Foreign residents registered in Japan who are raising children up to high school age are eligible to receive the monthly child allowance (jido teate). Under current guidelines in 2026, there are no income limits, and eligible parents receive between 10,000 yen and 30,000 yen per month per child. To secure your benefits without losing retroactive coverage, you must submit your application to your local city office within 15 days of your move-in date.
When moving to Tokyo or another Japanese municipality with children, understanding family administrative procedures is essential for establishing your household smoothly. Many newcomers choose to stay in a furnished monthly apartment first while completing local ward office registrations and finalizing long-term arrangements.
Who is eligible for child allowance in Japan in 2026?
To qualify for child allowance, both the guardian and the child must meet specific criteria outlined by local municipal guidance such as Ishinomaki City Guidance and Higashihiroshima City Guidance:
- Recipient Status: The applicant must be the primary earner maintaining the household income and must hold valid resident registration in a Japanese municipality. This includes registered foreign residents.
- Child Status: The allowance is paid for children residing in Japan from age 0 until the end of the school year in which they turn 18 (March 31 following their 18th birthday).
- Residency Requirement: The child must physically reside in Japan. Exceptions apply only if the child lives abroad temporarily for study purposes and satisfies municipal documentation criteria.
- Special Custody Roles: If parents reside overseas, a designated guardian living in Japan (fumo shiteisha) can receive the payment. For parents in divorce negotiations living apart, the parent residing with the child has priority to claim the benefit upon submitting verification documents. In the case of foster care or welfare facilities, the facility head or foster parent receives the allowance.
Always verify individual visa details and status requirements directly with your local city office, as official eligibility depends on municipal verification.
How much is the monthly child allowance payout?
Child allowance is calculated on a monthly per-child basis without any income restrictions. Payments differ based on the age of the child and the total number of children in the household:
- Children under 3 years old: 15,000 yen per month (increased to 30,000 yen per month for the third child and onward).
- Children aged 3 through high school age (until March 31 after age 18): 10,000 yen per month (increased to 30,000 yen per month for the third child and onward).
How does the multi-child addition (tashi kasan) count work?
To determine if a child qualifies as the "third child or onward" for the 30,000 yen rate, the city counts older dependent children up to university age (until March 31 following their 22nd birthday). Although children aged 19 to 22 do not receive monthly payouts themselves, they count toward the family's total child tally if the applicant provides financial support, such as living expenses or educational maintenance.
When are payments disbursed?
Payments are issued six times per year in even-numbered months (February, April, June, August, October, and December). Each transfer covers the prior two months of allowance:
- February: Covers December and January
- April: Covers February and March
- June: Covers April and May
- August: Covers June and July
- October: Covers August and September
- December: Covers October and November
Funds are transferred directly to the recipient's registered bank account on specified dates (typically around the 10th or 15th of the month, or the preceding business day if it falls on a weekend or holiday).
What is the step-by-step process to apply after moving in?
Child allowance is generally granted starting from the month following the month you file your application (nintei seikyu). Payouts cannot be backdated if you apply late.
- The 15-Day Rule: If your move-in date (or child's birth date) occurs near the end of a month, submitting your application within 15 days of the day after your move-in date ensures you receive allowance starting from the month of your move.
- Where to Apply: File your paperwork at the child support division of your local city or ward office. If you are a public servant (komuin), you must submit your request through your employer's administration office instead.
- Application Channels: Submissions can be completed in person at city branches, via postal mail, or online through the national Myna Portal system where supported.
- Postal Caution: When applying by mail, the official application date is recorded as the day the documents arrive at the municipal office, not the postmark date.
What documents do I need for the application?
When preparing your application package, bring or attach the following items:
- Application Form: The standard certification request form (nintei seikyu-sho).
- Bank Account Details: Passbook or cash card showing a ordinary savings account under the primary applicant's name.
- Identity Verification: Passport, driver's license, or residence card of the applicant.
- My Number Verification: Personal Identification Number card or official My Number notice for both the applicant and spouse.
- Health Insurance Identification: Applicant's health insurance card or qualification confirmation document.
- Special Declarations: If living separately from your child inside Japan, file a Separate Care Declaration (bikkyo kango shinsai-sho). If supporting a child of university age to claim the multi-child rate, submit the confirmation form for custody and living expense support.
What changes or updates must be reported to the city office?
You must notify your city office within 15 days whenever your family situation changes:
- Relocating to another city: Submit a notice of expiration (jokyu jiyū shōmetsu-todoke) in your old city and apply in your new city within 15 days of your planned transfer date.
- Changing personal or account details: File a change notice (henko-todoke) if your address, name, or household composition changes. Account changes must be completed before the end of the month prior to payment month.
- Annual Status Report (Genkyo-todoke): While routine annual status reports are waived for most residents, certain households (such as those separated from children, undergoing divorce mediation, or supporting non-student young adults) must complete a status report sent every June to maintain benefits.
Finding a place to stay
When planning a family move to Tokyo, securing your accommodation well before arrival simplifies city hall registrations and allowance applications. Arranging housing after your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) or visa is issued ensures you have a registered address ready upon landing. OHAYO Stay offers furnished monthly apartments and rooms in Tokyo; most homes have a minimum stay of 30 nights (shown on each listing). No guarantor, no key money and no agency fee; booking is online with a passport or ID and a credit card. Having your accommodation set up beforehand allows you to visit your municipal office promptly after arrival and complete your child allowance paperwork within the mandatory 15-day window.