Japan adjusts family and child allowance structures

Japan is implementing changes to family-related allowances for national civil servants and general child benefits. Starting in fiscal year 2026, the dependency allowance for spouses of national civil servants will be abolished. This change follows a two-year phase-out period that began in 2024. To offset this, child dependency allowances for civil servants are being increased. For example, the monthly allowance per child will rise from 10,000 yen to 13,000 yen, with an additional 5,000 yen monthly supplement for children between the ages of 15 and 22.

Separately, the national child allowance system follows a tiered structure based on the number of children. While the allowance amount remains the same for the first and second child, it increases significantly for the third child and any subsequent children. For children under three, the monthly amount for the third child is 30,000 yen, compared to 15,000 yen for the first two. For children aged three through high school, the third child receives 30,000 yen, while the first two receive 10,000 yen. The determination of who qualifies as the ‘third child’ is based on birth order, including older siblings who may no longer be eligible for the allowance themselves.