Japan puts the Support Benefit for Pregnant Women (妊婦支援給付金) into law — in force from 1 April 2025
Source material is a Japanese government announcement (in Japanese); this page is a summary.
The 'Childbirth and Child-Rearing Support Grant Programme' that ran from FY2022 has been written into law, and 'support for pregnant women' (妊婦支援給付金) under the amended Child and Child-Rearing Support Act took effect on 1 April 2025 — 50,000 yen on pregnancy benefit certification, then 'the number of babies you are expecting × 50,000 yen'.
Key facts
| Legal basis | Act Partially Amending the Child and Child-Rearing Support Act and Related Acts — the amended Child and Child-Rearing Support Act (子ども・子育て支援法) creates 'support for pregnant women' |
|---|---|
| Start date | In force from FY2025 (Reiwa 7) / start date 1 April 2025 |
| Who it covers | Pregnant women with an address in Japan |
| Amount 1 (on certification) | 50,000 yen once you apply and receive pregnancy benefit certification (妊婦給付認定) |
| Amount 2 (after reporting the number of babies) | 'the number of babies you are expecting × 50,000 yen' once you report the number of babies you are expecting |
| Previous scheme | Delivers the 'Childbirth and Child-Rearing Support Grant Programme', which began with the FY2022 supplementary budget, as a scheme set out in statute |
| Delivery and funding | The national government transfers an amount equal to the full cost of the payments to municipalities under Article 68(1) of the amended Child and Child-Rearing Support Act / the funding is the Child and Child-Rearing Support Levy (子ども・子育て支援金) |
| Miscarriage and stillbirth | Miscarriage and stillbirth are also covered |
| How it is paid | By a reliable payment method such as a cash transfer (if you prefer, you can receive it as vouchers or similar provided by your municipality) |
Last checked:
The Childbirth and Child-Rearing Support Grant Programme (出産・子育て応援交付金事業), which began with the FY2022 (Reiwa 4) supplementary budget, was written into law by the Act Partially Amending the Child and Child-Rearing Support Act and Related Acts. The amended Child and Child-Rearing Support Act (子ども・子育て支援法) creates 'support for pregnant women' (妊婦のための支援給付, with the benefit called 妊婦支援給付金), which took effect in FY2025 (Reiwa 7) with a start date of 1 April 2025. It covers pregnant women with an address in Japan: 50,000 yen is paid once you apply and receive pregnancy benefit certification (妊婦給付認定), and after you report the number of babies you are expecting, 'the number of babies you are expecting × 50,000 yen' is paid. Miscarriage and stillbirth are also covered. The funding is the Child and Child-Rearing Support Levy (子ども・子育て支援金), contributed by all generations and businesses, and the national government transfers an amount equal to the full cost of the payments to municipalities under Article 68(1) of the amended Child and Child-Rearing Support Act.
Background — why this change
The Children and Families Agency says the aim is to provide physical and mental care and financial support for pregnant women and new mothers, by taking the Childbirth and Child-Rearing Support Grant Programme that began with the FY2022 (Reiwa 4) supplementary budget and delivering it as a support benefit under the Child and Child-Rearing Support Act, combined effectively with schemes such as the comprehensive consultation and support programme for pregnant women under the Child Welfare Act, from the standpoint of seamless support (切れ目ない支援) from pregnancy onwards.
Summaries below are factual notes based on government announcements and primary sources — not evaluations or opinions.
Summaries reflect national-level programs. Municipal (city/ward/town) programs may differ — confirm with the official desk before applying.
FAQ
When did it start?
It takes effect from FY2025 (Reiwa 7), with a start date of 1 April 2025. It writes the 'Childbirth and Child-Rearing Support Grant Programme', which began with the FY2022 supplementary budget, into law through the Act amending the Child and Child-Rearing Support Act and related Acts.
How much do you get?
50,000 yen once you apply and receive pregnancy benefit certification (妊婦給付認定), then 'the number of babies you are expecting × 50,000 yen' once you report the number of babies you are expecting. It is paid by cash transfer or a similar method, and if you prefer you can receive it as vouchers or similar provided by your municipality.
Can you still get it after a miscarriage or stillbirth?
Miscarriage and stillbirth are also covered. 50,000 yen is paid on pregnancy benefit certification, and once you report the number of foetuses, 50,000 yen is paid for a single pregnancy and 'number of foetuses × 50,000 yen' for a multiple pregnancy. Check the exact application steps with the municipality where you live.