EXCLUSIVE: Welfare Benefits Ended for Noto Quake Donation Recipients

Kanazawa, Ishikawa Pref., Dec. 28 (Jiji Press)–Sixty households in the Okunoto region of central Japan, hit hard by the January 2024 Noto Peninsula earthquake, had their welfare benefits terminated mainly due to income from donations, Jiji Press learned Sunday. Local welfare offices judged that the households possessed assets larger than the level needed to cover the minimum living expenses guaranteed under the welfare benefit system. The judgment has triggered calls for not terminating welfare benefits for such a reason, as donated money is indispensable for quake victims in rebuilding their lives. At issue is the decision made in four Okunoto municipalities heavily damaged by the 7.6-magnitude temblor that struck on Jan. 1, 2024. By the end of November 2025, 36 households had their benefits terminated in the city of Wajima, 14 in the town of Anamizu, eight in the town of Noto, and two in the city of Suzu. Of the 60 households, one in Noto had its benefits revived following a reapplication. But its benefits were later terminated again for the same reason. The central government’s guidelines say that, if funds received by welfare recipients are deemed charitable in nature, the funds are excluded from the money recognized as income. However, funds classified as compensation for disasters are excluded only if they are spent on purposes necessary for rehabilitation, such as home appliance purchases, education and housing repairs. If funds recognized as income exceed the level of minimum living expenses calculated by welfare offices, benefits will be suspended or terminated. At the time of the March 2011 quake and tsunami disaster that mainly hit northeastern Japan, the welfare ministry told local governments that donations distributed to disaster-affected people were compensation for disasters and that costs necessary for rebuilding their lives should be included in the rehabilitation plans of disaster-hit welfare recipients. To municipalities affected by the Noto Peninsula quake, the ministry said that donations distributed to their local residents should be treated in the same way. Meanwhile, the Japan Federation of Bar Associations says that donations should not be recognized at all as income due to their charitable nature. “I thought the donations were funds to establish a place to live in,” said a woman in her 50s, whose house was completely destroyed. She expressed frustration over the termination of her benefits, saying: “Under the current system, I can’t get out of temporary housing because I can’t save much money. How can I rebuild my life?” Kumiko Shinko, a certified social welfare worker supporting Noto Peninsula quake victims, stated, “For people whose welfare benefits have been terminated due to donations, real hardships will start from now on.” “I fear that some people will not be able to go to a doctor or eat.” END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]