A general-knowledge quiz about public assistance (seikatsu hogo). Deepen your understanding with little-known trivia and fun facts.

Geriatric Health Services Facility

Under the Public Assistance Act, various facilities are designated to provide necessary support to those in need of protection. Medical protection facilities and accommodation-providing facilities are defined under the Public Assistance Act, whereas long-term care health facilities for the elderly are established under the Long-Term Care Insurance Act and are not defined by the Public Assistance Act.

right to life

The principle of Article 25 of the Constitution of Japan is the “right to live.” This right guarantees that all citizens can lead a minimum standard of living that is healthy and culturally fulfilling, and the Public Assistance Act was enacted to realize this right.

funeral expenses

There are eight types of assistance under public assistance, such as livelihood assistance and housing assistance, and funeral assistance is one of them. This means that when a public assistance recipient passes away, the minimum funeral expenses are covered. On the other hand, expenses for building a new house or travel accommodation are not covered.

Until the first March 31 following the day you reach the age of 18

The additional allowance for single-parent households under public assistance is intended to support such families and is provided when the child is under 18. Strictly speaking, it is paid until the first March 31 after the child reaches 18. However, if the child has a disability, it is provided until age 20. It is not available if the caregiver of the child remarries.

1950

The current Public Assistance Act was enacted in 1950, thereby guaranteeing Japanese citizens a minimum standard of living by law. Before that, there was the former Public Assistance Act (Relief Act), but after the postwar turmoil, the new law enacted in 1950 became the current one.

caseworker

Home visit assessments for public assistance are handled by caseworkers (staff in charge of public assistance) who belong to municipal welfare offices. Caseworkers conduct home visits and verify applicants’ circumstances to determine whether public assistance is necessary. In addition, several home visit assessments are conducted each year, depending on the household’s actual situation.

Securing the necessities of life (food, clothing, and shelter)

The purpose of the Public Assistance Act is to provide “necessary protection” according to the degree of hardship and to promote “self-reliance” for all citizens who are in need. Securing food, clothing, and shelter is one of the outcomes achieved through public assistance, but it is not expressly stated as a statutory objective.