This is the certification issued to the persons with disabilities who are living in Japan as an official document to proof the disability status.

 

The person who is holding this certification, is able to access to various welfare services and allowances depending on the kind and severity of the disability.

 

Extended reading: Statistic of the Certification for Persons with Disability:

Source: System of Certification for Persons with Disabilities, from White Papers & Reports - Annual Health, Labour and Welfare Report 2009-2010, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (厚生労働省).  (PDF file)

There are 3 types of the Certification for Persons with Disabilities issued in Japan: 

 

1. Physically Disability Certification（身体障害者手帳）:This is issued to persons with physical disabilities.

2. Medical Rehabilitation Handbook（療育手帳）:This is issued to persons with intellectual disabilities. 

3. Mental Disability Certification（精神障害者保健福祉手帳）:This is issued to persons with mental disabilities.  

 

The names and design of the certifications are varied in different provinces of Japan. For details, please scroll down to the bottom of this page.  

The holders of the Certification can enjoy a certain range of welfare benefits in daily life in Japan.

 

Here are some examples of the welfare benefits: 

• Pension payment or welfare allowance 

• Medical subsidies 

• Subsidies for daily life expenses (related to medical use, such as diaper expense)

• Reduction on tax,  utilities expenses, National Health Insurance and other public utility charges

• Allowance for public housing

• Discounts on public transport (such as train, bus, ferry, domestic flight fares) 

• Discounts on toll roads

• Free entrance to public facilities 

 

The welfare benefits may be varied in different provinces of Japan. Moreover,  certain requirements are set on all these welfare benefits and allowance, depending on the type of Certification (showing the level of disability), age and income of the applicants. 

 

For details, please inquire at the Welfare Division of the local Ward Office (区役所) of your residential region. 

​Any citizen who has disability (physical, intellectual or mental disability) can apply for the Certification in Japan, despite of the race, nationality, sex and age.

 

For the non-Japanese disabled persons: 

Those who have officially registered their households in the local Wart Office, they are eligible to apply for the Certification so as to enjoy the relevant welfare services. It will be ineligible for those who are holding the Short-Term Stay (短期滞在) or staying in Japan illegally (不法滞在).  

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