Following criticism from local leaders, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s administration will allow local governments to pay out all of the ¥100,000 handouts earmarked for children up to 18 years of age in cash instead of distributing half in coupons.
Original plans, announced as part of the government’s economic stimulus package, called for distribution of ¥50,000 in cash by the end of this year, followed by distribution of another ¥50,000 in coupons next spring when the new school year starts. Only those aged 18 or younger in households with annual incomes of ¥9.6 million or less are eligible.
The first handout is aimed at supporting those in need and the second handout is focused on assisting child rearing households and boosting consumption.
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