A Expansion of Child Allowance in Japan and Its Implications : Focusing on the 2024 Revision of the Child Allowance Act

The Child Allowance Act was enacted in 2018. At the time of its introduction, the child allowance was paid to children under the age of 6, but it is now paid to children under the age of 8. However, from the perspective of caregivers, there has been a policy demands for expanding the eligibility criteria for the child allowance, as child allowance payments are discontinued at a time when the burden of childcare expenses increases. Related bills are currently pending in the National Assembly. This study analyzes the key provisions of Japan's 2024 revision of the Child Allowance Act, which has been ahead of Korea in terms of recognizing the severity of low birth rates and implementing policy responses, to derive implications for Korea. In Japan, since the enactment of the Child Allowance Act in 1971, several policy changes have been made, and under the “Unprecedented Countermeasures against the Declining Birthrate,” fundamental revisions to the Child Allowance Act were implemented in 2024 as part of the “Acceleration Plan.” The income limit was abolished, and special allowances were eliminated, shifting to universal payments. The payment period was extended to include high school age group. The multiple-child allowance system was strengthened, and significant changes were made to the cost burden provisions regarding funding sources. From Japan's revision, it can be inferred that in our case, while ultimately expanding the eligibility criteria, it is necessary to implement changes gradually. Additionally, it is important to concurrently review the multiple-child allowance system. Particularly regarding funding sources, it is important to ensure the stability and sustainability of the system through sufficient discussion and research with a broad perspective.