In reaction to the growing number of divorces in Japan, the government said Friday it will restrict single mothers' eligibility to receive child-care benefits.
As a result of the day's Cabinet decision to amend an ordinance on child-care benefits, single mothers will have to be earning far less in order to be eligible for the maximum monthly benefit. The restriction will be effective Aug. 1.
Furthermore, 80 percent of child support paid by fathers will also be counted in the annual income of single-mother households. Under the current system, such support is not factored in when calculating annual income.