[Applications closed] Launching the Young Carer Independence Support Grant Program

Young people who routinely take on — or have taken on — roles normally handled by adults, such as caring for family members, housework, emotional support, or supporting the household finances (referred to below as “young carers”), often feel anxious about starting a new chapter of life, such as further education, employment, or living on their own.
This program delivers flexible financial support in cash, with a high degree of freedom in how it is used, to young carers who tend to fall through the gaps of existing support systems. Its aim is to make sure they don’t miss the chance to take an important step toward their future, such as going on to higher education or moving out on their own.

This is more than simple financial aid: we believe in your motivation to build an independent life, and we aim to give you a strong push to make it happen.

• Eligibility

  Applicants must meet all of the following:

  • Aged roughly 18 to 25 (up to 30)
  • Planning to enter university, junior college, or vocational school in April 2026, or motivated to leave the family home and start a new life
  • Unable, or finding it difficult, to receive financial support from family
  • Has experience providing family care as a young carer, and that experience has affected their daily life, education, or career
• Grant amount

  150,000 yen paid as a lump sum
  *Installments negotiable

• Number of recipients

  Up to 6 (approx. 2 in the second round)

• Application period

  January 13, 2026 – January 19, 2026, 10:00 a.m. (planned)

• Screening period

  January 20, 2026 – end of January 2026 (planned)

• Planned payment date

  February–March 2026 (planned)

• Payment method

  Bank transfer to an account in the applicant’s own name

  *If you do not have your own bank account, we can help you open one.

• Please read the terms of use before applying.
• If your email address, phone number, or other details are entered incorrectly or incompletely, your application will be invalid (treated as cancelled). Please double-check your entries for typos.
• If the email address you entered is incorrect, we may contact you by phone.
• If you do not receive our email, search your mailbox for “ヤングケアラー協会” (Young Carers Association) or check your spam folder.
• After submitting the application form, you will have an online or in-person interview with our reviewers to discuss your application in detail.
• We will do our best to schedule the interview at your convenience, though in some cases we may need to ask you to adjust.
• Depending on your circumstances and where you live, interviews can be held online or in person (we can arrange a venue such as a private meeting room or a local public facility). We will work with you individually so you can attend with peace of mind.
• After interviewing all applicants, the review committee will meet to decide the grant recipients. Please note that applying does not guarantee that you will receive the grant.
• When applying, you will be asked to submit a photo of an identity document (e.g., My Number card or health insurance card). If you do not have one, a piece of mail showing your name and address can be used instead.
• Applicants under 18 (minors) must have a guardian’s consent. We may confirm this consent by phone or other means as needed.
• We cannot respond to individual inquiries about screening results. Thank you for your understanding.
• If any false statements are found in an application, the grant may be revoked even after it has been awarded.
• If you receive public assistance (seikatsu hogo), the grant may be counted as income. You may need to check with your caseworker in advance.
• We may confirm application details with the welfare agency or NPO that referred you to this program, with your prior consent given on the application form.
• Personal information you provide will not be used for any purpose other than running this project.

Young Carers Association — Young Carer Independence Support Grant Project Office
Email: benefit@youngcarerjapan.com