Sendai

1. Types of Government Benefits in Sendai

A. Childcare and Family Support Benefits

1. Child Allowance (児童手当, Jidō Teate):

   • Description: Financial support for families raising children up to junior high school age (15 years old).
   • Eligibility: Parents or guardians residing in Sendai with children under 15 years old. Income limits apply.
   • Benefit Amount:
     • ¥15,000 per month for children under 3 years old.
     • ¥10,000 per month for children aged 3 to 12 (¥15,000 for the third child and beyond).
     • ¥10,000 per month for junior high school students.
   • Required Documents:
     • Application form (available at the ward office).
     • Resident card (在留カード, Zairyū Kādo) or My Number card.
     • Bank account details for direct deposit.
     • Proof of income (e.g., tax certificate).
   • Application Procedure: Submit the application at your local ward office (区役所, Kuyakusho) or the Sendai City Hall.
   • Cost: Free to apply.
   • Local Tip: Applications must be submitted within 15 days of moving to Sendai or the birth of a child to avoid delays in payments.

2. Childcare Subsidy for Single-Parent Families (ひとり親家庭等医療費助成, Hitori Oya Katei Iryōhi Josei):

   • Description: Assistance with medical expenses for single-parent households.
   • Eligibility: Single parents or guardians with children under 18 years old (or under 20 if the child has a disability).
   • Benefit: Covers a portion of medical expenses not covered by health insurance.
   • Required Documents:
     • Application form.
     • Proof of single-parent status (e.g., divorce certificate or death certificate of spouse).
     • Health insurance card.
     • Resident card or My Number card.
   • Application Procedure: Apply at your local ward office.
   • Cost: Free to apply.

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B. Health and Disability Benefits

1. National Health Insurance Subsidy (国民健康保険料減免, Kokumin Kenkō Hokenryō Genmen):

   • Description: Reduction or exemption of National Health Insurance premiums for low-income households.
   • Eligibility: Residents enrolled in National Health Insurance who meet income criteria.
   • Benefit: Partial or full reduction of insurance premiums.
   • Required Documents:
     • Application form.
     • Proof of income (e.g., tax certificate).
     • Health insurance card.
   • Application Procedure: Submit the application at your local ward office.
   • Cost: Free to apply.
   • Local Tip: If you experience a sudden loss of income (e.g., job loss), notify the ward office immediately to apply for this benefit.

2. Disability Welfare Benefits (障害者福祉手当, Shōgaisha Fukushi Teate):

   • Description: Financial support for individuals with disabilities.
   • Eligibility: Residents with a certified disability (障害者手帳, Shōgaisha Techō).
   • Benefit Amount: Varies depending on the level of disability.
   • Required Documents:
     • Disability certificate.
     • Application form.
     • Proof of income.
   • Application Procedure: Apply at the Disability Welfare Division of your local ward office.
   • Cost: Free to apply.

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C. Housing and Living Support

1. Public Housing Assistance (公営住宅, Kōei Jūtaku):

   • Description: Subsidized housing for low-income families, elderly residents, and individuals with disabilities.
   • Eligibility: Residents with income below a certain threshold.
   • Benefit: Access to affordable public housing.
   • Required Documents:
     • Application form.
     • Proof of income.
     • Resident card or My Number card.
   • Application Procedure: Applications are accepted during specific periods announced by the Sendai City Housing Division.
   • Cost: Application is free, but rent is based on income.
   • Local Tip: Public housing is in high demand, so apply as soon as the application period opens.

2. Livelihood Protection (生活保護, Seikatsu Hogo):

   • Description: Financial assistance for individuals or families unable to meet basic living expenses.
   • Eligibility: Residents with no significant income or assets.
   • Benefit: Covers living expenses, housing, medical care, and education.
   • Required Documents:
     • Application form.
     • Proof of income and assets.
     • Resident card or My Number card.
   • Application Procedure: Apply at the Welfare Division of your local ward office.
   • Cost: Free to apply.
   • Local Tip: This benefit is considered a last resort, so applicants must demonstrate that they have no other means of support.

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D. Elderly Support Benefits

1. Long-Term Care Insurance Subsidy (介護保険料減免, Kaigo Hokenryō Genmen):
   • Description: Reduction or exemption of long-term care insurance premiums for low-income elderly residents.
   • Eligibility: Residents aged 65 and older enrolled in long-term care insurance.
   • Benefit: Partial or full reduction of premiums.
   • Required Documents:
     • Application form.
     • Proof of income.
     • Long-term care insurance card.
   • Application Procedure: Submit the application at your local ward office.
   • Cost: Free to apply.

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2. Application Procedures

• Step 1: Identify the benefit you are eligible for and gather the required documents.
• Step 2: Visit your local ward office (区役所, Kuyakusho) or the relevant division at Sendai City Hall.
• Step 3: Submit the application form and required documents. Staff will review your application and may ask for additional information.
• Step 4: Wait for approval. Processing times vary depending on the benefit.
• Step 5: Once approved, benefits are typically deposited directly into your bank account.

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3. Office Locations

• Sendai City Hall (仙台市役所, Sendai Shiyakusho):
  • Address: 3-7-1 Kokubuncho, Aoba Ward, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8671
  • Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
  • Phone: 022-261-1111
• Ward Offices (区役所, Kuyakusho):
  • Aoba Ward Office: 1-1-1 Kakyoin, Aoba Ward, Sendai
  • Miyagino Ward Office: 5-6-1 Tsutsujigaoka, Miyagino Ward, Sendai
  • Wakabayashi Ward Office: 3-1-1 Iwakiri, Wakabayashi Ward, Sendai
  • Taihaku Ward Office: 3-1-1 Nagamachi, Taihaku Ward, Sendai
  • Izumi Ward Office: 4-1-1 Izumichuo, Izumi Ward, Sendai

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4. Cultural Nuances and Local Tips

• Language Barrier: Most government offices in Sendai have limited English-speaking staff. Bring a Japanese-speaking friend or interpreter if possible. Alternatively, some offices offer translation services—call ahead to confirm.
• Politeness: Japanese culture values politeness and patience. Be respectful and courteous when interacting with government staff.
• Timing: Arrive early to avoid long wait times, especially during peak hours (morning and early afternoon).
• My Number Card: Having a My Number card simplifies many application processes. If you don’t have one, apply for it at your ward office.

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By understanding the benefits available and following the outlined procedures, you can access the support you need while living in Sendai. Let me know if you need further assistance!