What is Automobile Fuel Subsidy: Conditions, Application Process, and Amount for Disability Gasoline Assistance

For individuals with disabilities who use cars, the monthly gasoline expenses can be a significant burden on the household budget.
Especially recently, due to global instability and the depreciation of the yen, fuel costs have been continuously rising.

Therefore, there is a system called "Automobile Fuel Cost Subsidy" for individuals with disabilities who use cars.
The Automobile Fuel Cost Subsidy is a system where local governments subsidize a portion of gasoline costs for individuals with severe disabilities.

The subsidy amount varies by municipality, but it is generally around 3,000 to 5,000 yen per month. In some areas, it is distributed as gasoline coupons, while in others, it is provided as a cash transfer to a bank account.

However,this system is not a national uniform system, and the eligibility criteria, subsidy methods, and application windows vary significantly by city or town. There are cases where "it is available in the neighboring city, but not in my city," or "I applied but was ineligible due to income restrictions," so it is essential tofirst check the details of your local government's system.

This article explains for individuals with disabilities who regularly use cars and their families, ① the disability grades and conditions for eligibility, ② examples of subsidy methods and amounts by municipality, ③ the documents and procedures required for application, ④ the possibility of combining with other mobility support systems.

1. What is the "Automobile Fuel Cost Subsidy" that provides gasoline cost assistance with a disability certificate?

The Automobile Fuel Cost Subsidy is a system aimed at promoting social activities for individuals with disabilities by subsidizing part of the automobile fuel costs incurred for outings.

It mainly targets those who possess a disability certificate or a rehabilitation certificate, reducing the economic burden of gasoline costs.

As for how the gasoline cost is subsidized, by presenting a "Gasoline Coupon (Automobile Fuel Coupon)" issued by the municipality at the time of refueling, the gasoline cost is discounted.

Additionally, in some municipalities, cash subsidies are provided via bank transfer, and the subsidy methods vary.

The Automobile Fuel Cost Subsidy can be said to be a system that supports the means of transportation for individuals with disabilities who use cars.

Some municipalities may not have this system, so please check in your local area.

2. Eligibility for the Automobile Fuel Cost Subsidy

2-1. Primarily for individuals with relatively severe disabilities

The eligibility for the Automobile Fuel Cost Subsidy varies by municipality standards but generally targets individuals with relatively severe disabilities.

For example, in Fujimino City, Saitama Prefecture, the eligible individuals for the Automobile Fuel Cost Subsidy are as follows:

• Individuals with a Grade 1 or 2 physical disability certificate
• Individuals with a Maru A or A rehabilitation certificate
• Individuals with a Grade 1 mental disability health and welfare certificate
and
• If the disabled person or someone residing on the same premises as the disabled person is the "user" and driver on the vehicle inspection certificate

Source: Disability Automobile Fuel Cost Subsidy｜Fujimino City

In Fujimino City, individuals with a Grade 1 or 2 physical disability certificate, a severe A rating on a rehabilitation certificate, or a Grade 1 mental disability certificate are eligible.

Next, let's look at the eligibility requirements for Urayasu City, Chiba Prefecture.

• Individuals with a Grade 1, 2, or 3 (limited to visual impairments) physical disability certificate
• Individuals with a kidney function disorder certificate and undergoing dialysis
• Individuals with a Maru A, Maru A 1, Maru A 2, A 1, or A 2 rehabilitation certificate
• Individuals determined to have the most severe or severe intellectual disability by a child consultation center or intellectual disability rehabilitation consultation center
• Individuals with a Grade 1, 2, or 3 mental disability health and welfare certificate

Source: Automobile Fuel Cost Subsidy｜Urayasu City

In Urayasu City, individuals with a Grade 1 or 2 physical disability and only those with visual impairments are eligible even at Grade 3.

Additionally, mental disability individuals are eligible from Grades 1 to 3, making the range broader compared to Fujimino City.

As shown above, the eligible individuals vary by municipality, so it is recommended to first check whether you are eligible on your local government's website or by inquiry.

2-2. Family members who support or live with the disabled can also use it

The Automobile Fuel Cost Subsidy is available not only to the disabled person themselves but also to family members who support or live with them.

This is because many individuals with severe disabilities cannot drive themselves.

Therefore, it is acceptable for family members who live with or support the disabled person to use the Automobile Fuel Cost Subsidy.

However, it is only applicable when refueling for the purpose of the disabled person's transportation.

2-3. Conditions for receiving assistance and income restrictions

The Automobile Fuel Cost Subsidy has usage conditions and income restrictions.

The conditions for use are whether the individual meets the disability certificate or rehabilitation certificate grades set by the municipality and being "residential" is a condition.

Therefore, even if the individual meets the eligibility criteria, they cannot apply if they are residing in a facility or are hospitalized, so be cautious.

The income restrictions are as follows.

Reference: Gasoline Coupons (Automobile Fuel Cost Subsidy)｜Kita Ward, Tokyo

Basically, the income restriction is based on the individual's income, but for those under 20, it is determined based on the income of the guardian (obligated supporter).

If the above income restrictions are exceeded, you will not be eligible for the Automobile Fuel Cost Subsidy.

The above income amount is the amount after deducting general deductions from the income amount (annual income), so various deductions may be applicable depending on the household situation.

Examples of various deductions that can be subtracted are as follows.

• Casualty loss deduction for the income earner
• Medical expense deduction
• Social insurance premium deduction
• Small business mutual aid premium deduction
• Widow's deduction
• Working student deduction
• Deduction for eligible spouse
• Disability deduction for dependent relatives
• Special disability deduction
• Spouse special deduction amount

Reference: Automobile Fuel Cost Subsidy｜Meguro Ward

If you fall under the above deduction categories, you can reduce your income amount, so before giving up on applying due to income restrictions, it is recommended to consult with the municipal office.

3. Differences in Gasoline Subsidy Methods and Amounts by Municipality

The Automobile Fuel Cost Subsidy varies by municipality in terms of gasoline subsidy methods and amounts.

The gasoline subsidy method is generally distributed as gasoline coupons (automobile fuel coupons) or welfare fuel coupons, which are like discount coupons, as explained at the beginning.

However, some municipalities provide it in the form of cash transfers to designated accounts.

Additionally, some municipalities, like Mitaka City in Tokyo, subsidize based on the amount of gasoline used.

50 yen per liter, with a monthly limit of 50 liters. The subsidy amount is calculated based on the monthly usage.

Source: Mitaka City Mind and Body Disability Automobile Fuel Cost Subsidy｜Mitaka City

The subsidy amounts also vary significantly by municipality, as shown below.

• Niigata City: 10,000 yen per year
• Koriyama City: 15,000 yen per year
• Sumida Ward: Up to 30,000 yen per year

Reference: Automobile Fuel Cost Subsidy｜Niigata City
Reference: Severe Mind and Body Disability Taxi Fare and Automobile Fuel Cost Subsidy｜Koriyama City
Reference: Sumida Ward Mind and Body Disability Welfare Taxi Fare and Automobile Fuel Cost Subsidy Project Implementation Guidelines｜Sumida Ward

As shown above, the subsidy amounts for gasoline costs with a disability certificate vary by municipality.

Additionally, Sumida Ward has a provision to add 10,000 yen to the regular subsidy amount if the individual falls under Mobility Disability Grade 1 or Kidney Function Disability Grade 1.

Reference: Sumida Ward Mind and Body Disability Welfare Taxi Fare and Automobile Fuel Cost Subsidy Project Implementation Guidelines｜Sumida Ward

4. How to Apply for Gasoline Discounts with a Disability Certificate

4-1. Required Documents for Application

The documents required for applying for the Automobile Fuel Cost Subsidy are as follows.

• Physical Disability Certificate, Rehabilitation Certificate, Mental Disability Health and Welfare Certificate
• Vehicle Inspection Certificate
• Automobile Fuel Cost Subsidy Application Form
• Driver's License
• My Number Card
• Seal
• Power of Attorney (if someone other than the individual is applying)

For bank transfer, the following is required

• Receipts for gasoline costs eligible for subsidy
• Passbook or cash card in the name of the disabled person
  (If the eligible person is a disabled child or intellectually disabled person, a guardian's name is acceptable)

For bank transfers, receipts and a passbook or cash card showing the account number are required separately.

The required documents listed above are examples, and they vary by municipality, so it is recommended to check on your local government's website.

Additionally, if a family member other than the individual is applying, a power of attorney and the ID of the person applying on behalf are required, so don't forget to bring them.

4-2. Application Procedure

Applications are made at the social welfare department window of the city or town.

The Automobile Fuel Cost Subsidy Application Form and Power of Attorney can be downloaded from the municipal website, but they can also be obtained at the window and filled out at the time of application.

After application, a review is conducted, and a decision notice is mailed.

4-3. Change Procedures

If you need to change your address or registered vehicle, apply at the city or town window in the same way as the application procedure.

Additionally, if switching from taxi coupons or other mobility support systems to the Automobile Fuel Cost Subsidy, a change procedure is required.

4-4. Be aware that the amount may be reduced depending on the application month

The Automobile Fuel Cost Subsidy varies by municipality, but the subsidy amount may differ depending on the month of application.

For example, in Konosu City, Saitama Prefecture, the number of gasoline coupons issued varies depending on the application month, as follows.

Reference: Welfare Taxi Use Coupons and Automobile Fuel Cost Subsidy Coupons Issuance｜Konosu City

Also, for bank transfer subsidies, the application month is often predetermined, so it is advisable to check the subsidy conditions in your area.

5. Points to Note When Using Gasoline Discounts with a Disability Certificate

5-1. Welfare Taxi Coupons Cannot Be Combined

In many municipalities, welfare taxi coupons and automobile fuel cost subsidy coupons with a disability certificate cannot be combined.

Therefore, when choosing between the two systems, consider your lifestyle and the transportation conditions of the area.

However, some municipalities, like Hakone Town in Kanagawa Prefecture, allow for combination.

1. Welfare Taxi Use Coupons

• Subsidy for fares through the issuance of coupons (500 yen each)
• Annual issuance ranges from 5 to 60 coupons (13 to 156 coupons for dialysis patients)

2. Automobile Fuel Cost Subsidy

• Subsidy for fuel costs through the issuance of coupons (1,000 yen each)
• Annual issuance ranges from 2 to 14 coupons (3 to 36 coupons for dialysis patients)

※If both coupons are combined, half of the issuance number of each coupon is issued Source: Issuance of Welfare Taxi Use Coupons and Automobile Fuel Cost Subsidy Coupons for Severely Disabled Individuals at Home｜Hakone Town

5-2. Confirm if the Gas Station Can Be Used Before Refueling

The Automobile Fuel Cost Subsidy can be used at designated gas stations within the municipality where the application was made.

Therefore, confirm whether you can receive the gasoline subsidy before refueling.

Some municipalities distribute a list of gas stations where the Automobile Fuel Cost Subsidy can be used.

Additionally, gasoline coupons can only be used for high-octane gasoline, regular gasoline, and diesel, so car washes and oil changes are not eligible for subsidy.

5-3. Refueling Vehicles Other Than the Registered Vehicle Is Not Eligible

When applying for the Automobile Fuel Cost Subsidy, one vehicle is registered based on the vehicle inspection certificate.

At the time of refueling, the gas station staff will check that the vehicle number printed on the disability automobile fuel coupon matches the actual vehicle number being refueled.

Therefore, refueling vehicles other than the pre-registered vehicle is not eligible for the subsidy coupon.

6. Other Automobile-Related Discount Systems Available for Individuals with Disabilities Besides Gasoline Discounts with a Disability Certificate

In addition to the Automobile Fuel Cost Subsidy, individuals with disabilities can benefit from other automobile-related discount systems.

Below are examples of automobile-related disability discounts and subsidy systems.

• Discounts on toll roads
• Exemption from automobile tax
• Subsidy for modifying vehicles for use by individuals with physical disabilities
• Subsidy for obtaining a driver's license

Toll roads refer to highways, and if the requirements are met, the usage fee is discounted by 50%.

If you want to know more about discounts on toll roads for individuals with disabilities, please refer to the following article.

Reference:

Additionally, there are various systems such as exemption from automobile tax, subsidies for modifying vehicles to accommodate wheelchairs, and subsidies for the cost of obtaining a driver's license for individuals with disabilities.

By utilizing the above systems in conjunction with the Automobile Fuel Cost Subsidy, you can further reduce the burden associated with automobiles.

7. Conclusion

This time, we explained the eligibility and application methods for the "Automobile Fuel Cost Subsidy" that assists with gasoline costs for individuals with a disability certificate.

The Automobile Fuel Cost Subsidy is a beneficial system for individuals with disabilities who own cars, as it provides a discount on part of the gasoline costs.

However, the eligibility requirements and subsidy amounts vary by municipality, so it is recommended to first consult with your local city or town office.

Make sure to effectively utilize the Automobile Fuel Cost Subsidy available with a disability certificate to reduce the burden on your household budget.