Temporary childcare and Family Support fees free up to ¥40,300-¥45,700/month

Under the free early childhood education and care framework, the fees for childcare services used by families not using licensed daycare, etc. are made free as a facility use fee benefit. 5 services are covered: temporary childcare, short-term special childcare, sick-child care, Family Support, and unlicensed childcare facilities. The benefit limit, from use in October 2026, is ¥40,300 per month for children aged 3 to 5 and ¥45,700 per month for children aged 0 to 2 in households exempt from resident tax (until September: ¥37,000 and ¥42,000). If you use several services in the same month, they are combined and paid up to the limit; registration fees and meal costs are not covered. For Family Support, use only for taking children to and from places is not covered. Payment is by reimbursement; claim within the claim period set for each quarter. Online claims have been possible since FY2025.