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HR-Focused MHLW Grants 1/3: For hiring single mothers, individuals with disabilities, and displaced Ukrainians

While Small Business Japan has typically focused on subsidies from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), this article introduces those provided by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW), which promote the improvement of the working environment and conditions at companies.

Yumiko Horie

Yumiko Horie

— 6 min read
HR-Focused MHLW Grants 1/3: For hiring single mothers, individuals with disabilities, and displaced Ukrainians
MHLW grants can be used for HR and staffing. Photo by Eric Prouzet / Unsplash

MHLW's initiatives on enhancing HR & improving work environments

The differing jurisdictions of these ministries reflect their distinct focuses: the METI primarily promotes industrial growth, whereas the MHLW aims to improve the labour and employment environment through grants for HR-related expenses, which are called 'joseikin' (助成金) in general.

In Japan, the terms 'hojokin' (補助金) and 'joseikin' (助成金) both translate to 'subsidy' in English, particularly in the context of the government programme. For clarity, in Small Business Japan, we will use 'subsidy' when referring to hojokin (typically from the METI) and 'grant' when referring to joseikin (typically from the MHLW).

While subsidy applications are often associated with complex paperwork, the grants introduced here (unlike those from METI) have relatively straightforward procedures. The MHLW encourages companies to improve their working environments and employee conditions.

The most essential requirement for these grants is that your company must be covered by employment insurance.

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Important: Applications for these grants must be completed either by the company itself or by a certified social insurance labour consultant (社会保険労務士 or sharoshi), acting as their representative. If your company has a designated specialist, please consult them. Also, information may be subject to change after April due to the fiscal year transition.

MHLW offers various grants to support businesses and employees. This series examines three key MHLW grant initiatives. This article focuses on the first.

  1. Grant for Promoting Employment of Specified Job Seekers (特定求職者雇用開発助成金): Supports hiring single mothers, people over 60, people with disabilities, and evacuees from Ukraine.
  2. Grant for Career Development (キャリアアップ助成金): Supports companies that convert contract or fixed-term employees to permanent positions.
  3. Grant for Promoting Workplace Reform (働き方改革推進助成金): Financial support for a variety of productivity-enhancing initiatives.

We sought the expertise of Mr Tomohiko Narai, a certified social insurance labour consultant, or sharoshi, to understand the procedures and key points.

You can also contact Mr Narai for further assistance via his corporate website.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an advertisement for Narai's services.

(1) Grant for promoting employment of 'specified job seekers'

For companies hiring single mothers, individuals over 60 y.o., individuals with disabilities, and Ukrainians displaced to Japan*

Overview: The grant promotes the employment of individuals facing barriers to employment. Disabilities include physical, intellectual, mental, developmental, and intractable diseases. Grants are provided to employer enterprises. To receive the grant, job offers must be made through Hello Work. See the details below. *Displaced Ukrainians must apply for supplementary protection certification.

Grant disbursement:

The grant is paid to companies in two disbursements:

  • Six months after the employee's start date
  • One year after the employee's start date

This grant is paid directly to the employer, not the employee.

Time-sensitive: Hello Work application required before hiring

Applying for this grant requires careful attention to detail. Here's some expert advice from Tomohiko Narai, an experienced sharoshi, to guide you through the process.

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