Japan to Expand Child Allowances Starting October 2024

In a significant move to bolster support for families and address the country’s declining birthrate, the Japanese government has announced plans to expand child allowances starting from October 2024.

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Under the revised “Child and Child Care Support Law,” enacted in June 2024, several key changes will be implemented:

• Age Eligibility Expansion: Child allowances will be extended to children up to high school age, which is until the first March 31st after they turn 18.
• Income Restrictions Eliminated: Previously existing income restrictions for receiving child allowances will be abolished, making the benefit accessible to a wider range of families.
• Increased Allowance for Larger Families: The child allowance for the third and subsequent children will be increased to 30,000 yen per month per child.

These changes aim to provide greater financial support to families with children, particularly those with multiple children.The government hopes that by easing the financial burden on parents, it will encourage higher birth rates and improve the overall well-being of Japanese families.

The expanded child allowances are part of a broader package of measures aimed at tackling Japan’s demographic challenges. Other initiatives include increased support for childcare, tuition fee reductions for low-income families, and extended parental leave benefits.