Getting ready for baby: Childbirth Support Benefit(“Shussan Kosodate Ouen Kyufukin” )

In Japan, there is a support system called the “Childbirth and Childcare Support Benefit” (出産・子育て応援給付金). This program started a few years ago and offers financial help before and after childbirth.

If you report your pregnancy (Step 1) and have an interview at your city or ward office, you can apply for a ¥50,000 grant. The support is provided in different ways depending on your local government – some give cash, others offer coupons or gift cards.

Here is what You can receive:

• ¥50,000 before childbirth (after reporting your pregnancy and having an interview)
• ¥50,000 after childbirth (after reporting the birth and completing another interview)

👉 Important: You need to apply to receive this money. It is not automatic.

✅ Point 1: You Must Apply – It’s Not Automatic

When you report your pregnancy and receive your Mother and Child Health Handbook (Boshi Techo), the city office will explain this support system during your interview. They will give you an application guide.

You must apply by yourself.
Each city or ward has a different way to apply, so read the instructions carefully.

You usually need:

• A photo ID (such as your My Number Card or Residence Card)
• Bank account information
• An application form

📎 English Guide from Fukuoka City　English site

If you think it will be hard to apply online in Japanese, you can also apply by paper.
Please call call-center (Fukuoka city:092-711-4065), they will send you documents necessary.
However, As of June 20, there is no English application form(paper) available in Fukuoka City.

✅ Point 2: Moving to Another City? Be Careful!

This grant comes from the local city or ward government. That means if you move to a new city after reporting your pregnancy, you may need to apply in two different places:

• Before childbirth: apply in the city where you submitted your pregnancy report
• After childbirth: apply in your new city (if you moved)

📌 Example: I reported my pregnancy in Kumamoto city but gave birth in Fukuoka city.
So I applied for the first ¥50,000 in Kumamoto city, and after giving birth, I applied for the second ¥50,000 in Fukuoka city.

👉 If you plan to move, talk to both city offices in advance to check what you need to do.

✅ Point 3: You May Still Be Eligible Even If the Pregnancy Did Not Continue

If you submitted your pregnancy report but later had a miscarriage, stillbirth, or abortion, you may still be able to receive the benefit.

However, you might need to submit extra documents, so please contact your city or ward office to confirm the details.