People with disabilities in Japan face difficulties in applying for benefits amid coronavirus crisis

Written with extracts translated from The Tokyo Shimbun

May 25 2020

Along with the spread of the infection, a number of people who are visually or mentally handicapped are asking for assistance regarding the application for the “special fixed benefit” that pays 100,000 yen to the people. Some people give up attempting to apply because the documents and online procedures are difficult.

A concerned person said, “There is a need for flexible administration so that everyone can apply…I want a benefit because my life is hard, but I am not confident that I can apply, so I am giving up. ”

Recently, the voices of visually impaired people living alone have been sent to the Japan Blind Association.

There are two ways to apply for the ‘special fixed benefit’: online using the ‘My Number Card’, and filling in the application form sent from the municipality and returning it.

Most people with visual disabilities choose to send by mail, but it is quite difficult to check and fill out the documents themselves and submit them.

The National Federation of Training Hands Association, which is made up of parents of people with intellectual disabilities, also demands flexible responses from local governments such as face-to-face procedures in addition to explanations using plain Japanese and illustrations.

Aoi Matamura, Managing Director of the Federation, said, “There are many households with only people with disabilities and those living with elderly parents, and they may not understand the benefits. The administration does not wait for an application, but reaches out first. I want you to. “