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Q&A: How do I receive ¥100,000 from the government?

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What? No link to apply?

Read, then reread, the article again. You might understand WHY then! The answer is obivous!

18 ( +19 / -1 )

While not a huge amount in terms of survival for months, at least it's something. Good to know foreigners with only three months residency are also eligible.

16 ( +18 / -2 )

This is a great help for struggling families, I hope this will reach the population soon. While I do advocate for financial security in form of savings, this crisis was too sudden and took all areas of the economy by surprise.

11 ( +11 / -0 )

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has said the handout is meant to be a show of solidarity as the nation hunkers down for what could be a long fight against the novel coronavirus. It replaces an earlier plan to give 300,000 yen to households that suffer a big drop in income because of the outbreak. While the move was ostensibly tied to last week's declaration of a nationwide state of emergency, the ruling coalition and opposition parties had been pushing Abe to cast a wider net.

Kyodo rewriting history here. Shinzo's original plan would have seen only a small percentage of the population eligible for the 300k. On March 18th the Ministry of Finance announced they wouldn't be giving cash handouts to anyone. Komeito baulked at the heartlessness of it all and their leader Yamaguchi threatened to withdraw from the LDP/Komeito coalition if nothing more was done to help people in need.

9 ( +11 / -2 )

quercetumToday 09:46 am JST

 Komeito baulked at the heartlessness of it all and their leader Yamaguchi threatened to withdraw from the LDP/Komeito coalition if nothing more was done to help people in need.

It was the Soka Gakkai that threatened not to support Komeito. Grassroots happening here the only thing being religious as the drawback. The parallel:

Abe: Yamaguchi

Komeito: Soka Gakkai

Okay, so SG baulked at the poor response from the ruling coalition, pressured the Komeito leadership and Yamaguchi threw a fit at Abe, threatening to leave if more wasn't done for the people. The point remains that Abe, Aso/MOF and many in the LDP didn't want to pay anything. The ludicrously complicated 300k plan was designed to exclude as many as possible.

8 ( +8 / -0 )

As for the lot of Americans living in Japan will not get 1200 dollars, you must legally resided in the country for more than three months. Residing legally means a person is registered as such and does not include visits of 90 days living or SOFA members.

SOFA status people technically have NO visa status in Japan. SO it wouldnt matter to them anyway, and to get the 1200 US you would have had to file a tax return for last year, so those here in Japan from the US who did file one could be eligible for both!

7 ( +8 / -1 )

Just in time so that you can use the money to pay your taxes.

6 ( +9 / -3 )

Of course not. Why would non-resident (in the USA) American citizens receive $1,200 from Uncle Sam while living here in Japan?

But American citizens living abroad do get the $1200. I have.

6 ( +6 / -0 )

@Some have slammed the move as a not-so-cheap ploy to lift Abe's support ratings, while others argue that the new plan should not be a replacement for the original, but carried out in addition to it to help those most in need.

This is the group that is not in favor of supporting people and should be voted out in the next election.

As for the lot of Americans living in Japan will not get 1200 dollars, you must legally resided in the country for more than three months. Residing legally means a person is registered as such and does not include visits of 90 days living or SOFA members.

As for website it does not provide link but if you read it does state a direction to go: through the government website for "My Number" card holders.

5 ( +8 / -3 )

SOFA status people technically have NO visa status in Japan. SO it wouldnt matter to them anyway, and to get the 1200 US you would have had to file a tax return for last year, so those here in Japan from the US who did file one could be eligible for both!

Simply not true. You don't need to have filed in 2018 or 2019 to get the US $1200. They have a website for non-filers to enter info and get the payment too, which is what I did.

You are correct though, in that someone could get both payments. I will get the US and Japan payments.

5 ( +5 / -0 )

Sounds like they are not giving the money to children by paying to parents as if raising kids was cheap.

They are also raising the monthly allowance given to each child by ¥10,000. So from June, average child will get between ¥20,000 to ¥25,000 a month.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

zichi

All those whose names are on the resident register (including foreigners) have a “My Number.” And if you still don’t have a My Number card, just fill in the application form and mail it back.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

The government’s proposal is not a perfect solution but there hardly ever is one. I haven’t seen a country with the perfect proposal, as of yet.

If this handout is quickly forthcoming then it’ll help a lot of residents in trouble.

The key being expediency.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

But American citizens living abroad do get the $1200. I have.

and that would make sense because America is one of only two countries in the world that makes

America citizens who aren't residents to pay taxes in America,

my home country doesn't make me pay

taxes because Im a non resident so naturally I wont be receiving any handouts from them and nor will I expect them to

3 ( +3 / -0 )

zichiToday  03:33 pm JST

That is not strictly correct. No I am not a Green Card Holder. If I receive an Equity payment, for whatever reason, 30% is deducted at source. I submit a W8-BEN form because of the American Japanese Tax Treaty. Some companies will accept the W8-BEN form. Others do not. The 30% is deducted at source to the IRS and impossible to claim back. This rule applies to all non Americans. There are many times a non American has to pay tax. I currently have an American lawyer looking into some of these issues.

@zichi,

If you are not reporting this income in Japan, then yes, you are paying an Income Tax in the US.

But if you are, I do not believe you should not be losing that 30% on each payment. You are not exactly "being taxed" like all American citizens and PR holders. As a Non Resident Alien, the IRS is simply "witholding" that 30% pending you accounting for that income in your country of Residence, presumably Japan. Afterwards you should be able to request that 30% be released based on a claim for Treaty Benefits.

The US/IRS of course has a relationship with Japan.

https://www.irs.gov/businesses/international-businesses/japan-tax-treaty-documents

3 ( +3 / -0 )

So, my kids who are 6 years old and 3 years old... can apply? Fantastic country... but weird.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

@Meiyouwenti

zichi

All those whose names are on the resident register (including foreigners) have a “My Number.” And if you still don’t have a My Number card, just fill in the application form and mail it back.

Or don't. Just ask for the notification card, which will have much less sensitive personal detail all on one little card.

My Canadian SIN card contains no more information than my name and Social Insurance Number. The Japanese card tells anyone who happens upon it, or a copy of it, or a photo of it: your DOB, gender, home address, etc. Way, way too much.

Which is why I'm one of the many (what is it 70%?) who have the Japanese ID number, but chose not to apply the ID card.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

I feel like once you accept this money, the government will find some way to make you repay it by raising the price of something in the future. Like the cost of health care, insurance or dare I say......TAXES!

2 ( +6 / -4 )

I’ll buy food with whatever I get...

2 ( +2 / -0 )

No Zichi - Everybody over 18 or 20 (i'll have to double check that) has My Number - Whether or not a: they have actually gone to the City/Ward Office to get a physical card or not is a different matter.

If you HAVE got the actual card with the Pin Number etc you will be able to do online.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

tajToday  08:49 am JST

The Japanese card tells anyone who happens upon it, or a copy of it, or a photo of it: your DOB, gender, home address, etc. Way, way too much.

But you carry a Resident Card and maybe a Driving Licence?

2 ( +2 / -0 )

YrralToday  07:19 am JST

Lots of American living in Japan, will not get 1200 dollars

Only if they haven't filed 2018 or 2019 US Income Tax Returns.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

You also need a SS number.

I will receive both from the US and Japan.

From IRS website my check will be mailed 4/24.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Where did you find out when it would be sent?

thttps://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment

Good luck!

2 ( +2 / -0 )

"There is no link yet" imho is more effective for readers instead of "why do you think there is no link?" Life can be stressful - hours cut, jobs lost, bills to pay - little things can help.

The point remains that Abe, Aso/MOF and many in the LDP didn't want to pay anything.

@Alfie Noakes

I completely agree; just pointing out that the Komeito may not deserve all the credit.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

HenryKToday  01:15 pm JST

Where did you find out when it would be sent?

thttps://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment

Good luck!

Thanks VM!

2 ( +2 / -0 )

zichi - Unless you're paying property tax or tax on Dividends - then frankly there are better options.

Stop posting mystery comments that confuse people.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Because I don't want to lose a 20% off the top of my investments in the US, I have not become a Japanese citizen.

I do not know if this ¥100,000 will be considered as income and needs to be declared in America for tax purposes.

SMBCTrust still does accept foreign money deposits with a few hoops to jump through but legal and safe.

If you are a permanent resident of Japan but out of the country you are eligible to receive the funds.

If you have children that still do not have a registered My NUmber, you are the head of household and can still claim their ¥100,000

If you are SOFA , no you cannot gt the stimulus here even if you are making illegal Yen teaching English conversation. Technically you should be declaring your income to the Japanese and technically you should not be working here if you are under SOFA.

I believe Abe was super slow because he only believed in the Super Mario suit for the Olympics, but I am not a career politician and I wish it was against the law in all countries to be one.

Stay safe.
2 ( +3 / -1 )

Zichi: The American IRS wants all information. Even though there is a tax treaty, if you make money through America you have to declare it and you have to have a TIN number which I assume you have.

I wish America would stop making people like me an American filing tax returns which costs me 300 bucks a year to do as it is so complicated that i pay someone else to do it, and then because of the international tx agreements I do not have to pay American tas as I paid more than enough n Japan. Beut essentially, forcing me to get an accountant amounts to a tax.

Good luck and don't stress. Remember you do not have to have a lot of money to be happy.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

The article omits to mention that heads of households will receive applications by mail from the municipality in which they are registered, not the national government. Further, municipalities themselves will decide when disbursements will occur, the earliest expected to begin the middle of next month. As noted above, those issued a My Number Card will be able to apply online. Application forms will include a box allowing respondents to decline the assistance. Check NHK News Web for April 20 for more.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

And there's no link? Why do you think that is? ffs.

Let me ask you? Why do you think there is no link? Give you a hint, it's got NOTHING to do with "foreigners" either!

1 ( +5 / -4 )

Lovely !

1 ( +1 / -0 )

 Komeito baulked at the heartlessness of it all and their leader Yamaguchi threatened to withdraw from the LDP/Komeito coalition if nothing more was done to help people in need.

It was the Soka Gakkai that threatened not to support Komeito. Grassroots happening here the only thing being religious as the drawback. The parallel:

Abe: Yamaguchi

Komeito: Soka Gakkai

1 ( +2 / -1 )

It is really good news that "gaijins" are not excluded.

For those of you who dont really need the payment, I hope you will consider a donation to an appropriate non government run agency, One that helps with single mothers, homeless, kids. I am sure anything you can do will be appreciated.

1 ( +6 / -5 )

tajToday  08:49 am JST

Or don't. Just ask for the notification card, which will have much less sensitive personal detail all on one little card.

My Canadian SIN card contains no more information than my name and Social Insurance Number. The Japanese card tells anyone who happens upon it, or a copy of it, or a photo of it: your DOB, gender, home address, etc. Way, way too much.

Which is why I'm one of the many (what is it 70%?) who have the Japanese ID number, but chose not to apply the ID card.

What's the big deal? My driver's license has all the same things and I carry it around all the time.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

HenryKToday  12:15 pm JST

You also need a SS number.

I will receive both from the US and Japan.

From IRS website my check will be mailed 4/24.

Where did you find out when it would be sent?

1 ( +1 / -0 )

@ShinCebu- How do you have the right to refuse something that is sent automatically to you as a tax paying resident. The óption' is to apply for the physical card. Hence most people have not botherd as the process (where I live at least) is a pain.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

zichiToday  01:01 pm JST

HenryK

You also need a SS number. I will receive both from the US and Japan.

From IRS website my check will be mailed 4/24.

I'm not American but pay taxes but don't have a SS number so not entitled for the Trump check.

@zichi

If you are not American why are you paying US taxes? And how are you paying it without an SSN, or a TIN?

If you are filing using a TIN, you are elligible.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Corona-tax just around the corner.. I can just see it poking it's head out........ Now.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

The US is already thinking about a Second Stimulus Check, or more.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/ryanguina/2020/04/20/will-2000-monthly-stimulus-check-save-economy/#365a8b5c638d

1 ( +1 / -0 )

zichiToday  01:36 pm JST

OssanAmerica

@zichi

If you are not American why are you paying US taxes? And how are you paying it without an SSN, or a TIN?

If you are filing using a TIN, you are elligible.

Family story, equity and business. The tax is deducted at source mostly. Last month paid $10,000. I don't have a TIN but thought I should apply for one.

Not only Americans pay American taxes.

So are you talking about a corporate (or otherwise non-individual) income tax filing under an EIN? No individual can file a US tax return with out an SSN or TIN.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Those receiving the $1,200 from the U.S, are taxpayers, social security recipients or did not make enough money to pay taxes. However, all are citizens. Though often ignored, there are at least the last vestiges of a social compact. If you pay taxes, working in Japan that certainly qualifies, especially if you are currently furloughed due to the contagion. Abe, did not conceive the 100,000 yen for each citizen. It was initially proposed by the opposition and opposed by Abe.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Back in 2009, it was a simple procedure, the city office sends it to your registered address or whoever is the head of the household, IIRC the name address etc was already printed, you just needed to supply your banking deposit information, and send it back.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Why are some people assuming that all foreigners and JT readers are from USA?

1 ( +5 / -4 )

Lowering tax back to 5% would lead to long term recovery. This smells like a popularity bride like Aso did a few years back?

0 ( +6 / -6 )

@taj: You know you do LEGALLY have to carry your Resident card with you on person, which has all said details!

0 ( +2 / -2 )

This is a lazy way to make it seem like you want to help the people for the most part

0 ( +1 / -1 )

not a criticism zichi - a pure statement of fact. No need for that kind of reply.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

My Number is still optional. The individual still has the right to refuse it. So I think the government offer another option to let those people get their subsidies. by the way, does anyone know if a family has 6 members, still they get 100,000 for each of them? i heard that the government will just give up to 300,000 limit for each family. so if you are 4 in the family you only get 300,000. thanks

0 ( +0 / -0 )

My Number is still optional. The individual still has the right to refuse it. So I think the government offer another option to let those people get their subsidies. by the way, does anyone know if a family has 6 members, still they get 100,000 for each of them? i heard that the government will just give up to 300,000 limit for each family. so if you are 4 in the family you only get 300,000. thanks

Not sure about the "optional" thing, but if you're worried, have your wife register as a different domicile and get your "full" 600,000 yen. Switch back afterwards.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

I only hope parents of many kids not using this "heavenly gift" in gambles. It was discussed when Aso was prime-minister that money 1/10 of this time, be a "Rose Gold".

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Thats right zichi - Assume you are a green card holder and wish to retain. Unless you have property there and pay tax on that, there is no need to pay American tax as a non citizen.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Are people currently not in japan also eligible? Like myself being a permanent residence of japan but currently not in Japan.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

SOFA status people technically have NO visa status in Japan. SO it wouldnt matter to them anyway, and to get the 1200 US you would have had to file a tax return for last year, so those here in Japan from the US who did file one could be eligible for both!

NO, that is not true, you cannot get a tax return from the US and Japan both. This is not a course in taxes but did ask the IRS directly.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

I'm sick & tired of Abe and his crooked bunch of crony....

...that covers about 127 million people, including foreign nationals

Always rated Big Shinzo, fabulous leader, thumbs up.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Where can I apply. I only speak English.

That’s debatable. It’s been stated several times that the information has not been released yet.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

It's good that all residents, and not just Japanese citizens qualify. This is in no thanks to that disgraceful excuse of a woman, Onoda Kimi, an LDP politician who vehemently objected to any financial assistance given to any foreigners. This self-loathing person, born in USA to an American father, even clung onto to her American citizenship until 3 years ago, a decade after she was supposed to renounce it.

Maybe she was bullied for being a gaijin when she was young, who knows.

There are two trains of thought here. You get abused when you're young and you grow up vowing that nobody should have to go through what you did. Or you can say, sod that, if I suffered, so should others. I see her in the second category. Doing a 180, so that she be accepted as a 100% wajin. Resign already!

0 ( +1 / -1 )

@zichi

The tax treaty states if a person is paying tax in their own country they should not pay tax in another one.

So you are declaring that US income in your tax reporting in Japan, but still not able to get that 30% back?

If that is the case, you need a new US tax attorny. BTW, do not assume I have no direct experience. I have gotten the 15% (corporate witholding rate) back for foreign corporations on W8-BEN-E, and I doubt the W8-BEN for indivuduals works differently. I am giving your real life experience going back decades. Good luck to you.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Doug, what about people with a three year visa?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Bugle Boy - If you are here on a proper working Visa - you're good to go. Paper form (when it arrives) if you don't have a My Number Card - Seems like online if you DO have a My Number Card. No forthcoming info yet if there there will be anything in English, but I'm sure we all know someone who can help. If it is like like the last Helicopter Payment then you won't have to supply much more than information than is already on your Residence Card anyway - and your bank account details. I don't foresee any privacy issues at all - unless you are someone like @smithinjapan who thinks giving out his phone number is a civil rights issue.

I kind of see Dougs point - (I've been here 30 years and have PR) but its very difficult to know where to draw the line.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Can anyone please answer my question will be very thankful and helpful

I have three children living and studying in India but me and my wife live and work here in japan!!!

at first 1 year we even got their kodomo teate but after that they stopped the money

now they have juminsho with us and also the my number so are they eligible to get the money aswell???

will be thankful for the answer

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Pukey2Today  08:24 am JST

Why are some people assuming that all foreigners and JT readers are from USA?

If the post doesn't apply to you just ignore it.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

@Harry_Gatto Apr. 21  10:03 am JST

tajToday  08:49 am JST

"The Japanese card tells anyone who happens upon it, or a copy of it, or a photo of it: your DOB, gender, home address, etc. Way, way too much."

But you carry a Resident Card and maybe a Driving Licence?

and @theResident, who said basically the same thing,

Yes, I carry my Drivers License, which includes a lot of info (but not place of birth) and which I use for ID when asked. I usually also carry my residency card, which I will not use as an ID card when asked. If a gym or video rental type place says they need it, I tell them to use the drivers license like they do for everyone else. That card is for Ministry of Justice departments only.

Neither the driving license nor he gaijin card contains the Social Insurance/Tax number (the mainaambaa)

0 ( +1 / -1 )

I have My Number but not the Card for fear of having it stolen and loans taken out on it. Here is the official site for just My Number not the application (I know they could have searched it themselves.)

https://www.kojinbango-card.go.jp/en/

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

so if there is a wife and 2 kids someone will get 400,000 yen? I dont have that situation but I hope it helps others who are in need more than I am.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Whereis the link to apply ?

I need the link,because I'm foreigners and have resident card

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Readers, please note there is no link yet.

PLEASE do not forget to send mine.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

This money should only apply to citizens and long term residents (pr status).

yes, because only these people contribute to society.

???

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

But people are greedy by nature, so of course they will apply even if they thought they don't deserve it. Just as they will claim it from as many sources as they can if possible.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

expect huge tax increase !!

-2 ( +7 / -9 )

Free money is always welcome. And for say a family of 5, the ¥500 000 could go a long way for a few months to buy necessities, and even a few extras to help stimulate the economy. For example, a new TV, or cellphones, clothes etc. It will be a shot in the arm to the retail sector in this time of disaster.

Well done to Japan in dealing with the economic side of this crisis. Now to ramp up the medical side...

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

Where can I apply. I only speak English.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

If you have a My number. Is it just simply too easy to have the money sent?

-3 ( +4 / -7 )

Cheaped-out!

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

Lots of American living in Japan, will not get 1200 dollar.

Of course not. Why would non-resident (in the USA) American citizens receive $1,200 from Uncle Sam while living here in Japan?

Does anyone know of a reputable charity in Japan that accepts donations to help those families or elderly who still won’t be able to get by?

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

The reason it shouldn't go to non citizens and non-long term residents is because, for example, Americans here already qualify for free money from the US. And many other countries are in the works for doing the same. They don't deserve double pay outs. And as the plan reads, over 3 month stayers will get the money, so they have literally contributed nothing. Most of these people have no intention on staying here long term, thus not contributing anything.

-3 ( +3 / -6 )

The obvious first line for me is if you are in Japan from a country which is giving out its own relief funds, such as the USA (regardless of how much time you are living in Japan). After that, there needs to be some reasonable line and sorry, but it's not the 3 month mark.

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

Damage limitation here! Not doing the application in English might decrease handouts or increase dodgy services to aid applicants. Therefore reducing the bill and making the vulnerable more vulnerable. Another sen-wise Yen foolish move. It’s clear now that although Japan is so risk-adverse the government clearly isn’t cos it’s obvious they had no worse-case scenario plan at all! Disgraceful!

-4 ( +1 / -5 )

This money should only apply to citizens and long term residents (pr status).

-4 ( +0 / -4 )

mailing applications? are they obsessed with wasting money?

-5 ( +4 / -9 )

The reaction from foreign residents to this has been really disappointing - and irritating. So many don't even bother to read the article and jump to ignorant conclusions.

As soon as the news was released, there were assumptions that foreign residents wouldn't get the money, which led to immediate accusations of racism and some appalling anti-Japanese sentiment. Those people should be ashamed.

And there's no link? Why do you think that is? ffs.

-5 ( +16 / -21 )

If you have a My number. Is it just simply too easy to have the money sent

yeah they should really make it harder for you to get your free money

-5 ( +3 / -8 )

Why do you think there is no link? 

Ooh, let's have a think...

Because there isn't one yet, they are busy making the forms and website. These things take more than a couple of days to complete.

Of course if they rushed it and there were inevitable errors you lot'd be delighted to have something else to whine about.

-5 ( +6 / -11 )

I applied for My Number nearly two months ago and I have yet to receive notification even though it is supposed to take one month.

An application form will be mailed to everyone that is eligible

I am concerned that someone at the ward office might see and other foreign residents me as "not eligible" for some bogus reason.

-10 ( +7 / -17 )

What?

No link to apply?

-24 ( +5 / -29 )

Lots of American living in Japan, will not get 1200 dollars

-31 ( +1 / -32 )

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