WelfarePublic Assistance
Public Assistance for Foreign Nationals
Article 1 of the Public Assistance Act states that the government shall provide necessary assistance to all citizens living in poverty, and the Act does not apply to foreign nationals.
However, on humanitarian grounds the Japanese government has announced that the said act should apply mutatis mutandis to foreign nationals, such as special permanent residents, who are permitted to reside in Japan and are living in poverty and that they should be protected in the same manner as Japanese citizens.
In accordance with said notice said notice, the city of Kobe provides Public Assistance to foreign nationals.
What is Public Assistance?
It is a system to guarantee a minimum standard of living as well as to promote self-support for those who are unable to work due to illness or old age and are unable to meet their living and medical expenses. Whether or not a person is eligible for Public Assistance is determined by comparing the total household income with the minimum cost of living, the latter being calculated based on the government's standards for Public Assistance. The minimum cost of living varies depending on the age and number of people in the household, their living conditions, and their income. If their income is less than the minimum cost of living, Public Assistance is provided to compensate for the shortfall.
Furthermore, there are requirements that those who are able to work must work according to their ability, that other social security systems such as pensions and allowances as well as assistance from relatives must be utilized, and assets, including savings, must be used to meet the immediate needs of daily life.
Public Assistance Procedures
You can apply for Public Assistance at the welfare office of your ward (Health and Welfare Department of the ward office, Health and Welfare Division of the ward office or ward office branch). Professional counselors are available for consultation, so please contact them if you are having problems making ends meet.
| Higashinada Ward Office (Health and Welfare Department) | TEL: 078-841-4131 |
|---|---|
| Nada Ward Office (Health and Welfare Department) | TEL: 078-843-7001 |
| Chuo Ward Office (Health and Welfare Department) | TEL: 078-335-7511 |
| Hyogo Ward Office (Health and Welfare Department) | TEL: 078-511-2111 |
| Kita Ward Office (Health and Welfare Department) | TEL: 078-593-1111 |
| Hokushin Ward Office Health and Welfare Division | TEL: 078-981-5377 |
| Nagata Ward Office (Health and Welfare Department) | TEL: 078-579-2311 |
| Suma Ward Office (Health and Welfare Department) | TEL: 078-731-4341 |
| Kita-Suma Branch Health and Welfare Division | TEL: 078-793-1313 |
| Tarumi Ward Office (Health and Welfare Department) | TEL: 078-708-5151 |
| Nishi Ward Office (Health and Welfare Department) | TEL: 078-940-9501 |
The translation is based on the data available as of September, 2022. Please note that new systems, system changes etc. may have been introduced after this date.