatly expanded from October 2024: income limits were removed and coverage was extended to high-school age. Foreign residents are eligible too, as long as they and their child are registered residents in Japan.
① Who is eligible
- A guardian with an address in Japan (a resident record) raising a child up to high-school age (until the first March 31 after turning 18)
- Foreign residents qualify if registered. As a rule the child must also live in Japan (children abroad are not eligible, with some exceptions such as study abroad)
② Monthly amounts (from Oct 2024)
| Age of child | Per month |
|---|---|
| Under 3 | ¥15,000 |
| Age 3 to high-school age | ¥10,000 |
| Third child onward | ¥30,000 |
③ When it is paid
Generally paid in even-numbered months (6 times a year), covering the previous two months.
④ How to apply
File a certification request at your city/ward office within 15 days of birth or moving in (public servants apply through their employer).
- Applicant health insurance card
- ID (e.g. Residence Card)
- A bank account in the applicant name
- Taxation certificate if required
💡 Reviewing your family budget as a whole
Child Allowance is just one part of a family budget. Reviewing these together can help you organize your household finances.
[Benefits & Allowances Guide] [National Health Insurance] [Pension & Refund] [Enrolling in public school]
For medical expense subsidies for children, see the Child Medical Subsidy; for daycare and kindergarten options, see Daycare & Kindergarten; for parental leave benefits, see the Childcare Leave Benefit — reviewing these can help you build a fuller picture of child-rearing support.
関連する家計・お金の話Related money & household topics相关的家计与金钱话题Chủ đề tài chính & hộ gia đình liên quan
💴 子育て世帯の税金・家計のこと💴 Taxes & household money for families💴 育儿家庭的税金与家计💴 Thuế & tài chính cho gia đình có con
子育て世帯では、扶養親族の申告や年末調整で所得税が変わることがあります。姉妹サイト「在日マネーナビ」の年末調整ガイドで、会社員の所得税と扶養の手続きを確認できます。For families raising children, declaring dependents at year-end adjustment can change your income tax. Our sister site "Zainichi Money Navi" explains year-end adjustment and dependent procedures for employees.育儿家庭在申报扶养亲属或做年末调整时，所得税可能会发生变化。姊妹站「在日マネーナビ」的年末调整指南，可帮您了解上班族的所得税与扶养手续。Với gia đình đang nuôi con, việc khai người phụ thuộc khi điều chỉnh cuối năm có thể làm thay đổi thuế thu nhập. Trang đồng hành "Zainichi Money Navi" giải thích thủ tục điều chỉnh cuối năm và người phụ thuộc cho người làm công.
年末調整ガイドを見る →See the year-end adjustment guide →查看年末调整指南 →Xem hướng dẫn điều chỉnh cuối năm →FAQ
Can I receive it even with a high income?Yes. From October 2024 income limits were removed, so it is paid regardless of income.
What if my child lives in my home country?Generally not eligible. Only certain cases such as study abroad that meet the requirements are exceptions.
How long is the ¥30,000 for the third child?The third child onward receives ¥30,000/month up to high-school age. When counting, include children up to the end of the fiscal year they turn 22.
If you are a single-parent household, Child Rearing Allowance for Single Parents in Japan may also be available alongside Child Allowance.
Sources
* Rules may change. Please check official sites for the latest information.
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