Aug 4

WIT Life #177: 子ども手当から児童手当へ

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WITLife is a periodic series written by professional Writer/Interpreter/Translator Stacy Smith (Kumamoto-ken CIR, 2000-03). She starts her day by watching Fujisankei’s newscast in Japanese, and here she shares some of the interesting tidbits and trends together with her own observations.

It’s been a bit of hisashiburi since I’ve written here, but it’s nice to be back.  Recently our government has seen its share of wrangling regarding the debt ceiling issue, and there has been similar discord among Japan’s political parties regarding the 子ども手当 （こどもてあて, kodomo teate）or child allowance.  Originally one of the DPJ’s key campaign pledges and put into law in April 2010, it granted a uniform 13,000 yen per month to parents with children up to the age of fifteen.  However, it has just been announced that in order to prioritize financial resources for the country’s recovery, it will be eliminated in October when it expires.

Next April, this allowance will be replaced by a version of its predecessor plan under the LDP administration, the 児童手当 （じどうてあて, jidou teate）or student allowance.  For all children from zero up to 3 years of age as well as a 3rd child from ages 3 to 12, a monthly allowance of 15,000 will be received.  For 1st and 2nd children from ages 3 to 12 and for middle school students, an allowance of 10,000 per month will be provided.

The kodomo version had no income cap, but this will be reinstated with the reintroduction of the student allowance next year.  In accordance with LDP desire, it will be distributed to families making up to 9.6 million yen ($121,700).  The largest problem with the revised plan is households that will have an increased financial burden due to the decreased monetary amounts.  Because tax breaks for families with children under the age of 16 are being eliminated in October along with the child allowance, relief measures are being considered.  An Act on Special Measures will determine how coverage during the transition period from October to April will be handled.