Is it possible for people on welfare to live in a shared house?
It is possible for recipients of welfare assistance to live in a share house, but there are certain conditions that must be met. Share houses are different from regular rental properties, and the key point is whether the size of the private rooms and the usage of the shared spaces are recognized as "appropriate housing" as defined by the Public Assistance Act.
Here we will explain in detail the following points:
- What is "appropriate housing" under the Public Assistance Act?
- Main conditions for living in a share house
- Reasons why you need to consult with a welfare office
- Acceptance conditions vary by property
- How to find a share house for people on welfare
What is "appropriate housing" under the Public Assistance Act?
The Public Assistance Act requires recipients to live in appropriate housing in order to maintain a "minimum standard of healthy and cultured living." "Appropriate housing" here refers to housing that meets the following criteria:
- The living space is of a certain size
- A hygienic environment is maintained
- Privacy is protected
- The rent is within the range of housing assistance.
Many share houses have small private rooms and many shared spaces. Therefore, it is necessary to be aware that depending on the property, housing assistance under the public assistance program may not be applicable.
Main conditions for living in a share house
If a welfare recipient wishes to live in a shared house, they must meet the following three conditions:
① Rent must be within the range of housing assistance.
In the case of public assistance, the upper limit of housing assistance is set for each region. For example, in the 23 wards of Tokyo, the upper limit of housing assistance for single people is 53,700 yen (as of 2024), but in other regions it is set lower than this.
If the rent for the share house is within the range of the housing assistance, you can live there while receiving welfare. However, if common area fees and utility fees are included, these expenses may not be covered by the housing assistance, so please check the details.
②The property must have private rooms.
Among share houses, there are "dormitory type" (shared rooms) and "private room type". In dormitory type (shared rooms), it is often difficult to apply for housing assistance under the public assistance system.
On the other hand, if the property has a private room and you can register your address, it is more likely to pass the welfare office's screening. However, if the private room is extremely small, it may not be eligible, so be careful.
③ Household separation is possible
Since welfare benefits are paid on a household basis, you will need to prove that you are not sharing your livelihood with other residents of the share house. Therefore, you will need to go through the process of "household separation" to separate your residence registration.
In particular, if you live in a shared house with relatives or acquaintances, your case worker may suspect that you are essentially living together, so it is important to consult with a welfare officer in advance.
Reasons why you need to consult with a welfare office
We recommend that you consult with a caseworker at a welfare office before moving into a share house. The main reasons are as follows:
- Check whether rent is within the range of housing assistance
- Reviewing whether the property is a "suitable dwelling"
- Guidance on procedures required before moving in (such as household separation)
- Check in advance to prevent future problems
By consulting with a case worker in advance, you can avoid any problems and live in a shared house smoothly.
Acceptance conditions vary by property
Some share houses have restrictions on allowing people on welfare to live there. The main reasons for this are as follows:
- Rent payment is made through the welfare office, making the process complicated
- There is a possibility of trouble between tenants
- Does not meet residential standards (too small, lacks privacy, etc.)
Therefore, before moving into a shared house, it is important to check with the property management company or owner to see if welfare recipients can live there.
How to find a share house for people on welfare
The following methods are effective for finding a shared house where welfare recipients can live safely.
1) Utilize the housing safety net system
Properties registered under the "Housing Safety Net System" are often approved as housing for people on welfare. Contact your local government or real estate company to see if there are any share houses that fit this criteria.
② Use a real estate company that caters to welfare recipients
Some real estate companies provide rental support specifically for people on welfare. By using such companies, it becomes easier for people on welfare to find a share house that is easy to live in.
3) Find a share house that is understanding of welfare benefits
Some share house management companies are proactive in accepting welfare recipients. In particular, share houses run by social welfare organizations and NPOs often have an environment that is suitable for welfare recipients.
What is public assistance? Overview of the public assistance system
Public assistance is a system designed to enable people in financial difficulty to maintain a "minimum standard of healthy and cultural living." It is provided through local governments (welfare offices) in accordance with standards set by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare.
The purpose and mechanism of public assistance
Public assistance is a system in which the national and local governments provide financial support to people who are unable to maintain a minimum standard of living due to illness, disability, unemployment, old age, or other reasons that make it difficult for them to earn an income.
This system has two main objectives.
Guarantee a minimum standard of living
Article 25 of the Constitution states that "every person shall have the right to maintain the minimum standards of wholesome and cultured living."
Public assistance is a system that helps realize this right and provides the necessary support.
Supporting self-reliance
Public assistance is not just a benefit; it also plays a role in encouraging recipients to become independent through employment.
Therefore, recipients who are job hunting may be provided with employment support.
Eligibility (conditions) for receiving welfare benefits
To be eligible for welfare benefits, you must meet the following five conditions:
1. Your income is below the minimum cost of living
Public assistance is based on the "minimum living expenses" set by the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare, and assistance is provided if the amount falls below that level.
The minimum cost of living varies depending on family composition and area of residence (urban or rural).
2. Unable to work due to illness or injury
If the recipient is able to work, employment should be given priority.
However, elderly people and people with disabilities who have difficulty working are eligible for the benefit.
3. You don’t own any property
If you have assets such as savings, real estate, or cars, you will be required to sell them and use the money to cover your living expenses.
However, exceptions may be made for items necessary for the bare minimum of life (e.g. a home or a car needed for daily life).
4. Not receiving other public assistance such as pensions or allowances
Before applying for welfare, you should take advantage of other public assistance such as pensions, unemployment insurance, disability benefits, and child support benefits.
If living expenses are still not enough, welfare payments may be considered.
5. Not getting help from relatives
Before applying for welfare benefits, the possibility of receiving assistance from relatives (immediate family, etc.) will be confirmed.
However, if relatives are unable to provide financial support, they will be eligible for welfare assistance.
Types of Public Assistance
There are eight types of assistance (subsidies) available under the public assistance program, depending on the recipient's situation.
- Living assistance (basic living expenses for food, clothing and shelter)
- Housing assistance (rent and housing costs)
- Educational assistance (tuition and textbook costs necessary for compulsory education)
- Medical assistance (medical expenses)
- Nursing care assistance (nursing care service fees)
- Childbirth assistance (childbirth expenses)
- Occupation assistance (vocational training costs)
- Funeral assistance (funeral expenses)
Amount and use of welfare benefits
When receiving welfare benefits, many people have questions such as "How much will I actually be paid?" and "What expenses can I use it for?" The amount of the benefit varies depending on the area you live in and your family structure, and is divided according to the purpose of the support you need, such as living expenses, rent, and medical expenses. Here, we will explain in detail how the amount of welfare benefits is determined, how it is used, and points to note. Please use this as a reference to correctly understand welfare benefits and live a stable life.
Determination of minimum living expenses and allowance amount
The amount of welfare benefits is determined by the following formula:
Public assistance payments = minimum living expenses – household income
The minimum living expenses are made up of three components:
- Standard amount of living assistance (food, utility expenses, daily necessities, etc.)
- Housing assistance standard amount (rent subsidy)
- Regional differences (prices and rent in the area you live in)
Standards for living assistance and regional differences
The amount of welfare benefits provided varies depending on the region and family structure.
- Urban areas (Tokyo's 23 wards, etc.)
→ Because prices and rents are high, the allowance amount is set high
- Regional areas (Okinawa, Akita, etc.)
→ Because prices and rents are low, the allowance amount is set low as well.
Eight types of assistance eligible for public assistance
①Living assistance
- Covers food, clothing, daily necessities, utility bills, etc.
- The amount varies depending on family structure, age, and region.
② Housing assistance
- Support for rent and maintenance fees
- The upper limit is determined by region (for example, 53,700 yen per month for single people in Tokyo's 23 wards)
③Educational assistance
- Payment of tuition fees, textbook fees, school lunch fees, etc. for compulsory education
- Not applicable for high school students and above
④ Medical assistance
- Free medical care
- Support for outpatient and hospital fees, medicine costs, and testing costs
⑤ Nursing care assistance
- Covers the self-payment portion when using the nursing care insurance system
- Home care, day care, and facility admission fees are covered
⑥ Maternity Assistance
- Support for childbirth expenses (delivery costs, medical examination costs, etc.)
- Medical expenses before and after childbirth are also covered
⑦ Occupational assistance
- Support for vocational training and job hunting expenses
- Subsidies for the purchase of tools etc. as necessary
⑧ Funeral assistance
- Funeral expenses (cremation fees, transportation fees, etc.) will be paid
- Applies only if the recipient dies
Points to note regarding fraudulent receipt of benefits
When receiving welfare benefits, there are rules in place to prevent fraudulent receipt.
- Concealing one's income and receiving benefits
- Not reporting money sent by family
- Using welfare benefits for an unintended purpose
If fraudulent receipt of benefits is discovered, you may be required to repay the benefits and penalties may be imposed, so it is important to declare correctly.
Flow of application procedures for welfare assistance
When applying for public assistance, the procedure is carried out at a welfare office (the welfare department of your city, ward, town, or village). There are five steps to follow from application to receiving benefits.
1. Consult with the welfare office
First, go to the welfare office that has jurisdiction over your area and discuss applying for welfare benefits.
What to bring (recommended)
- Identification documents (driver's license, My Number card, health insurance card, etc.)
- Documents that show your current living situation (income certificate, savings passbook, household account book, etc.)
- Housing documents (rental contract, utility bills, etc.)
Explain your financial difficulties and check whether you qualify for benefits. In some cases, the welfare office may suggest that you use a support system.
②Submission of required documents
When applying, you will need to submit the documents necessary for the welfare review. The main documents to be submitted are as follows:
[Major documents to be submitted]
- Application for Public Assistance (distributed at welfare offices)
- Identification document (My Number card, driver's license, passport, etc.)
- Resident card
- Proof of income (salary statement, pension notice, unemployment benefit statement, etc.)
- Copy of bankbook
- Proof of assets (whether or not you have a car or real estate)
- Information about those obligated to provide support (check whether you can ask relatives for help)
Once you have all the necessary documents, you will submit them to the welfare office and your official application will begin.
3) Home visits by caseworkers
When you apply for welfare benefits, a caseworker will visit your home and investigate your living conditions.
[What will be confirmed during the visit]
- Living environment (housing conditions, sanitary conditions, etc.)
- Possessions (expensive appliances, cars, precious metals, and other assets)
- Actual income and expenditures (rent, utilities, food, and other expenses)
- Health status and ability to work
The case worker's visit is an important step to determine whether the applicant is truly struggling financially. If you make a false claim, it may be considered as fraudulent receipt, so be honest about your current situation.
④ Examination of living conditions
Based on the results of the caseworker's investigation, the welfare office will assess whether or not you are eligible for welfare benefits.
[Points for evaluation]
- Is your household's total income below the minimum living expenses?
- Are savings and assets not available for living expenses?
- Are there other public support systems (pensions, allowances, employment insurance, etc.) available?
- Are you unable to receive support from relatives?
- Possibility of future independence
The review process usually takes approximately two weeks to one month.
⑤ Payment decision
If the screening results in a decision to receive welfare benefits, payments of living assistance and housing assistance will begin.
- Payment start date: Generally, payment is made retroactively to the first day of the month in which the application was made.
- Payment method: Transfer to the account designated by the welfare office
- Payment amount: Varies depending on household composition, place of residence, and income situation
Even after payments begin, you will be required to meet with your caseworker regularly and submit income reports.
Housing options for welfare recipients
Recipients of welfare assistance are required to secure appropriate housing in order to live a stable life. There are four possible housing options after receiving welfare assistance:
①Rental apartments and condominiums
Common housing options include renting an apartment or condominium.
point
- Rent must be within the range of housing assistance
- You may be able to receive assistance with the deposit and key money
- Rental contracts require permission from the welfare office.
Before securing housing, it is important to consult with your caseworker and choose a property that falls within the maximum housing assistance amount.
②Public housing
Public housing run by local governments, such as city or prefecture housing, and UR rental housing, is also an option.
point
- The rent is cheaper than regular rental properties
- In some cases, there may be priority housing slots for people receiving welfare benefits.
- However, due to the high number of applications, there may be a long waiting period.
It is possible to apply for public housing through your local government's housing department or welfare office.
③ Simple lodgings
In many cases, people who have suddenly lost their home or are homeless use these facilities as a short-term base of residence.
point
- Most of the time, you pay per night.
- Living conditions may not be good
- There are also accommodation facilities in cooperation with welfare offices.
While lodgings are a temporary housing option, they are not suitable for long-term living, so you will need to work with your caseworker to find your next place of residence.
4. Share house (possible under certain conditions)
Even those on welfare can live in a share house if they meet certain conditions.
point
- Rent is within the range of housing assistance
- A private room must be provided (sharing a room is not permitted)
- The property must allow you to register your residence certificate.
- Does the management company allow people on welfare to live there?
Shared houses have the advantage of reducing the financial burden, as rent is cheap and initial costs are kept to a minimum. However, you will need permission from the welfare office, so be sure to consult with them in advance.
Benefits of living in a share house
There are many economic and psychological benefits to living in a share house for people on welfare, including reduced rent and reduced loneliness through interaction with other residents, which are not available when living alone.
Here we will explain in detail the three main benefits that welfare recipients can gain from living in a shared house.
Reduced economic burden
The biggest advantage of a shared house is that it helps you keep living expenses down. Although housing assistance is included in the amount of welfare benefits, you are required to secure a place to live within that amount. A shared house can save you money compared to renting a property for the following reasons:
① Cheap rent
- In many cases, the rent is set lower than for a rental apartment.
- You can live in the city center with low rent (easier to stay within the range of housing assistance)
- Some properties allow short-term contracts, making it easy to move according to circumstances
For example, the upper limit of housing assistance for welfare recipients in the 23 wards of Tokyo is 53,700 yen for single people, but it can be difficult to find a place to rent within this range. On the other hand, there are many shared houses that cost between 30,000 and 50,000 yen, so it is possible to live within the housing assistance range.
② You can save on utility and internet costs
- In share houses, water, gas, electricity, and internet charges are often included in the rent.
- Since common area fees can be shared among residents, the burden is less than living alone.
- Since household appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, and microwaves can be shared, there are no purchasing costs.
Normally, if you live alone, utility bills and internet fees can cost over 10,000 yen per month, but in a shared house these costs may be included in the rent, allowing you to significantly reduce your expenses.
3) Low initial costs
- Many properties do not require a deposit or key money (regular rentals can cost over 100,000 yen)
- Many properties come with furniture and appliances, so moving costs are kept to a minimum.
- There is little burden when moving in, so you can start living there immediately.
With regular rental properties, you often need to pay a deposit, key money, and security money when you move in, but with shared houses, initial costs are kept low and they offer an environment that makes it easy for even welfare recipients to move in.
Reduce loneliness and build relationships
Many people on welfare are concerned that their connections with society tend to weaken. For the elderly and those living alone in particular, reducing feelings of loneliness is an important issue.
①Interaction with other residents is created
- Shared spaces (living room, kitchen, etc.) naturally encourage interaction
- Residents living in the same environment can discuss their daily lives with each other.
- Being able to enjoy meals and hobbies with others
In particular, for elderly people and people with disabilities, who tend to have weak social connections, living together in a shared house can be expected to reduce feelings of loneliness and bring mental stability.
② Help each other when life troubles arise
- Other residents will notice when you are feeling unwell.
- It is easy to build relationships among residents where they can help each other
- It is easy to exchange information and you can also consult about government procedures.
When living alone, there is a risk that no one will notice if you suddenly become ill or suffer a disaster, but in a shared house, it is easier to create an environment where residents can help each other.
Easy to use as a step towards independence
Many people on welfare aim to get a job and become independent in the future. Share houses are also suitable as "intermediate housing" for this purpose.
① It is easier to find a job by keeping living costs down
- The rent is cheap, so you can save money and prepare for your next life.
- Shared houses in the city center are convenient for commuting to work or school
- The internet environment is in place, making it easy to advance job hunting
Even while you are looking for work, you can live with minimal living costs, creating an environment that makes it easy to prepare for independence.
②Short-term contracts are available, allowing you to move house depending on your circumstances
- Most rental properties have a two-year contract period, but some share houses allow for shorter contracts.
- Easy to use as a temporary residence until you find your next residence
- It is easy to move, so you can move to a suitable residence after finding a job.
If you are hoping to get off welfare in the future and secure a stable job and place to live, a shared house is the perfect environment to prepare for independence while keeping costs down.
Things to be aware of when living in a share house if you are receiving welfare
It is possible for people on welfare to live in a shared house, but there are some things they should check in advance and rules they should be aware of. In particular, it is important to obtain permission from the welfare office, pay rent within the scope of housing assistance, and check the contract details. Here, we will explain in detail the points to consider when choosing a shared house for people on welfare, as well as the precautions to take to avoid trouble.
Conditions for welfare recipients to live in a share house
Shared houses have lower rent than rental apartments or condominiums and are an ideal way to save on living expenses, but you need to check whether they qualify for the housing assistance system under the welfare system.
①Get permission from the welfare office in advance
If you are receiving welfare benefits, you must consult with the welfare office (case worker) and obtain permission before moving to a new residence.
- Check whether the rent falls within the range of housing assistance
- Check whether the share house contract type is appropriate
- Is it possible to register a residence certificate?
Depending on the share house, there may be cases where you have to sign a short-term fixed-term contract or you are not allowed to register your residence, so it is important to check with the welfare office in advance to make sure you will be able to move in without any problems.
② Can you pay rent within the scope of housing assistance?
There is a maximum amount set for housing assistance under public assistance for each region. For example, the maximum amount for housing assistance for single people in the 23 wards of Tokyo is 53,700 yen, but in rural areas it may be lower.
Points to check when looking at rent
- Is the rent within the housing assistance allowance?
- Check whether common area fees and utility fees are included in housing assistance
- Whether rent is paid directly by the welfare office or paid after self-payment
While rent for shared houses is cheap, when you include maintenance fees and utility costs, it is possible that the cost will exceed the upper limit of housing assistance, so be sure to check the terms of the contract carefully.
3) You may need to go through the procedure to separate your household
Since welfare benefits are basically paid on a "household basis," if you are considered to be sharing your livelihood with other residents of the share house, it may affect your eligibility to receive benefits. Therefore, you will need to go through the procedure to separate your household and prove that you are sharing your livelihood with other residents.
Points to note when separating households
- Proof that you and your fellow sharehouse residents have separate household finances
- Inform your caseworker that you are not sharing living expenses
- Choose a property where you can register your address individually on your resident card
In particular, if you live in a shared house with relatives or acquaintances, you need to proceed with caution as you may not be considered eligible for welfare benefits.
Check the contents of the share house contract carefully
The contract structure for a shared house is often different from a regular rental contract, so it is important to check the contract contents carefully.
① Contract type: Fixed-term lease contract is the most common
In shared houses, fixed-term lease agreements are common, and it is important to note that they differ from regular rental properties.
- The contract period is fixed and may not be renewed.
- In many cases, contract renewal is necessary
- It is important to check the cancellation conditions
If you are staying in a share house on a short-term contract, there is a chance that you will not be able to continue living there after the contract expires, so if you are hoping to live there long-term, be sure to check the terms of the contract in advance.
②Check whether you can register your residence card
In order to receive welfare benefits, you need to register your residence. However, some share houses do not allow you to register your residence.
Important points regarding residence registration
- If you cannot register your residence card, you may not be able to apply for or continue receiving welfare benefits.
- Before signing a contract, be sure to check with the management company whether or not you can register your residence card.
- If you are unable to register, consider another property.
If you are unable to register your residence, it may affect not only your welfare application process, but also various applications at city hall and medical expenses assistance, so you need to be careful.
Points to note when living together
In a shared house, you will be living with multiple other residents, so it is important to be aware of the rules and etiquette to avoid any problems.
① Follow the rules of shared spaces
- Check the rules for using common areas such as the kitchen, toilet, and living room.
- If there are rules for managing the home, such as taking out the trash or taking cleaning duties, these must be followed.
- Know the quiet hour rules
It is important to understand the rules for using shared spaces in advance and act appropriately to avoid any trouble with other residents.
2. Consider stress caused by differences in daily rhythms
- If your lifestyle doesn't match up with the other residents, it can be stressful.
- There may be noise issues in the early morning or late at night.
- It is a good idea to check the composition of residents (age group, occupation, etc.) in advance.
In order to avoid stress due to differences in lifestyles, it is important to thoroughly check the atmosphere of the residents and the rules of the share house before moving in.
summary
Even those on welfare can live in a shared house, but it is important that the rent is within the range of housing assistance, that a private room is provided, and that permission from the welfare office is obtained. In addition, you may need to register your residence and complete procedures for household separation, so be sure to check in advance. Shared houses have the benefits of saving on rent and utility costs, and securing social connections, but you should also pay attention to the contract details and rules for communal living. Choose an appropriate property and create an environment where you can live with peace of mind.
