What is public assistance? Basic understanding
Here we will explain the overview of the welfare system and the amount of benefits.
Overview of the Public Assistance System
Public assistance is a system that provides necessary protection according to the degree of hardship when people are unable to work due to illness or injury and are struggling to make ends meet.
The purpose is to guarantee a minimum standard of healthy and cultured living, as well as to assist people in becoming independent.
The key point is that welfare assistance is provided on a household basis.
If the total household income is less than the "minimum living expenses" set by the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare, such as food, clothing, shelter and education, the difference will be paid as welfare benefits.
To be eligible, you must meet all five of the following conditions:
- The household's total income is below the minimum living expenses
- Unable to work due to illness or injury
- Do not own any savings or assets such as land, houses, cars, etc. that are not being used for daily living
- You are not eligible for other benefits such as pensions or allowances
- Not receiving support from relatives
If you are considering receiving welfare benefits, make sure you meet all five conditions.
Amount and use of welfare benefits
The most important factor for receiving welfare benefits is that the household's total income is below the "minimum living expenses."
This "minimum living expenses" varies depending on where you live and your family composition.
The minimum cost of living varies depending on where you live because prices and living standards vary from area to area.
The minimum cost of living in the 23 wards of Tokyo is high due to high rents and prices.
On the other hand, in rural areas such as Okinawa Prefecture, prices are low and expenses are lower, so the minimum cost of living is lower.
If you would like more information about the minimum living expenses, please consult with the welfare office in your area.
The amount of welfare benefits you can receive is the total amount covered by the following eight types of assistance:
- Living assistance: Expenses necessary for daily living
- Housing assistance: rent, etc.
- Educational assistance: Costs necessary for compulsory education
- Medical assistance: the cost of receiving medical services
- Nursing care assistance: Costs for receiving nursing care services
- Maternity Assistance: Expenses necessary for childbirth
- Occupation assistance: Costs for acquiring skills and techniques necessary for employment
- Funeral assistance: Funeral expenses
Assistance payments must not be used for any purpose other than that for which they were intended.
If you receive benefits fraudulently, not only will you be required to pay welfare benefits, but you may also be subject to additional penalties or even criminal charges.
The benefits of living in a share house
There are two benefits for welfare recipients living in a share house:
- Reduced economic burden
- Building relationships
Reduced economic burden
The benefits of welfare recipients living in a shared house are that their financial burden is reduced in the following three ways.
- Rent is relatively cheaper than regular rental properties
- Residents share utility and internet fees, so the burden is minimal
- Furniture and appliances are provided, so initial costs are low
Shared houses, which offer low monthly rent and utility costs, can be a great help to people receiving welfare benefits in leading a stable life.
Building relationships
There are other benefits to living in a share house.
Living with other residents can help ease feelings of loneliness.
The security of knowing that there is someone there when you return home, and the environment where you can greet and chat in shared spaces such as the living room, make you feel less lonely.
If we can build good relationships, we can help each other when we are sick or in trouble.
The sense of security that comes from having someone with you may provide the emotional support you need to lead a stable life.
Things to note when living in a share house
There are some shared houses that you cannot live in if you are receiving welfare benefits.
Even if you are able to live there, there are things you need to check and procedures you need to go through, so if you are considering moving into a shared house, be sure to consult with the welfare office in advance.
Rules for those receiving welfare benefits
In order to receive welfare benefits while living in a shared house, you must go through the process of "household separation."
Household separation refers to people living at the same address being independent households, meaning that they have separate livelihoods.
By going through this procedure, the eligibility of those receiving welfare benefits becomes clear and the amount of the benefit can be calculated.
To complete the household separation procedure, you will need to complete the procedure at the city, town or village office where your resident registration is located.
The process can take some time, so act early.
Also, please note that while receiving welfare benefits, you will be required to report your income situation every month.
Share house contract details
The terms of your shared house contract will have a significant impact on your ability to receive welfare benefits.
For example, is the rent within the appropriate range for welfare recipients and is the property suitable?
It is important to consult with the welfare office in advance and receive guidance.
It is also important to fully understand the contents of the contract.
Unlike regular properties, shared houses generally have a "fixed-term building lease agreement."
Therefore, be sure to read about the contract period, renewal, cancellation, etc.
Choosing a share house for people on welfare
For those receiving welfare, shared houses are a suitable living environment in terms of living expenses and mental stability.
However, there are many shared houses that are not deemed to be "suitable housing" for recipients of Public Assistance under the Public Assistance Act due to the following two points:
- The private room is small
- Since common spaces are shared with other residents, it is difficult to maintain privacy.
Therefore, before moving into a share house, be sure to get guidance from the welfare office before making a decision.
Shared houses can now also be registered under the housing safety net.
A housing safety net is a system that provides housing support to people who have difficulty securing housing.
If the shared house is registered with the Housing Safety Net, it is easier to get knowledge and understanding of welfare recipients from the management company and landlord, so welfare recipients will be able to find a living environment that is suitable for them.
summary
Shared houses, where monthly rents can be kept low, are an effective way for welfare recipients to achieve a stable life as they reduce the financial burden.
However, just because it's a share house doesn't mean you can live anywhere.
It will be necessary to determine whether the residence is suitable for a welfare recipient, so be sure to consult with the welfare office in advance and receive guidance.
If you choose the right share house, you will be able to live a safe and stable life.
