Significant Expansion of Disability Activity Support Services in 2026
From 2026, disability welfare policies will undergo a revolutionary change, with a notable expansion of disability activity support services. The existing benefit limit will increase by 25% from 120 hours to 150 hours per month, which is expected to help more people with disabilities achieve independence in their daily lives and improve their quality of life. This is not just an expansion of time-based support, but also plays an important role in laying the foundation for people with disabilities to participate more actively as members of society.
The expansion of activity support services will not only improve the lives of individuals with disabilities but also reduce the burden on family members. Families who have struggled with insufficient activity support hours will be able to lead more stable lives through this policy change. The Ministry of Health and Welfare estimates that approximately 500,000 people with disabilities will receive direct and indirect benefits from this expansion of activity support services.
This expansion of activity support services is the result of the long-cherished wishes of people with disabilities. We will continue to listen to the voices in the field and strive to provide more practical support.
New Emergency Care Services for Individuals with Severe Disabilities
A new emergency care service for individuals with severe disabilities who experience difficulties in unexpected situations will be introduced in 2026. The aim is to provide immediate care in emergency situations such as sudden accidents or illnesses, or the absence of a caregiver, thereby alleviating the difficulties faced by people with disabilities and their families. Previously, it was difficult to respond appropriately to these emergency situations, causing great anxiety for people with disabilities and their families, but this service is expected to alleviate much of this anxiety.
The emergency care service will establish a 24-hour operating system to ensure that necessary assistance is available anytime, anywhere. In addition, professionally trained caregivers will be deployed to provide safe and high-quality services. The Ministry of Health and Welfare stated that the emergency care service will serve as a safety net for individuals with severe disabilities and further support them in leading more stable lives within the community.
20% Increase in Disability Employment Incentives, Expected to Expand Job Opportunities
To promote the employment of people with disabilities by companies, disability employment incentives will be increased by 20% compared to the existing level. This is expected to encourage companies to participate more actively in employing people with disabilities and contribute to securing stable jobs for them. Employment of people with disabilities not only provides economic support but also plays an important role in enhancing self-esteem and expanding social participation as members of society. Therefore, this increase in employment incentives is expected to have a positive impact on improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.
In addition to the increase in incentives, education and consulting support will be strengthened to improve companies' awareness of employing people with disabilities. This will help companies reduce the burden of employing people with disabilities and support them in improving their job skills. In addition, employment support services will be expanded to help people with disabilities find jobs that match their abilities and aptitudes.
Employing people with disabilities not only fulfills a company's social responsibility but also contributes to securing diverse talents and strengthening corporate competitiveness. We hope that more companies will be interested in and actively participate in employing people with disabilities through this increase in employment incentives.
Strengthening Support for Day and Night Activities for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities
The usage time for daytime activity services for individuals with developmental disabilities will be extended from the existing 8 hours to 10 hours. In addition, night care services for individuals with developmental disabilities will also be expanded, providing broader support for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. Daytime activity services are programs that support individuals with developmental disabilities to participate in various activities and improve their social skills during the day, while night care services provide safe protection when caregivers are absent.
This strengthening of day and night activity support is expected to greatly contribute to improving the independent living skills of individuals with developmental disabilities and reducing the burden of childcare on families. In particular, the expansion of night care services is expected to be of great help to dual-income couples or caregivers who work at night. The Ministry of Health and Welfare plans to continue developing and expanding various support programs tailored to the characteristics and needs of individuals with developmental disabilities, so that they can live happily in their communities.
This change in disability welfare policy, which will be implemented from 2026, is expected to bring about practical changes in the lives of people with disabilities. We must continue to strive to ensure that people with disabilities can lead happier and more stable lives through continuous interest and support. For more information, please visit the Ministry of Health and Welfare website or related organizations. Check it out now!
