Q1. What is the purpose of this project?

The purpose of this project is to reduce the financial burden on parents by subsidizing part of the fees for children who are not attending school during compulsory education and who attend free schools, so that children who are unable to adapt to school life can grow up as they are.

Q2. What kind of facilities are “free schools, etc.”?

Generally, this refers to private facilities that provide learning activities, educational counseling, and experiential programs for children who do not attend school.
The scale and activities vary widely, and these facilities are established and operated under private autonomy and initiative.
The requirements for free schools, etc. under this program are listed in the "Project Overview".
For details, please check the following link.
※ Project Overview

Q3. If I attend school outside of Tokyo, am I eligible?

If you live in the city, you are eligible.

Q4. Are children of foreign nationality eligible?

If you live in Tokyo and are attending a Japanese school, you are eligible.

Q5. Are there any requirements regarding the number of days absent?

There is no requirement for the number of days absent.

Q6. Are children in foster care or in child welfare facilities such as orphanages eligible?

You may be eligible.
We need to confirm the status, etc., so please contact the secretariat.

[Tokyo Free School Usage Fee Subsidy Office (Trustee: Adecco Co., Ltd.)]
Telephone: 03-6800-8763
Email: Info(at)tokyo-fs-support.jp
*The e-mail address has been changed to prevent spam mail.
We apologize for the inconvenience, but please replace (at) with @.

Q7. Who is eligible for the grant? Parents or children?

In this program, the subsidy recipient must be a parent or guardian.
Please apply if you are a parent or guardian living in Tokyo who has a contract with a free school, etc.
For details on eligibility requirements, please check the following link.
* Project Overview

Q8. Do I need to be the legal guardian to be eligible for the grant?

If there is no parental authority, a guardian for the minor can be the recipient of the subsidy.
For more information, please contact the secretariat.

[Tokyo Free School Fee Subsidy Secretariat (Contractor: Adecco Co., Ltd.)]
Tel: 03-6800-8763
Email: Info(at)tokyo-fs-support.metro.tokyo.lg.jp
*The email address has been changed to prevent spam.
Please replace (at) with @ when using the email address.

Q9. The father has a contract with a free school, etc. In this case, can the mother be eligible for the subsidy?

The recipients of the subsidy are parents who have a contract with a free school, etc. Therefore, in this case, the father is the recipient of the subsidy.
If the mother is in daily contact with the school, the mother's name, etc. must also be included in the application.

Q10 I am currently working away from home outside of Tokyo and do not live with my children. Can I still be eligible for the subsidy?

A solo assignment is considered an unavoidable relocation due to company circumstances. Therefore, by submitting documents that verify you have relocated from within Tokyo to outside Tokyo for such an assignment, you may become eligible for the subsidy after review.
Additionally, if you are not living with your child, you must enter the name and other details of the person currently living with the child in the application form.
For details regarding the required verification documents, please kindly contact the administrative office.

【Tokyo Free School, etc. Usage Fee Subsidy Office (Contractor: Adecco Ltd.)】
Phone: 03-6800-8763
Email: Info(at)tokyo-fs-support.metro.tokyo.lg.jp
*To prevent spam, the email address format has been altered.
Please replace (at) with @ when sending your message.

Q11. I have temporarily evacuated outside of Tokyo due to certain circumstances. In this case, can I still be eligible for the grant?

Please contact the office to confirm the status.

[Tokyo Free School Usage Fee Subsidy Office (Trustee: Adecco Co., Ltd.)]
Telephone: 03-6800-8763
Email: Info(at)tokyo-fs-support.jp
*The e-mail address has been changed to prevent spam mail.
We apologize for the inconvenience, but please replace (at) with @.

Q12. My grandmother, who does not have parental authority, has a contract with a free school, etc. In this case, can my grandmother be eligible for the subsidy?

As a general rule, only those with parental authority can be eligible for the subsidy.
However, if the parental authority is unable to cover the usage fees, they may be eligible for the subsidy.
For more information, please contact the secretariat.
[Tokyo Free School Usage Fee Subsidy Secretariat (Contractor: Adecco Co., Ltd.)]
Tel: 03-6800-8763
Email: Info(at)tokyo-fs-support.metro.tokyo.lg.jp
*The email address has been changed to prevent spam.
Please be sure to replace (at) with @ when using the email address.

Q13 Why can only those who have a contract with a free school, etc. be eligible for the subsidy?

The purpose of this project is to reduce the financial burden on those who pay fees for free schools and other facilities.

Q14 I am a foreign national. Can I still receive the grant?

If you have an address in Tokyo, you may be eligible to apply even if you are a foreign national.
Please check the details of the eligibility requirements at the following link.
* Project Overview

Q15 Are there any income restrictions?

There are no income restrictions.

Q16 I am attending a free school outside of Tokyo. Is this eligible?

The location of a free school etc. is not a requirement for receiving the grant.

Q17. Are international schools included?

A The requirement for the subusidy is that the facility's primary purpose is to provide support for students who are not attending school.

Q18. Are online schools included?

Since the subsidy requires that the facility be a day care facility, it is not eligible.

Q19 I am attending a free school that combines online and daycare. Does this qualify?

It is eligible if the course is based on attending the center and also uses online services as a supplement depending on the child's condition.
Even if the facility is a day care facility, it is not eligible if a course that involves online activities only is selected.

Additional Information
○If the usage fee based on attending the center includes online activities, this usage fee is eligible.
○If the usage fee based on attending the center and the online usage fee are set separately, the online usage fee is not eligible.
○If a usage fee is paid each time in addition to the basic fee, only the usage fee for attending the center is eligible, and the usage fee for online activities is not eligible.

Q20 I am attending a free school that offers both daytime and evening courses. If I choose a Sunday-only course or an evening-only course, will it be eligible?

Not eligible.
Even if the facility is a day care facility, the subsidy requirement is that children attend the facility mainly during the daytime.

Q21 Why is attendance during daytime hours a requirement?

The purpose of this project is to support children and students who have difficulty attending school by providing them with a "third place" to be active outside of school and home.

Q22 I am planning to attend a free school that is scheduled to open in the future. Will this be eligible?

Any facility that opens in the month the subsidy begins can apply.

Q23 What kind of facility is a facility whose primary purpose is to provide support for students who are not attending school?

This facility accepts children who are not attending school and provides them with mental care and education.

Q24 My child is attending a free school that supports children who are not attending school, but this fact is not stated on the school's website. Is this case eligible?

When applying for the grant, you will need to submit documents that prove that the facility is "a facility whose primary purpose is to support school refusal."
Documents other than a website (pamphlets, articles of incorporation, etc.) are acceptable. Please ask the free school etc. to prepare the documents.

Q25. Are schools with diverse learning programs (so-called special schools for students who are not attending school) eligible?

Diversified learning schools are stipulated in the School Education Act and are therefore not subject to the program.

Q26 Are free schools that only hold events eligible?

Since the facility must be continuously open as a day care facility, it is not eligible.

Q28 What specific expenses does the "usage fee" refer to?

This is the fee paid regularly or each time a child attends a free school, etc.
However, the subsidy does not cover enrolment fees, fees paid separately from the usage fee (facility operating fees, teaching materials fees, event participation fees, etc.), or transportation costs to commute to the school.

Q29 Will the subsidy be a fixed amount of 20,000 yen per month?

Subsidies are not paid at a fixed amount.
The amount applied for (amount approved for grant) will be paid, up to a maximum of 20,000 yen per month.
However, if the amount actually paid to the free school etc. is less than the amount applied for (amount approved for grant), the amount actually paid will be paid.

Q30 Are the usage fees paid in the application month eligible for subsidy?

As a general rule, applications must be made from the 1st of the month before the month in which the subsidy starts to the last day of the previous month, but applications can be made retroactively up to the usage fee for April 2024. However, the timing of subsidy payment varies depending on when the application was submitted.For details on the application acceptance period, please check the link below.
※Business overview

Q31 The receipt from the free school etc. does not say "usage fee," but is it still eligible for subsidy?

It does not necessarily have to be written as "usage fee," but if it cannot be confirmed that the expense is equivalent to a "usage fee," it may not be eligible for subsidy.

Q32 If a child attends multiple free schools, etc., will the fees for all of them be subsidized?

Children attending multiple facilities are also eligible for the subsidy, but the subsidy is capped at 20,000 yen per child per month.

Q33 If my child attends multiple free schools, how do I apply?

You can apply for multiple free schools, etc. until the total application amount per month reaches 20,000 yen (*).
(If the application amount per month exceeds 20,000 yen (*), you do not need to apply for the second or subsequent free school.)

If you apply by mail, please use the special We will send you the form, so please contact our office and request it to be sent to you.

[Tokyo Free School Usage Fee Subsidy Office (Trustee: Adecco Co., Ltd.)]
Telephone: 03-6800-8763
Email: Info(at)tokyo-fs-support.jp
*The e-mail address has been changed to prevent spam mail.
We apologize for the inconvenience, but please replace (at) with @.

Q34 Where do I apply?

Online applications can be made from "My Page" on the top page.

In addition, if you do not have an internet connection, you can apply online from "My Page" on the top page.

In addition, if you are unable to apply online due to lack of internet access, you can apply by mail.
If you have difficulty printing the application documents, please contact the secretariat and request that the application documents be sent.

[Tokyo Free School Usage Fee Subsidy Office (Trustee: Adecco Co., Ltd.)]
Telephone: 03-6800-8763
Email: Info(at)tokyo-fs-support.jp
*The e-mail address has been changed to prevent spam mail.
We apologize for the inconvenience, but please replace (at) with @.

Q35 Can I bring my application documents directly to the office?

Submission in person is not accepted. Only online or postal applications are accepted.
For details on applicant requirements, please refer to the link below.
※Application Method

Q36 My child is living in a dormitory at his/her school. Is this eligible?

Children are eligible if they live in a dormitory designated by their school. You will need a dormitory certificate issued by your school, so please contact the office for details.

[Tokyo Free School Usage Fee Subsidy Office (Trustee: Adecco Co., Ltd.)]
Telephone: 03-6800-8763
Email: Info(at)tokyo-fs-support.jp
*The e-mail address has been changed to prevent spam mail.
We apologize for the inconvenience, but please replace (at) with @.

Q37 I have been told to submit documents (pamphlets, leaflets, flyers, etc.) that confirm the fee structure of free schools, etc., but what exactly should I submit?

If the document is multi-page, such as a pamphlet, please submit it with the cover page and the section with the fee structure clearly visible.
If the document is a single page, such as a flyer, please submit the entire flyer.

Q38. It says that I need documents (pamphlets and articles of incorporation) that prove that my main purpose is to support children who are not attending school, but what exactly do I need to submit?

If the document is multi-page, such as a pamphlet, please submit it with the cover page and the part that says "Our main purpose is to support children who are not attending school" clearly visible.
If the document is a single page, such as a flyer, please submit the entire flyer.

Q39 Can I only apply online once I have all the necessary documents, such as the confirmation letter from the free school (Form No. 2) and identification documents?

You can fill out the application form before you have all the documents required for your application, but simply filling out the application form does not mean your application is complete.
Please note that your application will be complete only after you have filled out the application form and uploaded the application documents.
You can also temporarily save your application by filling out part of it and pressing "Save and Next," and then resume entering information from where you left off.

Q40 I would like to apply for two children. Do I need two My Pages?

You can apply for multiple children on My Page, so there is no need to create a separate My Page for each child. Please note that you will need to fill out an application form for each child.
Once you have completed the application for the first child, the "Apply" button at the top of the screen will change to "Apply for second or subsequent child," and you will be able to register a second child.

Q41 If I attend multiple free schools, how should I enter the information?

Click the ⊕ button next to "Enter information about the second and subsequent free schools" at the bottom of the page "3. Free schools, etc. that you plan to attend" in the application form and enter information about the second and subsequent free schools.

Please only enter information if any of the following applies.
① If the total (※) of the monthly usage fee (tax included) or average monthly usage fee (tax included) for the first free school, etc. is less than 20,000 yen​
② If you plan to attend (are attending) another free school, etc. during a period other than the grant application period entered in the first section
(※) If there is a deduction, that amount will be deducted

Q42 The monthly application amount and grant application amount are not displayed. (A hyphen (-) is displayed.)

If multiple free schools are entered, a hyphen (－) will be displayed.Click here for details.

Q43 What should I do if I want to modify my application after completing the online application?

You cannot change the status of "Reception Completed" on My Page. If you find any input errors or changes, please contact the office.

[Tokyo Free School Usage Fee Subsidy Office (Trustee: Adecco Co., Ltd.)]
Telephone: 03-6800-8763
Email: Info(at)tokyo-fs-support.jp
*The e-mail address has been changed to prevent spam mail.
We apologize for the inconvenience, but please replace (at) with @.

Q44 I have completed my online application, but the status is "Accepted" instead of "Application Completed." Does this mean that my application is not yet complete?

Once your online application is complete, the status on your My Page will change to "Accepted."
Then the status will change to "Contents being reviewed," and the secretariat will review the information you entered and the documents you provide.
Once the content review has been completed, the status will change to "Application completed"
Your application will not be reviewed until the status changes to "Application completed," so please check your My Page regularly even after completing your online application (it will change to "Application completed" approximately within three weeks of application).

Q45 After applying, the status on my page has not changed from "Verifying details." Please let me know the current situation.

For applications whose status is "Confirming contents", please wait as the secretariat will review the input contents and documents one by one.
When "Application Completed" is displayed, it means that the confirmation of the contents of the documents has been completed. Please wait until you receive the screening results.
*If there are any deficiencies in the application content, we will contact you via email and ask you to make corrections.
*If the status does not change to "Application Complete" even after 3 weeks have passed since you applied, please contact the secretariat.

[Tokyo Free School Usage Fee Subsidy Office (Trustee: Adecco Co., Ltd.)]
Telephone: 03-6800-8763
Email: Info(at)tokyo-fs-support.jp
*The e-mail address has been changed to prevent spam mail.
We apologize for the inconvenience, but please replace (at) with @.

Q46 After submitting the application, is it possible to recheck the images and PDF files of the documents I uploaded?

As a general rule, it is not possible to check the documents you have uploaded after submitting your application. Please be sure to keep the documents you uploaded when applying.
You can also check your application form in the "Application/Payment Status" section on the top page of your My Page.

Q47 When I was performing official personal authentication, my signature digital certificate (signature password 6-16 digits) was locked. What should I do?

The password for digital signatures can be reset.
Please refer to the website of the Local Government Information System Organization or contact the municipal office where your residence is registered.

Local Government Information System Organization Website (External Site)
https://www.jpki.go.jp/jpkiidreset/howto/index.html

Q48 When will the grant be paid?

After submitting the quarterly performance report, a review will be conducted and the subsidy will be provided.
The scheduled payment month for each quarter is listed below.
※Program Overview_Payment Schedule
Please note that if there are any issues with the report, the payment may be delayed.

Q49 Does the account into which the grant payment is made need to be in the name of the grant recipient (guardian)?

The account must be in the name of the grant recipient.

Q50 Can I receive the grant in cash?

Only transfers to banks and other financial institutions are accepted.

Q51 If I do not have a receipt for the fees I paid to a free school, etc., are there any alternative documents I can use?

In order to receive the subsidy, a receipt verifying payment of the usage fee is required. Please consult with the free school etc. where your child attends.

Q52 What should I do if the amount on the receipt includes items other than the usage fee?

It is essential that the receipt clearly shows the amount of the fee, including a breakdown of the amount. Please consult with the free school etc. that your child attends.

Q52 I paid the usage fee for March 2025 in April. Will a subsidy be provided in this case?

Usage fees paid to free schools, etc., by March 31, 2026, are eligible for the subsidy. This case is not eligible, so please be aware.
If the payment date is on or after April 1, 2026, the subsidy cannot be granted.

Q54 If the child becomes eligible for subsidies from April, do I also need to prepare a record of attendance at free schools, etc. from April?

A form must be created for each month for which the subsidy is provided. Please ask the free school etc. to create one for each month starting from April.

Q55. For online documents, are there any restrictions on the file format that must be uploaded?

Please upload in JPG, PNG, or PDF format.
※How to apply

Q56 What is the maximum file size when uploading documents?

The maximum size per file is 10MB.
If you want to lower the image quality, please make sure the text is legible before uploading.

Q57 My local government also provides subsidies for free schools. Is it possible to receive both subsidies at the same time?

If, at the time of your application to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, you have received a grant from another local government for the same usage fee, you will need to deduct that grant from your subsidy-eligible expenses. Please contact the office for details.

[Tokyo Free School Usage Fee Subsidy Office (Trustee: Adecco Co., Ltd.)]
Telephone: 03-6800-8763
Email: Info(at)tokyo-fs-support.jp
*The e-mail address has been changed to prevent spam mail.
We apologize for the inconvenience, but please replace (at) with @.

Q58 If I am receiving tuition assistance, am I still eligible?

It is eligible.

Q59 If I receive this subsidy, can the days I attend a free school etc. be counted as attendance on the school record?

Since the eligibility requirements for this subsidy are different from the requirements for "treating attendance on the school record, etc.", simply receiving this subsidy does not mean that activities at free schools, etc. will be treated as "treating attendance on the school record, etc."
Please inquire with your current school regarding "treating attendance on the school record, etc."

Q60. Please tell me where I can get advice regarding school refusal.

The contact points for consultation regarding children's education (including truancy) in each ward, town, and village in Tokyo are as follows. Please use the consultation desk in your area.
Each ward municipal education consultation office (room)
https://e- sodan.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/links/row.html
 
In addition, the Tokyo Metropolitan Educational Consultation Center provides educational counseling for children from infants to the equivalent of high school students. You can consult about group maladjustment, etc. by phone, visit, or email.
For details, please check the link below.
Tokyo Education Consultation Center Home Page
https://e-sodan.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/

Q61 When applying for a grant, do I need to notify my current school?

There is no need to notify the school of the applicant's enrollment at the time of application. However, once the grant is approved, the applicant must submit the "Report on Attendance Status, etc." to the school they are enrolled in on a quarterly basis.

Q62 Is this subsidy taxable? Do I need to file a tax return?

Please contact your local tax office.
(Tokyo Regional Taxation Bureau website)
https://www.nta.go.jp/about/organization/tokyo/location/tokyo.htm

Q62 What procedures should I follow if my address changes?

In the event of a change of address within Tokyo, in principle an application for approval of the change is required, but the deadline for application for approval of the change in FY2024 is Saturday, March 15, 2025. Please contact the secretariat regarding procedures after the 16th (Sunday).
Please note that if you move outside of Tokyo, the usage fees after the move will not be covered by this subsidy, and you will need to submit a "cancellation notice" immediately. If you have any questions regarding the procedures, please contact the secretariat.
※Moved to the category "Changes, Cancellations, and Withdrawals After Grant Decision"
【Tokyo Free School, etc. User Fee Subsidy Secretariat (Contractor: Adecco Co., Ltd.)】
Tel: 03-6800-8763
Email: Info(at)tokyo-fs-support.jp
※The email address has been changed to prevent spam.
Please replace (at) with @ when using this form.

Q63 I want to change my registered email address. How to change

If you would like to change your registered email address, please contact the secretariat.

【Tokyo Free School, etc. User Fee Subsidy Secretariat (Contractor: Adecco Co., Ltd.)】
Tel: 03-6800-8763
Email: Info(at)tokyo-fs-support.jp
※The email address has been changed to prevent spam.
Please replace (at) with @ when using this form.

Q64 I want to change my registered account

Online applicants must change the account from My Page. Those applying by mail will be notified individually, so please contact the office.

【Tokyo Free School, etc. User Fee Subsidy Secretariat (Contractor: Adecco Co., Ltd.)]
Phone: 03-6800-8763
Email: Info(at)tokyo-fs-support.jp
※The email address has been changed to prevent spam.
Please replace (at) with @ when using this form.

Q66 How should the "Attend" column be filled in for the Attached Usage Report prepared by free schools, etc.?

If the student attended the center, write "○". If the course requires the student to attend the center but the activity was unavoidably conducted online due to poor health or other reasons, write "O".
Please also check the example of how to fill in the Attached Attendance Status Report.
https://tokyo-fs-support.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/document_report/

Q67 Can free schools, etc. use their own format for the attached usage report?

You can use any format, but please contact the secretariat in advance as there are some required fields.

【Tokyo Free School, etc. User Fee Subsidy Secretariat (Contractor: Adecco Co., Ltd.)】
Tel: 03-6800-8763
Email: Info(at)tokyo-fs-support.jp
※The email address has been changed to prevent spam.
Please replace (at) with @ when using this form.

Q68 Will attending a center during long holidays such as summer vacation be eligible for the subsidy?

Even if the school you are enrolled in is on long holidays such as summer vacation, if the free school etc. is open and you have attended the center, you will be eligible.
Please note that the attached report on attendance status must be submitted for each month for all periods for which the grant has been approved, regardless of whether you attended the center or not.
Please contact the secretariat for details.

【Tokyo Free School, etc. User Fee Subsidy Secretariat (Contractor: Adecco Co., Ltd.)】
Tel: 03-6800-8763
Email: Info(at)tokyo-fs-support.jp
※The email address has been changed to prevent spam.
Please replace (at) with @ when using this form.

Q69 Will the subsidy be applied if I have not attended the center even once in a month?

In principle, if a child does not attend the daytime (school hours) even once a month, the subsidy for that month cannot be paid.
However, if the child is unable to attend due to circumstances such as the child's health, there is a possibility that the subsidy may be paid as an exception if a "Application" is prepared.
※The decision on whether or not to grant the subsidy will be made after reviewing the contents of the "Application".
Please check the application form at the link below.
　※Required documents for usage report

Q70 How should I fill out the "Application" to be submitted if I am unable to attend the daycare center even once a month?

Please write the following two points in detail. Also, please write for each month.
・Please write the specific reason why the child did not attend the daycare center even once a month.
・Please consult with the free school etc. regarding your child's return to school and provide a detailed description of future measures for returning to school, including the content of that consultation.
Please see the link below for an example of how to fill out the form.
　※Required documents for usage report

Q71 What should I do if my child is suspended from a free school etc.?

Subsidies cannot be paid if the child has not attended the school during the day (school hours) even once a month.
Even if the child is suspended from school, it is necessary to submit a monthly usage report for the entire period for which the grant was approved.

If you have any questions, such as if you are paying the usage fee in the same way as if the child attended the school during the suspension of attendance, please contact the secretariat.

【Tokyo Free School, etc. User Fee Subsidy Secretariat (Contractor: Adecco Co., Ltd.)】
Tel: 03-6800-8763
Email: Info(at)tokyo-fs-support.jp
※The email address has been changed to prevent spam.
Please replace (at) with @ when using this form.

Q72 What should I do if the fee is based on a so-called ticket system?

You will need to submit "Supplementary Documents for Tokyo Free School User Support Project Subsidy Receipts, etc. (Confirmation of Usage Record of Prepaid Tickets)" along with receipts, etc. For details, please see the notes on page 8 of the Usage Report User Manual.