Japan raises the daily basic allowance under employment insurance — minimum ¥2,562, maximum ¥7,450–¥9,110 by age (1 August 2026)
Source material is a Japanese government announcement (in Japanese); this page is a summary.
From 1 August 2026, the minimum daily basic allowance under Japan's employment insurance is ¥2,562 and the maximum is ¥7,450 to ¥9,110 depending on the age bracket.
Key facts
| Effective date | 1 August 2026 (Saturday) |
|---|---|
| Maximum · age 60 to under 65 | ¥7,623 → ¥7,830 (+¥207) |
| Maximum · age 45 to under 60 | ¥8,870 → ¥9,110 (+¥240) |
| Maximum · age 30 to under 45 | ¥8,055 → ¥8,270 (+¥215) |
| Maximum · under 30 | ¥7,255 → ¥7,450 (+¥195) |
| Minimum | ¥2,411 → ¥2,562 (+¥151) |
| Reason for the change | A rise of about 2.7% in the average wage for fiscal Reiwa 7 compared with fiscal Reiwa 6, together with the application of the minimum-wage daily amount |
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The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare changed the "daily basic allowance" (基本手当日額) under employment insurance from 1 August 2026 (Reiwa 8). The basic allowance is paid so that a worker who has left a job can carry out re-employment activities without worrying about living expenses while unemployed; the daily basic allowance is the amount paid per day, calculated on the basis of wages before separation. The number of benefit days is determined according to the reason for leaving, age and other factors. The change follows a rise of about 2.7% in the average wage for fiscal Reiwa 7 compared with fiscal Reiwa 6, together with the application of the minimum-wage daily amount. The maximum rose by between ¥195 and ¥240 depending on the age bracket, and the minimum rose by ¥151, from ¥2,411 to ¥2,562.
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
How was the minimum of ¥2,562 calculated?
The formula given by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare is ¥1,121 (the national weighted average of regional minimum wages as of 1 April Reiwa 8) × 20 ÷ 7 × 0.8 = ¥2,562. The 0.8 is the 80% benefit rate for the basic allowance, and the materials state that the minimum from 1 August Reiwa 8 was calculated by multiplying the minimum-wage daily amount by that benefit rate.
Why is the minimum-wage daily amount used as the floor?
The maximum and minimum of the daily wage figure used to calculate the daily basic allowance are revised each fiscal year in line with movements in the average wage. Where the minimum so revised falls below the minimum-wage daily amount (the national weighted average of regional minimum wages multiplied by 20 and divided by 7), the minimum-wage daily amount is used as the minimum instead. The basis is Article 18(3) of the Employment Insurance Act and Article 28-5 of its Enforcement Regulations.
What actually changes when the daily basic allowance rises?
The daily basic allowance is the amount paid per day, calculated on the basis of wages before separation. The materials give only the revised maximum and minimum; they do not state what any individual will receive. The number of benefit days is determined according to the reason for leaving, age and other factors.