To the general public and patients
Welfare benefits
What is the minimum cost of living?
The minimum cost of living is the total of monthly livelihood assistance cost(¥153,887) plus housing assistance cost (maximum actual payment towards housing: ¥49,000) (As of October 1, 2020, in the case of Hiroshima City, Grade 1 Land-2). This figure is based on standard protection of an average household (husband, wife and one child residing in average housing).
What type of assistance is available?
After the minimum cost of living is calculated based on individual conditions, then compared with household income. Assistance in paid in the form of deficiency indemnity. For this reason, the amount varies in accordance to individual household. There are 8 categories of assistance.
| 1. Livelihood assistance | Assistance to satisfy the demands of daily living (food, clothing, energy costs, etc.). Additional payment will differ for individuals and households. |
|---|---|
| 2. Education assistance | Assistance to receive compulsory education (textbooks, school supplies, school lunches, etc.) |
| 3. Housing assistance | Assistance to secure housing and for housing maintenance (rent, repairs, etc.) |
| 4. Medical assistance | Assistance for medical needs for injuries and illnesses (consultation fees, pharmaceutical costs, etc.) |
| 5. Care assistance | Assistance for nursing care necessities (home care fees, cost of assistive products, home renovations, etc.) |
| 6. Childbirth assistance | Assistance for childbirth expenditures (delivery charges, gauze, sanitary necessities, etc.) |
| 7. Vocational assistance | Assistance for vocation or employment (cost of high school education, capital, cost of purchasing equipment and other resources, cost of acquiring skills, etc.) |
| 8. Funeral assistance | Assistance for funerals (cremation costs, postmortem costs, costs for transporting the deceased, etc.) |
Necessary provisions will be selected based on respective circumstances. Depending on the type of care, these provisions may not only be payment in the form of cash, but also in kind. In addition, care may be provided at home or at an institution, in accordance with the situation.
What procedures are necessary?
First there will be a welfare consultation at the local government or welfare office, followed by an interview by a caseworker, to confirm present income and assets as well as eligibility of other benefits. The system will be explained and there will be a discussion regarding the future. If it is determined that welfare is the only choice left, application for assistance will be accepted.
After application is completed, the appointed caseworker will visit the home to confirm living standards to determine if there is a need for assistance. If injury or illness is a factor, a survey of symptoms and opinion regarding necessity for payment must be obtained from the primary doctor and submitted. If assistance is awarded, a notification of acceptance will be mailed. If assistance is declined, a notification of denial will be mailed. Notification will be mailed to the applicant within 14 days (30 days for special cases only).
What is a motion for complaint?
If, after the decision is made regarding application for assistance, there is a reason for objection to the content of that decision, the welfare office is ready to listen. After discussion with the welfare office if there is still reason for objection, a request can be made to the prefectural governor within 60 days of receipt of notification (motion for complaint).
Social welfare system
- Social welfare system TOP
- 1.Coordinating lifestyles with available service
- 2.Medical Payment Assistance Using the Physical Disability Certificate
- 3.Other medical payment services
- 4.Other financial support services
- 5.Day-to-day Life Services, Including Long-term Care
- 6.Procedures for changes in status
- 7.Privacy protection
