Some people may worry whether they can move while receiving welfare benefits. However, it is possible to move if it is considered necessary. Additionally, under certain conditions, you may be eligible to receive assistance with moving expenses. 

In this article, we will outline the circumstances under which you can move while on welfare, the moving expenses that may be covered, and important considerations to keep in mind. If you are considering relocating while receiving welfare benefits, this guide will provide helpful information to assist you in the process. 

Village House offers a wide range of affordable properties starting at just ¥20,000, available throughout Japan. If you’re looking for a new place to move, be sure to check out our website for more details. 

Is it possible to relocate while receiving welfare benefits? 

You can move even while receiving welfare benefits. If you’re considering relocating, the first step is to consult with the caseworker at the welfare office. When doing so, it’s important to clearly explain the reason for your move. 

For example, if you’re moving to a property with a lower rent than your current residence, the move is likely to be approved without any issues. However, it’s important to be cautious, as relocating to a larger space or moving to accommodate a pet may not be approved. 

Additionally, there is a limited selection of properties that can be rented while receiving welfare benefits. It’s important to consult with your caseworker before starting your property search or signing any contracts. 

Conditions for receiving moving expenses while on welfare benefits 

If you receive approval from the government, the full cost of your move may be covered as “housing assistance.” However, if you don’t meet certain conditions, you may not be eligible for this support. It’s a good idea to check the requirements in advance to ensure that you qualify for assistance. 

When you have no place to live 

• When you have no place to live after being discharged from a medical institution where you have been hospitalized 

• When your caseworker advises you to move to a more affordable property because your current rent exceeds the limits set under the Public Assistance Act 

• When you are unable to secure housing after leaving a social welfare facility 

• When your current residence becomes uninhabitable due to a disaster, such as a fire 

• When your residence has deteriorated or been damaged to the extent that it is considered unsafe to live in 

• When you need to move into a facility, such as a group home or a paid nursing home 

When your living environment improves by moving 

• When a person who has been temporarily staying in accommodation facilities transitions to regular housing to begin a new chapter in life 

• When it becomes necessary to move due to unfair actions or misconduct by the landlord or manager of your current residence 

• When commuting from your current home is difficult, and relocating to a nearby area is expected to improve your income and support your health 

• When your current residence is tiny, or the living conditions have deteriorated to the point where it is deemed unsuitable for living 

• When your current living environment is considered unsuitable due to your illness or age 

• When an individual who has been temporarily staying with relatives or acquaintances secures a place to live independently 

• When a new home is needed due to divorce or dissolution of a common-law marriage 

• When an elderly or physically disabled individual requires daily care, or when a caregiver relocates to be closer to the person in need of care 

• When an individual is a victim of crime or domestic violence and needs to move to a new home to ensure their safety 

When eviction is necessary 

• When you are evicted due to land expropriation by the national or local government 

• When you are required to leave company housing due to retirement 

• When your landlord has asked you to leave for a legitimate reason or has refused to renew your contract, leaving you with no choice but to move 

Reference: Regarding the handling of the implementation guidelines for protection under the Public Assistance Act | Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare 

Moving expenses are typically covered in full if certain conditions are met. However, how much you will receive as assistance depends on the approval of your case worker. For instance, be aware that moving expenses may not be covered if you choose a plan that includes full packing and unpacking services, or if the cost is higher than the market rate compared to other moving companies. 

Exit/Move-out expenses that are not provided 

The moving expenses covered include the deposit, key money, fire insurance, and other costs necessary when signing a contract for a new home. However, please note that expenses related to the property you are moving out of are not covered. Additionally, if there are scratches or stains that go beyond normal wear and tear, the landlord may charge you for restoration costs. Be aware that repair costs may arise when you move out. 

Breakdown of the moving expenses paid while receiving welfare benefits 

The cost of moving companies will be fully covered if certain conditions are met. Expenses such as deposits, security deposits, fire insurance, and advance rent will be combined and paid up to 3.9 times the housing assistance upper limit. However, please note that costs like key money, agency fees, and key exchange fees can vary depending on the municipality, so it’s important to check with your caseworker for specific details. 

Housing assistance upper limit 

However, if the rent exceeds the upper limit of the welfare assistance payment, the amount may vary depending on the prefecture and municipality. Additionally, the upper limit also differs based on the number of people in the household. For detailed information, including area classifications and specific limits, please refer to the official website of your local government. 

Reference: Area classification | Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, Regarding housing assistance | Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare 

How to receive moving expenses while receiving welfare benefits 

Moving expenses are typically provided in advance and paid directly to the moving company by the recipient. However, depending on the local government’s policies and the recipient’s situation, the local government may choose to pay the company directly. 

Some people receiving welfare assistance may struggle with managing money and might use the moving expenses given in advance for other purposes. As a result, there have been reports of situations where there isn’t enough money available to pay the moving company on the day of the move. It’s important to budget carefully and ensure that the moving expenses are set aside for their intended purpose. 

If you’re concerned about managing the moving expenses, it’s a good idea to consult with your caseworker in advance. They can help explore options, such as having the local government pay the moving company directly or arranging for the cost to be transferred in advance. 

Tips to reduce moving costs 

Get quotes from multiple moving companies 

Moving costs can vary based on the season, time of day, and the amount of luggage. To ensure you’re getting the best deal, it’s important to request quotes from multiple moving companies and compare the costs and services that best suit your needs. This will help you understand the appropriate moving expenses for your situation. 

Avoid moving during the busy season 

March and April are peak moving months, as they coincide with the start of new chapters in people’s lives, such as entering school or starting a new job. During this busy season, moving companies often struggle to secure enough manpower and trucks, which leads to a rise in prices—typically 1.5 to 2 times the usual cost. 

It can also be challenging to secure a reservation for your desired moving date during the busy seasons of March and April, and moving costs will likely be higher. If possible, it’s a good idea to avoid these peak months when planning your move. 

Reduce your belongings 

Moving costs can vary depending on the amount of luggage you have. Disposing of unnecessary large furniture and appliances before your move can significantly reduce the number of belongings you need to transport. 

Important points to consider when moving while receiving welfare benefits 

Reapplication for welfare benefits 

If you’re moving to another prefecture, you will need to reapply for welfare benefits at the city, ward, town, or village office in your new location. This process involves a transfer of your welfare benefits from your current municipality to the one you’re moving to. If you’re moving to a city, the jurisdiction will transfer to that city’s welfare office. If you’re moving to a town or village, the jurisdiction will shift to the prefecture, more specifically, the welfare office’s designated jurisdiction area. Be sure to consult with your current caseworker for guidance on this process. 

The transfer procedure typically takes about 2 to 3 months. However, your current benefits will continue during this period, so you don’t need to worry about them being temporarily discontinued while the transfer is being processed. 

Even if your initial application for welfare benefits at your new home is not accepted, you may still have the option to reapply. By visiting the welfare office in person and explaining your current situation, you can often restart the process. Don’t be discouraged if your first application is denied—it’s important to keep trying and reapply if necessary. 

Issuance of medical card 

If you need to use healthcare services during the transfer process, be sure to have the welfare office at your old address and issue you a medical card. Additionally, you’ll need to complete the necessary procedures for exemptions from national pension contributions and NHK reception fees, as well as apply for reductions in water and sewerage fees at the city hall of your new address. 

At Village House, you are not required to pay a security deposit, key money, processing fees, or renewal fees (※). If you’re looking to save as much as possible on moving costs, feel free to contact us for more information. We’re here to help make your move more affordable! 

※Please note that a deposit may be required depending on the specific terms of the contract and the results of the screening process. 

Machiko Doi

Hello, I’m Machiko Doi, a freelance writer who writes about housing and living in Japan.

I live in an 80-year-old house that I inherited from my grandparents along with my two shelter cats and daughter.

We live a relaxed life while repairing the house.

I like to cook vegetables from the garden and fresh fish caught by my father, and enjoy them with cold beer on a hot day or hot sake on a cold day.