The number of applications for welfare assistance nationwide in March this year was about 3,2, an increase of more than 4400% compared to March last year, and the second largest increase since 3, when surveys using the current method began.
According to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, 3,2 applications for public assistance were filed nationwide in March this year, an increase of 4493,3, or 4700.23%, compared to March last year.
This is the third consecutive month above the same month of the previous year, and the rate of increase is the second largest since April 7, when the current survey began, after April 3, when the employment situation deteriorated after the first state of emergency was declared due to the new coronavirus.
In addition, 3,2 households started receiving welfare benefits in March, a 2190% increase compared to March last year.
There are 3,25,164 households receiving welfare benefits nationwide.
According to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, "The large increase rate is due to the low level of applications in March last year, but it seems that the prolonged impact of the new coronavirus and the economic situation, including high prices, are also having an effect.