[2026 Edition] Comprehensive Guide to the Assistive Device Expense Subsidy System: Eligible Items, Application Process, and Steps to Purchase with a 10% Personal Contribution

*Information confirmed and partially updated as of February 27, 2026.*

Many people with disabilities and their families may be using the "Assistive Device Expense Support System." In fact, this system underwent significant revisions in April 2025, with major changes to the items covered.

By using the Assistive Device Expense Support System, you can purchase welfare equipment such as wheelchairs, hearing aids, and prosthetics with a personal expense of 10% in principle. The system is available to those with a Physical Disability Certificate and patients with designated intractable diseases as defined by the Comprehensive Support Law for Persons with Disabilities, with 90% of the purchase cost covered by municipalities.

However, if your household's income tax exceeds 460,000 yen, you will not be eligible for support, and the criteria and required documents may vary slightly by municipality. There have been cases where applicants found they were ineligible due to income limits or where it took two months from application to decision, so it's important to understand the system correctly in advance.

This article organizes the latest 2026 information for individuals with disabilities who need assistive devices, their families, and supporters, covering: ① a list of eligible items, ② the application process and required documents, ③ judgment criteria and income limits, ④ the impact of the April 2025 system revision, and ⑤ frequently asked questions.

1. What is the Assistive Device Expense Support System? 

The Assistive Device Expense Support System is a system where the government provides financial support for the necessary assistive devices to supplement mobility and enhance abilities for people with disabilities to conduct daily life and work (and for children with disabilities, to foster independence in society in the future).

The assistive devices covered include a wide range of items such as prosthetic hands and legs, wheelchairs, upper and lower limb orthoses, artificial eyes, and cochlear implants, supporting the lives of people with disabilities.

Reference: Reference: Welfare Equipment | Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare

2. What Changed in the 2025 Revision of the Assistive Device Expense Support System?

In the 2025 revision, the list of "finished components" necessary for creating assistive devices was significantly revised. The number of eligible finished components decreased from 833 to 350, with 483 components removed from the support list. This has dealt a significant blow to people with disabilities using the system and the businesses creating assistive devices.  

Reference: Designation of Finished Components for Assistive Devices Based on the Law for Comprehensive Support for Daily and Social Life of Persons with Disabilities | Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare

3. Impact of System Revision on People with Disabilities and Their Families

The revision of the Assistive Device Expense Support System has likely affected many people with disabilities and their families.

Since items necessary for creating assistive devices have been removed from the system, applications for assistive devices that were previously approved may suddenly be denied this year, leading to frequent issues.

Therefore, it is crucial to thoroughly check how the revision affects you in advance.

4. Meaning of Removal from Finished Components

Among the finished components removed in the 2025 revision, many were essential for ensuring functionality and safety. Therefore, it's understandable that many people are disappointed with this revision.

However, this revision can also be seen as a move to make fairness and rationality more explicit within limited resources. It reflects the essence of the system, which is to "deliver what is necessary to those who need it".

5. What to Confirm Before Applying for or Repairing Assistive Devices [Important]