Fukuoka

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Social Services

Information on support systems including counseling, integration assistance, and welfare services for new residents.

Sections

1. Healthcare Assistance

Japan has a universal healthcare system, and Fukuoka offers excellent medical services. Immigrants and long-term residents are required to enroll in the National Health Insurance (NHI) program, which significantly reduces medical costs.

National Health Insurance (NHI)

  • Eligibility: All residents of Japan, including immigrants staying for more than 3 months, must enroll unless they are covered by employer-provided health insurance.
  • Benefits: Covers 70% of medical costs for doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescription medications. Patients pay the remaining 30%.
  • Costs: Premiums are based on income and household size. For low-income individuals, subsidies may be available.
  • Application Procedure:
    1. Visit your local ward office (εŒΊε½Ήζ‰€, kuyakusho).
    2. Bring your residence card (zairyΕ« card), passport, and proof of address (e.g., rental agreement or utility bill).
    3. Fill out the application form provided at the office.
  • Local Considerations:
    • Many hospitals and clinics in Fukuoka have English-speaking staff, but it’s advisable to bring a Japanese-speaking friend or use a translation app for complex medical issues.
    • Emergency medical services can be accessed by dialing 119.

Free or Low-Cost Medical Services

  • Fukuoka City offers free health checkups for certain groups, such as children, pregnant women, and seniors.
  • Community health centers (hoken centers) provide vaccinations, health consultations, and screenings.

2. Welfare Support

Fukuoka City provides various welfare programs to support low-income individuals, families, and those facing financial difficulties.

Public Assistance (η”Ÿζ΄»δΏθ­·, seikatsu hogo)

  • Eligibility: Residents who cannot maintain a minimum standard of living due to unemployment, illness, or other reasons.
  • Benefits: Covers living expenses, housing, medical care, and education for children.
  • Application Procedure:
    1. Visit the welfare division of your local ward office.
    2. Bring your residence card, proof of income, bank statements, and any documents showing your financial situation.
    3. Undergo an interview and assessment by a caseworker.
  • Local Considerations:
    • Assistance is only available to legal residents, not short-term visitors.
    • Applicants must demonstrate that they have exhausted all other means of support.

Housing Assistance

  • Fukuoka City offers subsidized public housing for low-income families and individuals.
  • Applications are accepted periodically, and eligibility is based on income and family size.
  • Necessary documents include proof of income, residence card, and family registry (jΕ«minhyō).

3. Child Services

Fukuoka is a family-friendly city with a range of services to support children and parents.

Child Allowance (児η«₯手当, jidō teate)

  • Eligibility: Parents or guardians of children under 15 years old.
  • Benefits: Monthly payments of Β₯10,000–Β₯15,000 per child, depending on the child’s age and household income.
  • Application Procedure:
    1. Apply at your local ward office.
    2. Bring your residence card, bank account details, and proof of income.
  • Local Considerations:
    • Payments are made quarterly.
    • Immigrant families are eligible if they are legal residents.

Daycare and Preschool Services

  • Fukuoka City provides subsidized daycare (hoikuen) and preschool (yōchien) services for working parents.
  • Costs are income-based and range from Β₯0 to Β₯50,000 per month.
  • Applications are submitted through the ward office, and waiting lists may apply.

Child Health Services

  • Free or low-cost vaccinations and health checkups are available for children at community health centers.
  • Parenting classes and support groups are offered in multiple languages, including English.

4. Senior Care Programs

Fukuoka has a robust system to support its aging population, including immigrants who meet residency requirements.

Long-Term Care Insurance (介護保険, kaigo hoken)

  • Eligibility: Residents aged 65 and older, or those aged 40–64 with age-related illnesses.
  • Benefits: Covers in-home care, nursing homes, and rehabilitation services.
  • Costs: Premiums are income-based, and users pay 10–30% of service costs.
  • Application Procedure:
    1. Enroll through your local ward office.
    2. Bring your residence card, proof of income, and medical records if applicable.
  • Local Considerations:
    • Services are tailored to individual needs following an assessment by a care manager.
    • Some facilities have multilingual staff, but Japanese proficiency is generally required.

Senior Welfare Programs

  • Free or discounted access to community centers, fitness programs, and cultural activities.
  • Subsidized transportation for seniors, including discounted bus and subway passes.

5. Multilingual Support and Resources

Fukuoka City recognizes the needs of its growing international community and provides multilingual support for accessing social services.

Fukuoka City International Center

  • Services: Free consultations on healthcare, welfare, education, and legal matters in multiple languages, including English, Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese.
  • Location: 1-1-1 Tenjin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka City.
  • Contact: +81-92-262-1799
  • Website: Fukuoka City International Foundation

Local Considerations for Immigrants

  • Always carry your residence card, as it is required for most applications.
  • Some services may require Japanese language proficiency, so consider bringing a translator or using interpretation services.
  • Short-term visitors are not eligible for most social services but can access emergency healthcare.

6. Emergency and Crisis Support

Fukuoka City provides resources for individuals in crisis, including:

  • Domestic Violence Support: Counseling and shelter services are available. Call the Fukuoka Prefecture Women’s Hotline at +81-92-663-8724.
  • Mental Health Services: Free or low-cost counseling is offered at public health centers.
  • Disaster Preparedness: Fukuoka is prone to typhoons and earthquakes. The city provides multilingual disaster guides and emergency alerts.

Conclusion

Fukuoka’s social services are comprehensive and accessible, but navigating the system can be challenging for newcomers. Immigrants and visitors should familiarize themselves with the local ward office, as it is the primary point of contact for most services. Additionally, the Fukuoka City International Center is an invaluable resource for multilingual support and guidance. By understanding the available programs and preparing the necessary documents, you can make the most of Fukuoka’s social services.