Understanding the New Childcare Short-Time Work Benefits in Japan

As of April 2025, Japan will implement a new initiative called the "Childcare Short-Time Work Benefits." This program targets employees enrolled in the unemployment insurance system who have reduced their working hours due to caring for children under the age of two. However, there is a common misconception that simply switching to short-time employment will automatically qualify them for benefits. In reality, this is not the case.

Required Steps for Receiving Benefits

To be eligible for the Childcare Short-Time Work Benefits, individuals must complete a prior application process and maintain close communication with their employers. It's crucial to understand that without these steps, you will not receive any monetary support, regardless of your reduced working hours. This involves gathering necessary documents such as attendance records and pay slips and adhering to an application cycle that occurs every two months.

Upcoming Seminar Details

To help clarify this process, a seminar will be held on September 29, 2025, from 12:00 to 13:00, organized by the CREA Human Resources Development Association. The event will be hosted at their headquarters located at 6F Kioicho Head Office Building, 3-12 Kioicho, Chiyoda-ku. This seminar will provide valuable information regarding how to successfully navigate the application for these new benefits.

What You Will Learn in the Seminar

Participants can expect answers to common questions about this new benefit program, including:

- What are the correct application procedures for receiving the short-time work benefits?
- What documents are required to apply?
- What information should be communicated to your employer?
- What precautions should be taken during the bi-monthly application cycle?
- How does this program differ from existing childcare leave benefits?

Meet the Speaker

The seminar will feature Jun Ono, a certified social insurance labor consultant with extensive experience in conducting over 400 workshops on harassment and labor matters for various organizations. Known for his practical approach to integrating legal knowledge into workplace applications, Jun has also contributed as a supervisor and lecturer for the Employment Clean Planner qualification program.

About CREA Human Resources Development Association

Founded in 2023, the CREA Human Resources Development Association is a group company of SA. The association focuses on qualifications and training related to employment, labor, and harassment prevention. Their mission centers around protecting workers and their families through the "Employment Clean Project," providing practical knowledge that translates directly into workplace applications. With over 650 practitioners having obtained the status of "Employment Clean Planner," the organization actively engages with businesses, local governments, and educational environments across the nation.

For more details, visit their official website: CREA Human Resources.