Since the 1970s, the Japanese Government has implemented a monthly allowance, hereafter referred to as Child Allowanc (Kodomo Teate 子供手当, or Jido Teate 児童手当 in Japanese), to reduce economic strain on families and support child rearing.
Families moving into Japan from overseas will be directed to sign up for this benefit when handling their move-in procedures at their local government Ward or City Office.
Who gets Child Allowance?
Child Allowances are provided per child for families raising children up until the child turns 18. Payments for larger families (three or more children) have increased significantly in the latest reform to the Allowance in 2024.
Amount of Payment (as of October 2024)
| Age of the child | Child allowance amount (per child per month) |
| Under 3 years old | 15,000 yen (30,000 yen for the third child and onwards) |
| Ages 3 and up to high school age | 10,000 yen (30,000 yen for the third child and onwards) |
Payment Schedule
The Allowance is paid on the even-numbers months (February, April, June, August, October and December.) Depending on the date you register for Child Allowance, the payment amount will be calculated and then transferred into the registered bank account when the next even-numbered month is reached.
Moving Procedures
You must also handle the removal and subsequent re-registration of your Child Allowance if you move within Japan, and the removal once you leave Japan. Both procedures can be handled at your local government Ward or City Office. If a child receiving Child Allowances leaves Japan before you, the application for removal should also be submitted for that child.
Documentation Required for Application
- Document by which the applicant’s My Number can be confirmed (My Number Card, Residence Certificate on which the same address for My Number is recorded)
(From January 1, 2016, My Numbers of the applicant and his/her spouse must be entered for applications for child allowance. - Identity verification document of the applicant (Residence Card etc.,)
- Copy of bank card/cash card and bank account information
- If the applicant is a member of an employee’s pension/mutual aid pension plan, a copy of the applicant’s health insurance card.
Additional documentation may also be required, therefore please follow the instructions provided by your local Office when applying.
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Please see the official page from the Children and Families Agency to learn more about the Child Allowance program: Global Site – Children and Families Agency｜Children and Families Agency
