Kobe

1. Health and Medical Services

National Health Insurance (NHI)

• Overview: The National Health Insurance (NHI) system provides affordable healthcare to residents, covering 70% of medical costs for most treatments.
• Eligibility:
  • All residents of Kobe, including foreign nationals, who plan to stay in Japan for more than 3 months and are not covered by employer-provided health insurance.
• Costs:
  • Premiums are calculated based on income and household size. For low-income earners, subsidies may be available.
  • Out-of-pocket costs for medical services are typically 30% of the total bill.
• How to Apply:
  • Register at your local ward office (区役所, kuyakusho) within 14 days of moving to Kobe.
  • Bring your residence card (在留カード, zairyū kādo), passport, and proof of address.
• Local Considerations:
  • Kobe has many hospitals and clinics with multilingual support, especially for English and Chinese speakers. The Kobe City Medical Interpreter Service can assist during medical visits.

Child Medical Subsidy (子ども医療費助成制度)

• Overview: This program reduces or eliminates medical costs for children up to junior high school age.
• Eligibility:
  • Children under 15 years old who are registered residents of Kobe.
• Costs:
  • Free or heavily subsidized medical care for eligible children.
• How to Apply:
  • Apply at your local ward office with your child’s health insurance card and proof of residence.
• Local Considerations:
  • Kobe City actively promotes child welfare, so this benefit is widely accessible.

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2. Housing Assistance

Public Housing (市営住宅, Shiei Jūtaku)

• Overview: Kobe City offers affordable public housing for low-income families, including foreign residents.
• Eligibility:
  • Must meet income requirements (varies by household size).
  • Must be a registered resident of Kobe.
• Costs:
  • Rent is income-based and significantly lower than private housing.
• How to Apply:
  • Applications are accepted during specific periods (usually twice a year).
  • Submit an application to the Kobe City Housing Bureau (神戸市住宅局).
  • Required documents include proof of income, residence card, and family composition.
• Local Considerations:
  • Public housing is in high demand, so there may be a waiting list.
  • Some units are designed to accommodate elderly or disabled residents.

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3. Childcare and Education

Childcare Subsidies (保育料補助制度)

• Overview: Kobe City provides subsidies to reduce the cost of daycare and preschool for working parents.
• Eligibility:
  • Parents must be working, studying, or otherwise unable to care for their child during the day.
  • Children must be enrolled in a licensed daycare or preschool.
• Costs:
  • Subsidies vary based on household income and the type of childcare facility.
• How to Apply:
  • Apply through your local ward office or directly at the childcare facility.
  • Required documents include proof of income, residence card, and employment verification.
• Local Considerations:
  • Kobe has a mix of public and private daycare centers, some of which offer bilingual programs.

Free Education for Children (義務教育)

• Overview: Elementary and junior high school education is free for all children in Japan, including foreign residents.
• Eligibility:
  • Children aged 6–15 who are registered residents of Kobe.
• Costs:
  • Tuition is free, but parents may need to pay for school supplies, uniforms, and meals.
• How to Apply:
  • Enroll your child at the local Board of Education (教育委員会, Kyōiku Iinkai) or your local ward office.
  • Bring your residence card, proof of address, and child’s birth certificate.
• Local Considerations:
  • Kobe has international schools and public schools with support for non-Japanese-speaking students.

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4. Employment and Financial Assistance

Livelihood Protection (生活保護, Seikatsu Hogo)

• Overview: This program provides financial assistance to low-income households to cover basic living expenses.
• Eligibility:
  • Must be a registered resident of Kobe.
  • Must demonstrate financial need and inability to work due to age, disability, or other reasons.
• Costs:
  • No costs; this is a government-provided benefit.
• How to Apply:
  • Apply at your local welfare office (福祉事務所, Fukushi Jimusho).
  • Required documents include proof of income, residence card, and household expenses.
• Local Considerations:
  • Applications are reviewed thoroughly, and you may be asked to provide detailed financial information.

Employment Support Services

• Overview: Kobe City offers job placement services and vocational training for residents, including foreign nationals.
• Eligibility:
  • Open to all job seekers in Kobe.
• Costs:
  • Free for most services.
• How to Apply:
  • Visit the Kobe Employment Service Center (ハローワーク神戸, Hello Work Kobe).
  • Bring your residence card and resume.
• Local Considerations:
  • Some services are available in English and other languages.

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5. Support for the Elderly and Disabled

Elderly Care Services (高齢者福祉サービス)

• Overview: Kobe provides home care, day services, and financial support for elderly residents.
• Eligibility:
  • Residents aged 65 and older.
• Costs:
  • Costs vary based on income, but subsidies are available.
• How to Apply:
  • Contact your local ward office or the Kobe City Elderly Welfare Division.
• Local Considerations:
  • Kobe has a strong community network for elderly care, including volunteer programs.

Disability Support Services (障害者福祉サービス)

• Overview: Services include financial aid, job training, and assistive devices for residents with disabilities.
• Eligibility:
  • Must have a certified disability and be a registered resident of Kobe.
• Costs:
  • Subsidized or free, depending on income.
• How to Apply:
  • Apply at your local ward office with your disability certificate (障害者手帳, Shōgaisha Techō).
• Local Considerations:
  • Kobe is known for its accessible public transportation and facilities.

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6. Multilingual Support and Resources

• Kobe International Community Center (KICC):
  • Provides information and support for foreign residents, including help with social services, housing, and legal matters.
  • Offers free consultations in multiple languages.
  • Website: KICC Official Website
• Multilingual Consultation Hotline:
  • Phone: 078-291-8441
  • Available in English, Chinese, Korean, and other languages.

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Important Considerations for Newcomers

1. Residence Registration: Register your address at the local ward office within 14 days of moving to Kobe. This is essential for accessing most social services.
2. Language Barriers: While many services offer multilingual support, it’s helpful to bring a Japanese-speaking friend or interpreter if possible.
3. Documentation: Always carry your residence card and proof of address when applying for benefits.
4. Cultural Sensitivity: Japanese bureaucracy can be formal and detail-oriented. Be patient and polite during application processes.

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By utilizing these resources and services, you can ensure a smooth transition to life in Kobe while taking full advantage of the city’s social support systems. Let me know if you need further assistance!