BlogNotices from the International Relations Department

2. Those having difficulty with money needed for their livelihood

2-1. “Welfare Fund Loan System” (a program where you can borrow money needed for livelihood) （生活福祉資金貸付制度）

The application period for the Emergency Small Loan and General Support Fund (Round 1) has ended on September 30, 2022.

Provision of a Self-reliance Support Benefit for Households Suffering Financially from the COVID-19 Pandemic（新型コロナウイルス感染症生活困窮者自立支援金）

The City of Sendai is providing a self-reliance support benefit for households who are experiencing financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic to households who have borrowed the General Support Fund multiple times from the Social Welfare Council.
Please see the website of the City of Sendai or make an inquiry to the call center listed below for information on how to apply and the provision amount.

→Sendai City Website「新型コロナウイルス感染症生活困窮者自立支援金（申請期間が2022年12月31日まで延長されました）」(Japanese)

Inquiries: COVID-19 Self-reliance Support Benefit Center
Tel: 022-748-5245 and 022-748-5246 (Weekdays 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.)

2-2. Consultations on money needed for livelihood and employment

Has your income (or salaries) been reduced, or is your household experiencing financial hardship due to the spread of the Novel Coronavirus?

The City of Sendai has launched various consultation services to assist with economic difficulty, daily life, employment, etc., where citizens can discuss with expert advisors about solution based plans and suggestions until a resolution is reached.

① Sendai Self-reliant Livelihood and Employment Consultation Center “One Step”（生活自立・仕事相談センター）

（Livelihood and employment support through the Support Program Towards Self-reliance of the Needy Persons）

The City of Sendai is establishing the “Sendai Self-reliant Livelihood and Employment Consultation Center ‘One Step’ ” a one-stop location providing consultations for those experiencing hardships in daily life.

We aim to resolve issues in the early stages with support plans tailored to each individual whether it be in regards to their life or employment. If you are unsure of who or where to consult, etc., or are experiencing hardship, please discuss with us initially.

＞ To the Livelihood and Employment Support Through the Support Program Towards Self-reliance of Needy Persons webpage (Japanese)

【Eligible Persons】
Those who do not have money needed for their livelihood and those having difficulty finding a job.

【Inquiries】

② Financial Aid for Ensured Housing（住居確保給付金）

This is a scheme that supports those affected by the Coronavirus pandemic due to reduction of income or loss of jobs and have difficulty paying rent. Rent will be paid directly to the landlord (or real estate agency) on behalf of the tenant.
The minimum rent payment period is three months and has a maximum limit of nine months.
*Although the deadline for re-application was December 31, 2022, some individuals who are eligible for multiple installments of the aid might still be able to submit an application. Please consult the following.
＞ To the Financial Aid for Ensured Housing webpage (for foreign residents)

【Eligible Persons】
Those who are unemployed and cannot pay rent.
※Please enquire to the Ward Office of your residence for detailed information.
※In principle, are not eligible if living somewhere without a lease contract, such as a guesthouse or dorm, or are a roommate.

【Inquiries】

③Social Welfare（生活保護）

This system aids in getting its’ recipients back on track to support their livelihood as soon as possible, guaranteeing the minimum standard of living, giving the appropriate level of necessary welfare when those who have lost the person who supported family finances, or have lost their income (salaries) due to unforeseen circumstances and have difficulty in supporting their livelihood.

＞ To the Social Welfare webpage (Japanese)

【Eligible Persons】
Those without income and having difficulty with their livelihoods
※May not be eligible depending on status of residence.

【Inquiries】

2-3. Accommodation for Residents of Municipal Housing

The national government of Japan is asking cities which rent out municipal housing to make renting easier for people who want to rent municipal housing for the first time.

＞ City of Sendai Municipal housing is being provided to those who are having difficulties with housing due to the effects of the Novel Coronavirus.  (Japanese)

【Inquiries】
Municipal Housing Administration Section, Urban Planning Bureau
TEL: 022-214-8387
FAX: 022-268-2963
If you need interpretation support, please call the Interpretation Support Hotline of the Sendai Multicultural Center.
TEL: 022-224-1919 (available from 9:00a.m. to 5:00p.m.)
E-mail: tabunka＊sentia-sendai.jp (replace「＊」with「@」)

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