NationalWelfare
Public Assistance (welfare)
生活保護
In short: Last-resort support guaranteeing a minimum standard of living for households in need.For people still in hardship after using all assets and abilities; assessed per household; support from legally obliged relatives comes first.(Source: www.mhlw.go.jp, verified on 2026-10-15)
Validity: Current as of 2026-10-15 (FY2026 / Reiwa 8); source page live on that date. Verified on 2026-10-15. Official source: https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/seisakunitsuite/bunya/hukushi_kaigo/seikatsuhogo/seikatuhogo/index.html
- Eligibility of foreign residents (by status) — not stated on this page; confirm with welfare office
Who qualifies
- For people still in hardship after using all assets and abilities; assessed per household; support from legally obliged relatives comes first. [official source · verified on 2026-10-15]
Conditions by topic
| Age | Not stated in the sources we checked — confirm with the office. |
|---|---|
| Income | Not stated in the sources we checked — confirm with the office. |
| Household | Not stated in the sources we checked — confirm with the office. |
| Child age | Not stated in the sources we checked — confirm with the office. |
| Residence in Japan | Not stated in the sources we checked — confirm with the office. |
| Residence in Tokyo / municipality | Not stated in the sources we checked — confirm with the office. |
| Work / insurance type | Not stated in the sources we checked — confirm with the office. |
| Disability | Not stated in the sources we checked — confirm with the office. |
Residence status
Not stated in the official sources we checked — unknown.
Where to apply
- Public assistance section of the welfare office (福祉事務所) for your area — set up by the city/ward. [official source · verified on 2026-10-15]
Find addresses in the office finder.
Deadlines
Not yet verified from an official source.
Documents
Not yet verified from an official source.
Key details
- Amounts differ by area and household situation. [official source · verified on 2026-10-15]
Phone / counter phrases
すみません、生活保護について伺いたいのですが、対象になるか、何を持っていけばよいか教えていただけますか。
Sumimasen, seikatsu hogo ni tsuite ukagaitai no desu ga, taishō ni naru ka, nani o motte ikeba yoi ka oshiete itadakemasu ka.
Hello. I would like to ask about public assistance. Am I eligible, and what should I bring?
すみません、もう少しゆっくり話していただけますか。
Sumimasen, mō sukoshi yukkuri hanashite itadakemasu ka.
Sorry, could you please speak a little more slowly?
Generic phrases for practical help, not official wording.