A complete guide for those who "don't understand" welfare services

2026 3/18

March 18, 2026 March 18, 2026

I hear a lot about social services, but I honestly don't know what they are."

"Long-term care insurance or disability welfare, which should we use?"

What can my family use?"

There are so many people who have such questions and concerns.

There are many types of welfare services and the system is complicated, so it is natural for first-timers to feel it is difficult.

In this article, we will go over the basics of social services and how to use them,For smooth understanding without specialized knowledgeThis is an easy-to-understand explanation.

What are "welfare services" in the first place?

Social services are for the elderly, people with disabilities, children, and those who have problems in their lives,Services that support people to live their lives in their own way with peace of mind in their familiar neighborhoodsThis is a generic term for

In this section, we will first discuss two areas that we would like to keep in mind.

Nursing care insurance services(primarily for the elderly)
disability welfare service(for people with disabilities and children with disabilities)

1. what is long-term care insurance service?

The program is available to those 65 years of age or older (or those 40-64 years of age with certain illnesses). The service is available upon receiving "certification of requiring long-term care" from the municipality.

Main Services

Home care: Home helpers visit the home and provide support for bathing, eating, and other daily living needs.
Day Services: They attend the facility and enjoy meals, bathing, and recreation.
Short stay: You can stay at the facility for a short period of time and receive care.
Welfare equipment rental: Wheelchairs and nursing beds can be rented at low cost.

Point] This service is designed to fulfill the wish to "continue living at home" with professional support.

2. what are welfare services for persons with disabilities?

The program is available to those with physical, intellectual, mental, developmental, or incurable disabilities. The program is available for children and adults of all ages.

Main Services

Lifestyle care: We support the daily lives of those who need constant assistance.
Employment support (Type A and Type B): We provide training and work opportunities that are in line with the desire to work.
Group home: They live in a communal living environment with the support of professional staff.
After-school day care services: We will use the time after school to help develop your child's individuality.

Point] We strongly support not only "supporting daily life" but also "connecting with society and working.

What is the difference between long-term care insurance and disability welfare?

A simple way to organize this is as follows.

Need support due to old age ➔ Long-term care insurance
Need support due to disability ➔ Disability Welfare Services

*Under the Japanese system,In principle, "long-term care insurance" has priority for those 65 years of age and older.If you are not sure which one applies to you, please consult with the office first. If you are not sure which one applies to you, please consult with the office first.

What do I need to use it?

Long-term care insurance

Apply for certification of the need for long-term care at city hall.
Investigation and review
Level of care required is determined.
Consultation with care manager
Start of service

Disability Welfare

Consultation with the disability welfare counter at city hall
Confirmation of disability certificate, doctor's note, etc.
Creation of Service Utilization Plans
Issuance of beneficiary certificate
Start of service

bothSupport from city hall and consultation support specialistsThe company will do this for you.

How much does it cost?

Many social services are10% co-paymentis the basis.
The maximum amount is set according to income, and there is a system in place to ensure that the amount is not too high.

In many cases, the cost is actually in the range of a few thousand yen to 10,000 yen, even for those who say, "It seems expensive and I am worried.