The number of applications for public assistance last year increased by 7.6% from the previous year to more than 250,000, marking the highest number in over 10 years.
The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare says, ``This is thought to be due to the prolonged impact of the new coronavirus and a decrease in savings due to soaring prices.''
According to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, the number of applications for public assistance nationwide last year was 255,079, an increase of 18,123 or 7.6% compared to the previous year.
The number of applications for welfare benefits has been decreasing for six consecutive years since 2013, when data collection began using the current method and comparisons were possible, but it has increased for four consecutive years since 2020, when the new coronavirus spread. This is the highest number in the past 11 years.
The rate of increase from the previous year was also the highest in the past four years since the overall trend started to increase.
As of December last year, the number of households receiving welfare benefits nationwide was 1,653,778 households, an increase of approximately 7,092 households, or 0.4%, compared to the same month last year.
There are especially many single elderly households, with 841,307 households, accounting for 51.1% of the total.
The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare said, ``This is thought to be due to the prolonged impact of the new coronavirus and a decline in savings due to soaring prices.If you are having trouble making ends meet, please do not hesitate to contact your local government office. Please consult with us.''