就学援助 (Shuugaku Enjo)
School Attendance Support System - Complete Guide
What is 就学援助?
A government program that helps low-income families pay for their children's school expenses. Available to ALL foreigners with children in public elementary or junior high school.
💡 Key Point: This is NOT welfare (生活保護). It's a standard support program used by many Japanese families. About 15% of all students in Japan receive this support!
What You Can Get (給付内容)
| Benefit (日本語) | English | Elementary | Junior High | When Paid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 新入学用品費 Shinnyuugaku Youhinhi | School Entry Supplies (Randoseru, uniform) | ~¥54,000 | ~¥63,000 | Once (at enrollment) |
| 学用品費 Gakuyouhinhi | School Supplies (notebooks, pencils) | ~¥11,630/year | ~¥22,730/year | 3x per year |
| 通学用品費 Tsuugaku Youhinhi | Commuting Supplies (shoes, rain gear) | ~¥2,270/year | ~¥2,270/year | 3x per year |
| 給食費 Kyuushokuhi | School Lunch Fees | ~¥50,000/year | ~¥55,000/year | Monthly or term |
| 校外活動費 Kougai Katsudouhi | Field Trip Fees (day trips) | ~¥1,600/year | ~¥2,310/year | After each trip |
| 修学旅行費 Shuugaku Ryokouhi | Overnight School Trip | ~¥22,690 | ~¥60,910 | Once (6th/9th grade) |
| 体育実技用具費 Taiiku Jitsugi Youguhi | PE Equipment (gym clothes, shoes) | Actual cost | ~¥7,650 | As needed |
| 卒業アルバム代 Sotsugyou Album Dai | Graduation Album | ~¥11,000 | ~¥8,800 | Final year |
| TOTAL POTENTIAL SAVINGS | ~¥150,000+/year | ~¥200,000+/year | ||
* Amounts vary by city. These are typical Tokyo/major city amounts for 2024-2025.
Who Can Apply? (対象者)
✅ You qualify if:
- • Child in public elementary/junior high
- • Living in Japan with valid visa
- • Household income below city threshold
📊 Income Guidelines (approx):
- • 2 people: ~¥2.5-3M/year
- • 3 people: ~¥3.5-4M/year
- • 4 people: ~¥4-4.5M/year
- • 5+ people: ~¥5M+/year
* Income limits vary by city. Always apply - the city will determine eligibility!
How to Apply (申請方法)
Get the Application Form
From your child's school OR city office education department (教育委員会)
Form name: 就学援助費受給申請書 (Shuugaku Enjohi Jukyuu Shinseisho)
Gather Documents
- • Application form (filled out)
- • Residence card copy
- • Bank account info (for payments)
- • Income proof (課税証明書) - get from city office
Submit Application
Submit to school OR directly to 市役所/区役所 教育委員会
Wait for Approval (1-2 months)
You'll receive notification letter (認定通知書)
Important Timing (申請時期)
🆕 New Enrollment (新入学)
- Apply: January - February
- For: Randoseru money BEFORE April
- Deadline: Usually mid-February
📅 Current Students (在校生)
- Apply: April - May
- For: Current school year support
- Note: Can apply anytime (mid-year OK)
⚠️ Don't miss the deadline! For new 1st graders, if you miss the February deadline, you might not get the 新入学用品費 (Randoseru money) before school starts.
What to Say at City Office
At the reception:
「就学援助の申請をしたいのですが」
Shuugaku enjo no shinsei wo shitai no desu ga
"I would like to apply for school attendance support"
Ask for forms:
「就学援助の申請書をください」
Shuugaku enjo no shinseisho wo kudasai
"Please give me the application form for school support"
Ask about deadline:
「申請の締め切りはいつですか？」
Shinsei no shimekiri wa itsu desu ka?
"When is the application deadline?"
Frequently Asked Questions
Can foreigners apply for 就学援助?
Do I need to apply every year?
What if my income is slightly above the limit?
How is the money paid?
Will applying affect my visa renewal?
Can I apply mid-year?
Submit applications to BOTH the school AND city office. Some cities process faster through schools, others through city office. By submitting to both, you ensure the fastest processing. They'll sort out which one to use - you won't get double payments, but you won't miss deadlines either!
Yamada Hack: The "City Hall Menu"
Never ask "Are there any benefits?" The staff might say "No" because they don't know your specific situation. Instead, force them to show you the full menu.
"Please give me a LIST of available subsidies (especially school support)."
City Hall Roadmap: Shuugaku Enjo
Check Income
Use the calculator below. If eligible, you get ~¥50k/year for school supplies.
Apply Online
Many cities now allow digital application via "MynaPortal" using your MyNumber Card.
Go to MynaPortalReceive Benefits
Money is usually transferred 3 times a year (July, Dec, March).
- School Trip: Full cost covered.
- Lunch: Free or reduced.
- Supplies: ~¥20,000/year.
Other Essential Benefits
子ども医療費助成 (Kodomo Iryohi)
Covers almost all medical bills and pharmacy costs for children.
給食費の免除 (Kyushoku-hi)
Covers the monthly cost of school meals.
Japan Child Benefits FAQ
Foreigners with valid residency receive the same benefits as Japanese citizens:
児童手当 (Child Allowance):
- 0-3 years: ¥15,000/month
- 3 years to elementary school: ¥10,000/month (¥15,000 for 3rd+ child)
- Middle school: ¥10,000/month
Other benefits:
- Pregnancy/birth subsidy: ¥420,000+ for delivery
- Medical care: Free or reduced until age 15 (varies by city)
- Preschool: Free for ages 3-5
- Single parent support: ¥40,000-50,000/month extra
Requirement: Must have valid visa and be registered at city hall (住民登録).