Tokyo

1. Types of Social Security Benefits in Japan

The Japanese Social Security system provides the following key benefits:

A. Pension System (Nenkin)

1. National Pension (Kokumin Nenkin):

   • Mandatory for all residents aged 20–59, including foreigners.
   • Provides a basic pension for retirement, disability, or death.
   • Covers self-employed individuals, students, and those not covered by employer-sponsored plans.

2. Employees' Pension Insurance (Kosei Nenkin):

   • Mandatory for salaried employees.
   • Provides additional pension benefits on top of the National Pension.
   • Contributions are shared between the employer and employee.

3. Disability Pension:

   • Available for individuals who become disabled due to illness or injury.

4. Survivor’s Pension:

   • Paid to family members (spouse, children) in case of the insured person’s death.

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B. Health Insurance (Kenko Hoken)

1. National Health Insurance (Kokumin Kenko Hoken):

   • For self-employed individuals, students, and retirees.
   • Covers 70% of medical costs (patients pay 30%).

2. Employees' Health Insurance (Shakai Kenko Hoken):

   • For salaried employees.
   • Covers medical costs, maternity leave benefits, and injury/illness leave.

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C. Unemployment Insurance (Koyo Hoken)

• Provides financial support to individuals who lose their jobs.
• Includes job-seeking assistance and training programs.

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D. Workers' Compensation Insurance (Rousai Hoken)

• Covers work-related injuries, illnesses, or deaths.
• Employers are required to enroll employees in this insurance.

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2. Costs or Premiums Involved

The costs of Social Security benefits depend on the type of insurance and your employment status:

A. National Pension (Kokumin Nenkin):

• Flat-rate monthly premium: Approximately ¥16,520 (as of 2023).
• Premiums may be reduced or exempted for low-income individuals or students.

B. Employees' Pension Insurance (Kosei Nenkin):

• Contribution rate: Around 18.3% of your monthly salary, shared equally between employer and employee.

C. Health Insurance:

1. National Health Insurance:

   • Premiums vary based on income, age, and household size.
   • Average monthly premium: ¥10,000–¥30,000.

2. Employees' Health Insurance:

   • Contribution rate: Around 10% of your monthly salary, shared between employer and employee.

D. Unemployment Insurance:

• Contribution rate: Around 0.6% of your monthly salary, shared between employer and employee.

E. Workers' Compensation Insurance:

• Fully paid by the employer.

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3. How to Apply for Social Security Benefits

The application process varies depending on the type of benefit. Below are the general steps:

A. National Pension (Kokumin Nenkin):

1. Eligibility:

   • All residents aged 20–59, including foreigners with a valid visa for more than 3 months.

2. Procedure:

   • Visit your local ward office (kuyakusho) or city office (shiyakusho) in Tokyo.
   • Fill out the application form for National Pension.

3. Documents Needed:

   • Residence Card (Zairyu Card).
   • Passport.
   • My Number Card (Individual Number Card) or Notification Card.
   • Bank account details for payment.

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B. Employees' Pension and Health Insurance:

1. Eligibility:

   • Mandatory for salaried employees working at companies.

2. Procedure:

   • Your employer will handle the enrollment process.
   • Ensure you provide your Residence Card and My Number to your employer.

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C. National Health Insurance (Kokumin Kenko Hoken):

1. Eligibility:

   • Residents not covered by employer-sponsored health insurance.

2. Procedure:

   • Visit your local ward or city office.
   • Fill out the application form for National Health Insurance.

3. Documents Needed:

   • Residence Card.
   • Passport.
   • My Number Card or Notification Card.
   • Proof of income (if applicable).

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D. Unemployment Insurance (Koyo Hoken):

1. Eligibility:

   • Individuals who have lost their job and meet the minimum contribution period (6 months of employment in the past year).

2. Procedure:

   • Visit the nearest Hello Work (ハローワーク) office in Tokyo.
   • Submit an application for unemployment benefits.

3. Documents Needed:

   • Employment Insurance Certificate (provided by your employer).
   • Residence Card.
   • Bank account details.
   • Proof of termination of employment.

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4. Important Considerations

A. Local Offices in Tokyo:

• Social Security services are handled at ward offices (kuyakusho) or city offices (shiyakusho) for residents.
• For unemployment benefits, visit a Hello Work office.

B. Language Support:

• Most ward offices in Tokyo provide multilingual support or translation services for foreigners.
• Bring a Japanese-speaking friend or interpreter if you are not confident in Japanese.

C. Cultural Nuances:

1. Politeness and Patience:
   • Japanese bureaucracy can be meticulous. Be polite and patient during the process.
2. Documentation:
   • Ensure all documents are complete and accurate. Missing documents can delay the process.
3. Appointments:
   • Some offices may require appointments, especially for consultations in English.

D. Lump-Sum Withdrawal Payment for Foreigners:

• If you leave Japan permanently, you may be eligible for a lump-sum withdrawal payment for your pension contributions.
• Apply within 2 years of leaving Japan.

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5. Contact Information for Assistance

• Tokyo Metropolitan Government Multilingual Call Center:
  • Phone: +81-3-5320-7744
  • Languages: English, Chinese, Korean, and more.
• Hello Work Tokyo:
  • Website: Hello Work Tokyo
  • Services: Job-seeking support and unemployment benefits.

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By understanding the above details, you can navigate Tokyo’s Social Security system with confidence. If you need further assistance, feel free to ask!