Ikeda Town to launch integrated maternity support program

Ikeda Town in Fukui Prefecture will implement an integrated support program for pregnant women starting in April 2025. The initiative combines the ‘Support Benefit for Pregnant Women’ established under the Children and Childcare Support Act with the ‘Comprehensive Consultation Support Project for Pregnant Women’ under the Child Welfare Act.

The support benefit is divided into two stages. The first payment of 50,000 yen is available to residents who register their pregnancy after April 1, 2025, and confirm their pregnancy through a medical institution. The second payment of 50,000 yen per child is provided following childbirth to eligible residents.

Benefits will be distributed as cash via bank transfer approximately one to two months after application. The town's Health and Welfare Division will manage the process, providing application forms through health nurse interviews and home visits.