・I have struggled with mental health issues for many years, and at 26, I first visited a mental health clinic, started attending day care, and have been involved with medical and welfare services for nearly 30 years.
・Age 26, started mental health outpatient treatment.
・Around age 30, diagnosed with schizophrenia.
・At 46, started Xeplion injections. At 48, started Xeplion TRI injections.
・At 49, achieved remission.
・At 52, succeeded in getting a job in the headquarters office of a major tire brand under the disability employment quota.
・I will share my story based on what I learned through that experience.
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・If you have been suffering from a serious mental illness for a long time and require treatment, I recommend obtaining a Mental Disability Certificate.
・It makes using various medical and welfare services smoother, and I feel there are only benefits to using it for services in general society as well.
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・The Mental Disability Health and Welfare Certificate is a certificate designed to make it easier for people who have long-term difficulties in daily or social life due to mental illness (mental disability) to receive various forms of support.
By obtaining this certificate, you can gain many economic and social benefits, such as employment under the disability quota, tax reductions and exemptions, and discounts on public utility charges.
1. Eligible persons and target diseases
Those who have a mental illness (including epilepsy) and have passed at least 6 months since their first medical examination are eligible.
* Schizophrenia
* Mood disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder
* Developmental disorders (autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, learning disabilities, etc.)
* Epilepsy
* Higher brain dysfunction
* Drug/alcohol dependence, toxic psychosis, etc. ※Those with only intellectual disabilities are not eligible (as they are covered by the Rehabilitation Certificate).
2. Certificate grades
It is divided into grades 1 to 3 depending on the severity of symptoms.
* Grade 1: Those whose condition makes it impossible to manage daily life (constant assistance required in daily life)
* Grade 2: Those whose daily life is significantly restricted or who require significant restrictions to be placed on their daily life
* Grade 3: Those whose daily life or social life is restricted or who require restrictions to be placed on their daily life or social life
3. Main benefits and support content
By obtaining the certificate, you can receive the following services and discounts (content may vary depending on the grade).
* Use of disability employment quota: Makes it easier to work in a workplace environment where disability characteristics are understood when job hunting or changing jobs.
* Tax deductions: Deductions for income tax, resident tax, inheritance tax, etc.
* Public utility discounts: Reductions or exemptions for NHK reception fees, mobile phone charges, and water/sewerage charges.
* Public transport discounts: Discounts on JR, bus, taxi, and air fares.
* Public facility admission fees: Free or discounted admission to art museums, museums, parks, etc.
* Allowance payments: May be eligible for special disability allowances, etc.
※To receive medical expense subsidies (such as 10% co-payment), it is recommended to apply for “Self-Reliance Support Medical Care (Mental Outpatient Medical Care)” separately from this certificate.
4. Application method and procedures
1. Go to the counter: Obtain an application form at the disability welfare counter of your municipality.
2. Get a medical certificate: Have your attending physician write a dedicated “Medical Certificate (for Disability Certificate)” (at least 6 months after the first visit).
* ※If you are receiving a disability pension for a mental disability, a copy of your pension certificate may be used as a substitute.
3. Submit documents: Submit the application form, medical certificate, face photo (4cm high x 3cm wide), and proof of your My Number to the counter (mail submission may be possible).
4. Screening and issuance: Screening is conducted at the prefectural or designated city Mental Health and Welfare Center, and if certified, the certificate is issued.
5. Disadvantages and points to note
* Renewal procedures: The certificate requires renewal every two years (submission of a medical certificate).
* Psychological resistance: You may feel resistance to having a disability certificate itself (however, it will not be known to those around you unless you present it).
* Immediacy: You cannot apply until 6 months have passed since your first visit.
The Mental Disability Health and Welfare Certificate is a tool to reduce the burden of daily life and lead a more independent life. If you are considering obtaining one, I recommend consulting with a social worker at your hospital, a local consultation support center, or your municipal office.
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・If you are eligible, please obtain a Mental Disability Certificate. Daisuke Kudo
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