When parents receive welfare, there’s a common belief that family members must support them. However, some people find it difficult to do so and wonder if they are truly obligated to provide support. Let’s explore the responsibilities of a child when their parents receive welfare.
Prioritizing Support Obligations Before Welfare
In principle, family support obligations take precedence over welfare. This obligation typically applies to spouses, children, parents, grandparents, and siblings, as well as in-laws within the third degree of kinship (under special circumstances). If a family member cannot support themselves, relatives are expected to help before welfare steps in.
Support Obligation is Not Absolute
Although there is a support obligation, it is not absolute. Ideally, children should support their parents before they turn to welfare. However, welfare applications can proceed without consulting or obtaining consent from those who are obligated to support.
When parents apply for welfare, a “support inquiry” is generally made, asking the obligated family members if they can support the applicant. Ethically, it might feel necessary to respond affirmatively, but it is not required to the point of personal hardship. The support obligation is not absolute, and one’s own life takes priority.
Even if you earn a high income, you are not necessarily required to support your parents at the expense of your own or your family’s well-being. If feasible, you should provide support, but not at the cost of significantly impacting your own life.
Implications of Providing Support
If you stretch your finances to provide even a small amount of support (e.g., ¥10,000 per month), it won’t reduce the parent’s welfare burden. The support you provide will be deducted from the welfare benefits your parent receives. Hence, the total aid remains unchanged, but the burden on you increases. If you are suddenly unable to continue the support, it could leave your parent in a precarious situation.
Knowing this, it’s acceptable to refuse to support if it’s too burdensome.
Will Parents Be Denied Welfare if Support is Refused?
Refusing to support does not disqualify parents from receiving welfare. According to the Edogawa Ward in Tokyo, welfare will not be denied solely because family support is not provided.
Moreover, it is becoming more common for support inquiries not to be conducted. The government has issued directives to avoid these inquiries in certain situations, such as when family support is deemed unlikely due to estrangement, past or ongoing financial disputes, or other significant issues.
Conclusion
Children are not required to support their parents who are receiving welfare, nor do they need to be consulted beforehand. While it might be ideal to support parents if financially able, it is not necessary to the point of personal hardship. Refusal to support does not prevent parents from receiving welfare, nor does it result in penalties for the child.
If there are concerns about the welfare system, consulting with a social welfare council or similar organization is recommended.