Japan’s child allowance — known as Jidou Teate (児童手当) — is a monthly government payment to families with children. As a foreign resident in Japan, you are fully eligible to receive this benefit, provided you meet the residency and income requirements. This guide explains the current rules, amounts, and how to apply.
What Is Jidou Teate?
Jidou Teate is a monthly cash payment from the Japanese government to parents raising children in Japan. It is designed to ease the financial burden of raising children and is available regardless of nationality, provided you are a legal resident of Japan.
2024 Reform: What Changed
The child allowance system underwent significant expansion in October 2024:
- The income limit was eliminated — previously, higher-income households received a reduced “tokubetsu kyufu” amount. Now, all eligible families receive the full allowance regardless of income.
- The age limit was extended from junior high school (age 15) to high school graduation (age 18 / third year of high school).
- Third and subsequent children now receive ¥30,000/month (increased from ¥15,000).
- Payment frequency increased from 3 times per year to 6 times per year (every even month).
Monthly Allowance Amounts (2025)
| Child’s Age | Monthly Amount |
|---|---|
| 0–2 years old | ¥15,000 |
| 3 years – end of elementary school (age ~12) | ¥10,000 (1st and 2nd child) / ¥30,000 (3rd+ child) |
| Junior high school (age 12–15) | ¥10,000 |
| High school (age 15–18) | ¥10,000 |
For a family with two children under 3, this amounts to ¥30,000/month (¥360,000/year) — a meaningful contribution to household finances.
Who Is Eligible?
To receive Jidou Teate as a foreign resident:
- You must be a legal resident of Japan with a valid residence card (zairyu card)
- You must be living with the child (or be the financially responsible parent if living separately)
- The child must also be registered as a resident in Japan
- You must be registered at a Japanese address (juminhyo registration)
In most cases, the mother applies as the primary recipient, but the father or legal guardian can also apply.
How to Apply
First-Time Application
Apply at the ward office (ku-yakusho or shi-yakusho) in your area.
Documents needed:
- Your residence card (zairyu card)
- Passport
- Child’s health insurance card or birth certificate
- Your bank account details (for payment)
- Certificate of pension enrollment (nenkin kanyū shōmeisho — confirm current requirements with your ward office)
Apply within 15 days of the child’s birth or your arrival in Japan. Payments start from the month you apply, so don’t delay.
Annual Renewal
You must submit an annual eligibility confirmation (jidou teate junin todoke) each June. If you miss this, payments will be suspended. Your ward office will usually send a reminder, but keep it on your calendar.
When Both Parents Work
If both parents are employed, the parent with the higher income applies as the primary recipient. This matters because the allowance is tied to individual tax records — confirm with your ward office if there’s any question about which parent should apply.
If You Move Municipalities
If you move to a different ward or city, you must cancel the existing application at your old ward office and reapply at your new one within 15 days of moving.
Protecting Your Family’s Financial Future
Beyond the child allowance, families with children in Japan often underestimate the long-term costs of raising children — especially education costs for junior high, high school, and university. Life insurance and education savings plans are commonly used by Japanese families to build a safety net.
If you’re not sure what kind of life or savings insurance makes sense for your family in Japan, みんなの生命保険アドバイザーは全国相談無料！ offers free nationwide consultations with licensed insurance advisors — no pressure to buy, and consultations are available in various languages.
Other Child-Related Benefits
In addition to Jidou Teate, Japan offers several other family support benefits:
- Jidou Fuyou Teate: For single-parent families, a higher monthly allowance is available
- Nyushouji Ikuji Teate / Shussan Ikuji Ikka Ichijikin: A one-time payment of ¥500,000 (as of 2024) upon childbirth
- Medical expense subsidies for children: Most municipalities offer free or heavily subsidized medical care for children up to junior high school age (some extend this to 18)
- Childcare subsidies: For nursery and kindergarten fees, income-based subsidies apply