For households raising children, the strength of support programs in the area where they live is an extremely important factor in the decision-making process. Among Tokyo's 23 wards, Nerima Ward is highly regarded as "a ward that is easy for families with children to live in".
What kind of area is Nerima Ward?
Located in the northwestern part of Tokyo's 23 wards, Nerima Ward is a commuter town with access to eight rail lines, including the Seibu Ikebukuro Line and Tokyo Metro, and it also offers convenient access to Shinjuku and Ikebukuro.It is considered to have the second-best public safety among the 23 wards, making it a highly popular area for households with children.
What kinds of child-rearing support programs does Nerima Ward offer?
Nerima Ward has established a comprehensive support system based on the Three Acts Related to Children and Child-Rearing.
Comprehensive allowances and subsidy programs
Nerima Ward offers the following well-developed programs.
- Childbirth and child-rearing lump-sum grant: 420,000 yen
- Public coverage for newborn hearing screening costs
- Subsidies for hospitalization costs for pregnancy-induced hypertension syndrome and related conditions
- Celebratory birth grant for the third child and beyond: 100,000 yen per child
Support beginning in pregnancy
Nerima Ward's original "ねりますくすくアプリ" can be registered during pregnancy and allows users to receive messages tailored to gestational week or child age in months, automatic delivery of health checkup records, vaccination schedule management, and more.
Postpartum care program
For those experiencing postpartum health concerns or anxiety about childcare, home visits by midwives, mother-and-child short stays, and mother-and-child day care are available as three support options to choose from.
Childcare support helper dispatch
From pregnancy until the end of the month when a child turns two years old, households can receive dispatch services from helpers who assist with everyday housework.
Using child-rearing support vouchers
With the "Childcare Start Support Voucher" sent to households with a child under two years old, services such as childcare support helpers, midwife care, and temporary infant care can be used free of charge or at discounted rates.
How extensive is support for single-parent households?
Nerima Ward also provides substantial support for single-parent households.
Child-rearing allowance and medical expense subsidies
A child-rearing allowance is provided to eligible single-parent households. By using the medical expense certificate, households exempt from resident tax pay nothing, while taxable households pay 10% when receiving medical care, up to age 18.
Home-help services and respite accommodation
For single-parent households with children of elementary school age or younger, helper services are provided for tasks such as supervising children and transporting them to and from nursery school. Respite accommodation also offers lodging subsidies for up to three nights per year.
Gathering information with the smartphone app "マチイロ"
With the "マチイロ" app, which lets users view the "Nerima Child-Rearing Support Handbook" at any time, families can check maps of childcare facilities, various support programs, and a maternity calendar all in one place.
Recommended reading
FAQ
- Q. What is the situation with children on daycare waiting lists in Nerima Ward?
- Nerima Ward is actively working on measures to address daycare waiting lists even among Tokyo's 23 wards, and the development of childcare facilities is progressing. Please check the official Nerima Ward website for the latest information.
- Q. Where can I receive the child-rearing support voucher?
- It is mailed to households with a child under two years old. After receiving it, it can be used for childcare support helpers and temporary infant care.
- Q. Can I use postpartum care even if I am not a single parent?
- The postpartum care program is not limited to single parents; it can also be used by those experiencing postpartum health concerns or strong anxiety about childcare.
- Q. I am considering moving to Nerima Ward. What kind of people is it suited to?
- Because it offers both access to central Tokyo and abundant greenery, along with extensive child-rearing support, it is particularly well suited to family households with young children.
- Q. Where can I download the "ねりますくすくアプリ"?
- It is available for both iOS and Android. It can be downloaded from the link on the official Nerima Ward website.
