National Pension
Last UpdateJuly 18, 2008
All individuals residing in Japan who are 20 to 59 years of age must subscribe to the National Pension system. Foreign residents are also eligible to subscribe. Those who are subscribed to a pension through their workplace need not apply.
Types of National pension Benefits
(1) Basic pension for the elderly: Individuals who are eligible to receive a pension will begin receiving payments when they turn 65.
(2) Basic disability pension: Pension benefits will be paid to individuals who suffer an illness or injury while subscribed to the pension system and sustain a disability that significantly affects their ability to make a living.
(3) Basic survivor's pension: Pension benefits will be paid to the surviving wife or child of a deceased subscriber who has children that were being supported by the deceased's income.
Certain conditions must be met to be eligible for each type of pension benefits. Pension benefits will be mailed to the recipient's address even if it is outside of Japan.
Lump-Sum Pension Reimbursement System
Individuals who do not pay pension premiums for a certain length of time and who do not reach a certain age are not eligible to receive the pension benefit for the elderly. However, foreign residents who will not receive benefits because they are returning to their home country but who have made pension premium payments during their stay in Japan may be eligible to receive a lump-sum reimbursement of their pension premiums, if they paid their premiums for more than six months.
To Receive the Reimbursement
Foreign residents must request the reimbursement within two years of returning to their country of origin. After two years, they relinquish their right to receive the reimbursement. Individuals cannot request the reimbursement while living in Japan.
How to Request a Reimbursement
Fill out the application (which can be obtained from the Social Insurance Office) attach your pension ledger, a copy of your passport, and a document verifying the destination bank name and account number, and send them from your home country to the Social Insurance Operation Center address shown on the application. Application instructions are provided in English, Chinese, Korean, Spanish and Portuguese.
Inquiries:
Musashino Social Insurance Office
4-12-18 Kichijoji Kitamachi, Musashino-shi
Tel: 0422-56-1411
