*Japan's financial aid programs have been updated. Please visit the
following link: Coronavirus financial aid programs in 2022
100,000-yen handout
All residents of Japan, regardless of financial situation, are eligible for this benefit. It is part of the government’s coronavirus economic response package.
- Foreign residents must have carried a visa for over three months and have been listed on the country’s Basic Resident Register as of April 27, 2020.
- For more: NHK World-Japan: How to receive 100,000-yen handout
Subsidy program for small- and medium-sized companies and freelancers
The Subsidy Program for Sustaining Businesses offers up to 2 million yen for small- and medium-sized companies and up to 1 million yen for sole proprietors, including freelancers, who have seen their earnings drop due to the outbreak. This is a benefit. You do not need to pay it back.
- You are eligible if your operating revenue any month this year falls more than 50% compared to the same month last year.
- The funds are usually transferred to your account within two weeks of applying.
- The application window is from May 1st, 2020 to Jan. 15th, 2021. Apply at: https://www.jizokuka-kyufu.jp (Japanese only)
- "Application support centers" are available starting on May 12th for those who are having difficulties applying online. For more information and to make a reservation, please visit: https://www.meti.go.jp/english/covid-19/index.html
For more information in English, please visit:
https://www.meti.go.jp/english/press/2020/0501_001.html
Call center (Japanese only)
0120-115-570
03-6831-0613 (Exclusively for IP phones)
- May-June: Every day, 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- July: Every day except Saturday and national holidays, 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- August and beyond: Every day except Saturday and national holidays, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
*Information accurate as of May 20, 2020.
Welfare fund loan
Every prefecture’s Social Welfare Council has set up a welfare fund loan system for households struggling with living expenses due to work stoppages. This is a loan and must be paid back.
Emergency small amount fund
Mainly for households facing a decrease in income due to temporary work stoppages. Up to 200,000 yen.
General support fund
Mainly for households with members who are now unemployed or whose incomes have been reduced.
- Household of two or more persons --> Up to 200,000 yen a month
- One person --> 150,000 yen a month.
- Loan period: 3 months in principle.
Call center (Japanese only)
0120-46-1999
- Every day: 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
For more information:
- Plain Japanese: https://www.mhlw.go.jp/content/000621849.pdf
- English: https://www.mhlw.go.jp/content/000621221.pdf
- Korean: https://www.mhlw.go.jp/content/000621222.pdf
- Simplified Chinese: https://www.mhlw.go.jp/content/000621223.pdf
- Vietnamese: https://www.mhlw.go.jp/content/000621224.pdf
- Portuguese: https://www.mhlw.go.jp/content/000621225.pdf
- Spanish: https://www.mhlw.go.jp/content/000621226.pdf
*Information accurate as of May 20, 2020.
Housing Security Benefit
Starting April 20th, people who have lost their job or experienced a reduction in income due to the pandemic can apply for funds to help pay rent. This does not have to be paid back.
- Eligibility determined based on assessment of household income and savings.
- Funds are available only for rent assistance. Housing loans are not covered.
- Funds cover 3 months of rent, up to a maximum of 9 months if conditions are met. The municipal government pays the rent directly to the landlord.
- Phone consultation with a municipal self-support center is required before applying. Consultation is only available in Japanese and at these locations: https://www.mhlw.go.jp/content/000614516.pdf
Call center (Japanese only)
0120-23-5572
- Every day starting from May 21st: 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
For more information, please visit:
- English: https://www.mhlw.go.jp/content/000630855.pdf
- Korean: https://www.mhlw.go.jp/content/000630856.pdf
- Chinese: https://www.mhlw.go.jp/content/000630857.pdf
- Vietnamese: https://www.mhlw.go.jp/content/000630861.pdf
- Portuguese: https://www.mhlw.go.jp/content/000630862.pdf
- Spanish: https://www.mhlw.go.jp/content/000633665.pdf
*Information accurate as of May 20, 2020.
Additional information that may be useful for foreign residents is available on NHK’s website in plain Japanese at:
https://www.nhk.or.jp/heart-net/article/339/