National Pension

The National Pension system in Japan, which is a pension plan operated by the national government, is designed to provide financial support for elderly, disabled and bereaved family members. All residents in Japan between 20 and 59 years of age are required to join the plan.

Categories of Insured Persons

Insured persons in the National Pension system are divided into the following three categories

(1)Category I insured

Self-employed individuals, students, the unemployed, etc.
If you are Category I insured, take necessary steps for enrollment at the Health Insurance and Pension Section of the Chuo City Office.
Contributions should be paid by each insured person.

(2)Category II insured

Those who work for a company or other employer (those covered by the Employees’ Pension Insurance system)
Procedures for your enrollment in the pension system are taken care of by your employer. For more details, contact the relevant personnel or department of your workplace.
Pension contributions are deducted from your payroll and are paid through your employer.

(3)Category III insured

Those who are a dependent spouse of a Category II insured person and whose age is between 20 and 59
Enrollment procedures are completed through your spouse’s employer. For details, contact your spouse’s employer.
Contributions of Category III insured people are collectively borne by the pension system of the Category II insured.

When Notifications to Chuo City Office Are Necessary

Enrollment in the National Pension system

Upon reaching the age of 20 (unless you are Category II or III insured)
Upon moving to Japan from a foreign country (i.e., when you complete your resident registration)

Change of insured person category

Upon leaving your employer
When your spouse (who is Category II insured) leaves their employer
When you are no longer a dependent of your spouse (who is Category II insured)

Withdrawal from the National Pension system

Upon leaving Japan (i.e., when you are no longer a registered resident in Japan)

Inquiries:

Pension Subsection, Health Insurance and Pension Section (Chuo City Office)

Tel: 03-3546-5371

Contributions to the National Pension

Pension contributions are flat rate contributions. Monthly contributions must be paid by the end of the following month. Contributions can be paid in one of the following ways: in cash at a financial institution, a post office, or a convenience store using the invoice sent from Japan Pension Service; by account transfer; credit card; or electronically.

Inquiries:

Chuo Pension Office

Tel: 03-3543-1411

* Please follow the recorded instructions and press “2”.

If You Have Difficulties Paying Contributions(Contribution Payment Exemption System)

When your income is too low to pay contributions or you have other reasons, you can apply for the exemption from contribution payments.

Japan Pension Service examines your previous year’s income and other circumstances. If your application is approved, exemption of full or partial amount of contribution payment is granted.

Types of exemption are as follows

Full exemption
1/4 payment (3/4 exemption)
1/2 payment (1/2 exemption)
3/4 payment (1/4 exemption)
Grace period
Special Payment System for Students
Exemption for the periods before and after childbirth

Inquiries:

Pension Subsection, Health Insurance and Pension Section (Chuo City Office)

Tel: 03-3546-5371

Benefits of the National Pension

Basic Old-age Pension

Upon reaching 65 years of age, in principle, eligible insured persons can receive benefits. Eligibility requirements include payment of pension contributions for at least 10 years.

Other Types of Pension Benefits

In addition to the above, there is the Disability Basic Pension—which is paid if an insured person or other applicable person becomes disabled (defined statutorily) as a result of illness, injury or other causes—and the Survivors’ Basic Pension, which is paid to certain spouses with children or children upon the death of the insured person or a person who has contributed to the Basic Old-age Pension for 25 years or more.

* The specified contribution payment requirements must be met to receive the Disability Basic Pension and/or Survivors’ Basic Pension.

Inquiries:

Pension Subsection, Health Insurance and Pension Section (Chuo City Office)

Tel: 03-3546-5371

Lump-sum Withdrawal Payments for non-Japanese people

If you are non-Japanese, you may file a claim for lump-sum withdrawal payment within two years after reporting that you will leave Japan and live abroad. To apply for it you need to satisfy the following conditions;

you have contributed to the National Pension system for at least six months in total (excluding your insured periods as the Category II or the Category III insured person); you have not satisfied the qualifying contribution period (10 years) for the Old-age Basic Pension.

Social Security Agreements

In order to eliminate dual compulsive coverage as well as to totalize qualifying periods for benefits between two countries, there are bilateral social security agreements between Japan and several countries. Please visit this website for more details; (http://www.nenkin.go.jp/international/english/index.html( External link )).

Inquiries:

Chuo Pension Office

Tel: 03-3543-1411

* Please follow the recorded instructions, select “1” and press “2”.

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