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Living Expenses for Single Mothers in Japan: Average Costs and Available Support Programs

by Machiko Doi
Living Expenses for Single Mothers in Japan: Average Costs and Available Support Programs

Many are raising their children as single mothers due to a variety of circumstances, such as divorce, the passing away of the husband, or being an unmarried mother. 

In addition, many single mothers may feel uncertain about their future, as they have to think about their retirement while managing their living expenses, school fees, etc., in addition to raising children. 

In this article, we will explain the average cost of living and savings of single mothers, as well as the public programs available to them. If you are concerned about your future, please refer to this article. 

If you are looking for a nice and reasonably priced rental apartment, please visit the Village House website, which has a large selection of properties all over Japan starting from 20,000 yen. You can save on initial costs as there are no security deposits, key money, guarantor fees, or renewal fees! 

Average living expenses of a single mother 

According to the “2023 Household Income and Expenditure Survey by Household Type (Table 3-6)” published by the Statistics Bureau of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, the average monthly living expenses required for a single mother are around 235,000 yen. 

The following figures may vary depending on where you live, whether you rent or own a home, and the ages and the number of children you have. Also, expenses such as ceremonial occasions and taxes are not included. 

 Households with a child under 18 years Households with a child under 20 years 
Food expenses 56,269 yen 56,574 yen 
Housing (including owning a home) 24,984 yen 24,414 yen 
Utilities 18,481 yen 18,599 yen 
Communications expenses 12,580 yen 12,523 yen 
Transportation 21,200 yen 21,012 yen 
Insurance and medical expenses 6,196 yen 5,905 yen 
Furniture and household goods 11,965 yen 12,905 yen 
Educational expenses 15,481 yen 13,704 yen 
Clothing expenses 9,919 yen 9,341 yen 
Entertainment expenses 20,648 yen 19,420 yen 
Miscellaneous expenses 37,701 yen 37,681 yen 
Total 235,424 yen 232,078 yen 

Reference: “2023 Household Income and Expenditure Survey by Household Type (Table 3-6)” published by the Statistics Bureau, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications 

Average income and savings of a single mother 

According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications’ 2019 National Household Income and Expenditure Structure Survey, which is conducted every five years, the actual income of households with a mother and an unmarried child under the age of 18 was 261,587 yen. Disposable income turned out to be 232,626 yen. The average living expenses of a single mother are around 235,000 yen, so it is difficult to say that this income is adequate to support a child’s upbringing. 

In many cases, single mothers cannot afford to live on their own, and their savings tend to be small. According to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare’s 2021 Nationwide Survey of Single-Parent Households, the most common amount of savings for single mothers is 500,000 yen, accounting for 39.8%.  

Savings between 500,000 and 1,000,000 yen was 6.6%, 1,000,000 and 2,000,000 yen was 10.6%, 2,000,000 and 3,000,000 yen was 4.9% and 3,000,000 to 4,000,000 yen was 4.5% indicating that single mothers tend to have small savings, with some exceptions. 

Support, assistance, and allowances available for single mothers 

Single mothers are entitled to support, assistance, allowances, etc., depending on their income and the local government. 

  • Child Allowance 

Child allowance is a system that applies not only to single mothers but also to all families with children between the ages of 0 and 15. *Limitations apply based on the annual income. 

Allowance Eligibility Children between the ages of 0 and 15 with a domicile in Japan 
Amount of the Allowance 0 ~ 3 years old   15,000 yen 3 ~ 12 years old (first and second child)   10,000 yen 3 ~ 12 years old (third child onwards)    15,000 yen 13 ~ 15 years old (until the year of junior high school graduation)   10,000 yen 
Payment Period 3 times per year (June, October, and February) 
  • Child Support Allowance 

Child support allowance is a system for single-parent families. The amount of the allowance is determined depending on the number of dependent children and income. For detailed amounts and information please check with each local government. 

Allowance Eligibility Applicable from age 0 until the first March 31st after the child’s 18th birthday 
Amount of the Allowance [In case of full payment] 1 child 42,000 yen/month 2 children: 47,000 yen/month For 3 or more children, an additional 3,000 yen for each child  [In case of partial payment] 1 child: 41,910-9,910 yen/month 2 children: 46,910-14,910 yen/month For 3 or more children, an additional 3,000 yen for each child 
Payment Period 3 times per year (August, December, and April) 
  • Child Development Allowance 

Child development allowance is a system aimed at single-parent families supporting children up to the age of 18 years and households raising children with disabilities. However, some municipalities may not provide a child development allowance, so please check your local government’s website. 

Allowance Eligibility Varies depending on the local government * There are limitations based on the annual income 
Amount of the Allowance 13,500 yen per child per month 
Payment Period 3 times per year (June, October, and February) 
  • Special Child Support Allowance 

Special child support allowance is a system that provides allowances to children with mental or physical disabilities. The grade is determined by examination, and not by the grade on the disability notebook. 

Allowance Eligibility Children under the age of 20 years with mental or physical disabilities 
Amount of the Allowance Level 1: 55,350 yen/month Level 2: 36,860 yen/month 
Payment Period 3 times per year (April, August, and December) 

Reference: Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare | About Special Child Support Allowance 

  • Medical Expenses Subsidy System for Single-parent Families 

The medical expenses subsidy system for single-parent families is a system in which local governments subsidize a portion of the out-of-pocket medical costs when a single parent, their dependent children, or people raising children without their parents visit a hospital. However, there are limitations based on the income. 

Allowance Eligibility Applicable from age 0 until the first March 31st after the child’s 18th birthday 
Amount of the Allowance If the treatment falls within the scope of the insurance coverage, the full amount of the out-of-pocket expenses will be subsidized. However, expenses not covered by insurance, such as bed charges, health checkups, and vaccinations, are not subsidized. 
  • Survivor’s Pension 

If your husband passes away due to an unexpected accident or illness, you may be able to receive a survivor’s pension. If the eligibility period for the National Pension Plan or the Employees’ Pension Plan is met, the survivor’s pension will be paid. For more information, please contact your local Japan Pension Service. 

  • Exemption from National Pension and National Health Insurance 

If you work part-time or as a temporary worker, have a low income, and have difficulties paying for your National Pension or National Health Insurance, you can apply for a reduction or a full exemption. 

  • Discounts on Transportation 

Families receiving child support allowance, child development allowance, or public welfare can apply for discounts on public transportation such as JR. 

  • Childcare Fee Exemption 

Childcare fees are determined by income and circumstances. Therefore, if your income is low, childcare fees may be reduced or waived. Some municipalities have policies such as free childcare for the third child and beyond. For more information, please contact your local municipality. 

Recommended rental apartments for single mothers 

Rent is generally considered to be one-third of your monthly income. Therefore, if your monthly income is 230,000 yen, it is a good idea to look for an apartment with a rent of up to 75,000 yen. 

Also, when raising children, check the size of the rooms, the flow of daily activities, whether there is enough sunlight, and storage space. Also, make sure that the property has good security measures. 

However, it is best to save as much as possible on fixed expenses. Even if the rent is not one-third of your monthly income, looking for a property that is reasonable and easy for parents and children to live in will reduce the financial burden. 

Use housing allowances for single-parent families by the local government 

Housing allowance for single-parent families. Housing allowance is a system unique to local governments, so it may not apply depending on where you live. 

Single-parent families raising children under the age of 20. Also, conditions vary depending on the local government, such as living in private rental housing and having a resident registration. 

The average allowance is said to be between 5,000 and 10,000 yen. Let’s check the local government website for more details. 

Consider using public loan systems if you are temporarily short of living expenses 

It is not uncommon for people to be unable to work due to an illness or injury and find themselves unable to make enough living expenses. Under the Mother and Child Welfare Fund Loan System (public loan system), single mothers who are raising children under the age of 20 can borrow money from the local government if it is necessary for their children. 

If you have a guarantor, there is no interest, and even if you don’t have a guarantor, you can borrow money at a lower interest rate compared to banks. The amount you can borrow, and the repayment period vary depending on the age of your child, so please check with each local government. 

Village House has over 1,000 properties across Japan. If you want to keep the rent as low as possible, or if you want to find an apartment with space and storage, please contact us. There are no security deposits, key money, guarantee fees, renewal fees, etc., so initial costs can be kept low. 

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