Tokyo

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Social Security

Sections

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 20โ€“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. Survivorโ€™s Pension:

    • Paid to family members (spouse, children) in case of the insured personโ€™s death.

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.

C. Unemployment Insurance (Koyo Hoken)

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

D. Workers' Compensation Insurance (Rousai Hoken)

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

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 ยฅ16,520 (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: ยฅ10,000โ€“ยฅ30,000.

  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.

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 20โ€“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.

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.

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).

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 (ใƒใƒญใƒผใƒฏใƒผใ‚ฏ) 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.

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.

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.

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