Hiroshima
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Community Services
Sections
1. Healthcare Services
Categories of Benefits Provided:
- National Health Insurance (NHI): Provides affordable healthcare coverage for residents, including medical consultations, treatments, and prescriptions.
- Medical Subsidies for Children and Single-Parent Families: Financial assistance for medical expenses for children under 18 and single-parent households.
- Elderly Healthcare Services: Subsidized healthcare for residents aged 75 and older.
Associated Costs:
- NHI premiums are calculated based on income and household size. Subsidies may be available for low-income households.
- Medical costs are partially covered (typically 70% by insurance, with the individual paying 30%).
Eligibility Criteria:
- NHI: All residents of Hiroshima, including foreign residents staying for more than three months, must enroll unless covered by employer-provided insurance.
- Medical subsidies: Eligibility depends on age, income, and family status.
Application Procedures:
- Visit your local ward office (ๅบๅฝนๆ, kuyakusho).
- Bring your residence card, passport, and proof of address.
- Complete the application form for NHI or subsidies.
Local Considerations:
- Hiroshima has multilingual support services for foreign residents to assist with healthcare-related inquiries.
- Always carry your health insurance card (hokensho) when visiting medical facilities.
2. Housing Assistance
Categories of Benefits Provided:
- Public Housing (ๅธๅถไฝๅฎ , shiei jutaku): Affordable housing for low-income families.
- Rental Assistance Programs: Subsidies for private rental housing for eligible residents.
Associated Costs:
- Rent for public housing is income-based and significantly lower than market rates.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be a registered resident of Hiroshima.
- Income must fall below a certain threshold.
- Priority is given to families with children, elderly residents, and individuals with disabilities.
Application Procedures:
- Check application periods (usually announced on the Hiroshima City website or at ward offices).
- Submit an application form with proof of income, residence, and family composition.
- Wait for the lottery-based selection process.
Local Considerations:
- Public housing is in high demand, so apply as early as possible.
- Assistance is available in English and other languages at the Hiroshima International Center.
3. Childcare and Education Support
Categories of Benefits Provided:
- Child Allowance (ๅ ็ซฅๆๅฝ, jidล teate): Monthly financial support for families with children under 15.
- Subsidized Daycare and Kindergarten: Reduced fees for childcare facilities.
- Free Public Education: Elementary and junior high school education is free for all residents.
Associated Costs:
- Childcare fees are income-based, with subsidies available for low-income families.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Child Allowance: Parents or guardians must be registered residents of Hiroshima.
- Subsidized daycare: Both parents must be working or unable to care for the child due to health or other reasons.
Application Procedures:
- Apply for the Child Allowance at your local ward office.
- For daycare, submit an application to the desired facility or through the ward office.
Local Considerations:
- Hiroshima City offers international schools and Japanese language support for foreign children.
- The city provides parenting classes and support groups for new parents.
4. Employment and Training Services
Categories of Benefits Provided:
- Hello Work Hiroshima (ใใญใผใฏใผใฏๅบๅณถ): Government-run employment service offering job placement, career counseling, and training programs.
- Unemployment Insurance (้็จไฟ้บ, koyล hoken): Financial support for individuals who lose their jobs.
Associated Costs:
- Free to use Hello Work services.
- Unemployment insurance premiums are deducted from salaries.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Hello Work: Open to all job seekers, including foreign residents with valid work visas.
- Unemployment insurance: Must have been employed and paying into the system for at least six months.
Application Procedures:
- Register at Hello Work Hiroshima with your residence card and resume.
- For unemployment benefits, submit proof of employment and termination at Hello Work.
Local Considerations:
- Language support is available at Hello Work for non-Japanese speakers.
- Hiroshima has a growing demand for English teachers, IT professionals, and skilled laborers.
5. Social Welfare Services
Categories of Benefits Provided:
- Livelihood Protection (็ๆดปไฟ่ญท, seikatsu hogo): Financial assistance for low-income individuals and families.
- Disability Support Services: Benefits and services for individuals with disabilities, including mobility aids and home care.
Associated Costs:
- Free for eligible residents.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must demonstrate financial need and be unable to support oneself through work or other means.
- Residency in Hiroshima is required.
Application Procedures:
- Visit your local ward office to discuss your situation with a social worker.
- Submit required documents, including proof of income and expenses.
Local Considerations:
- Social welfare benefits are a last resort and require thorough documentation.
- Hiroshima City offers counseling services to help residents navigate the system.
6. Multicultural and Integration Support
Categories of Benefits Provided:
- Hiroshima International Center (HIC): Offers language classes, cultural orientation, and legal advice for foreign residents.
- Multilingual Consultation Services: Assistance with housing, healthcare, and legal matters in multiple languages.
Associated Costs:
- Most services are free or low-cost.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Open to all foreign residents and visitors in Hiroshima.
Application Procedures:
- Contact the Hiroshima International Center or visit their website.
- Register for language classes or consultation services as needed.
Local Considerations:
- Hiroshima is a welcoming city with a strong focus on peace and international exchange.
- Participate in local events and festivals to integrate into the community.
7. Disaster Preparedness and Relief
Categories of Benefits Provided:
- Emergency Shelters: Designated safe spaces during natural disasters.
- Disaster Relief Funds: Financial assistance for residents affected by disasters.
Associated Costs:
- Free for all residents.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be a resident of Hiroshima.
Application Procedures:
- Follow instructions from local authorities during emergencies.
- Apply for relief funds through the ward office after a disaster.
Local Considerations:
- Hiroshima is prone to typhoons and earthquakes. Familiarize yourself with evacuation routes and emergency procedures.
- Download the Hiroshima City Disaster Preparedness App for real-time updates.
Final Advice for Immigrants and Visitors
- Language Support: Take advantage of the multilingual services offered by the Hiroshima International Center and ward offices.
- Cultural Etiquette: Respect local customs, such as removing shoes indoors and bowing as a greeting.
- Stay Informed: Regularly check the Hiroshima City website for updates on community services and benefits.
By utilizing these services, residents and immigrants in Hiroshima can access the support they need to thrive in this historic and vibrant city.