Pension payment exemptions

What is pension exemption?

People who are struggling to make pension payments due to a decreased salary from the year before may be eligible for an exemption. There are 4 levels of exemptions; full (meaning you do not pay anything), and partial exemptions at 3/4, 1/2, or 1/4 the cost of the pension payment. The combined salaries of the applicant, their dependants, and all members of the household will be taken into consideration when determining the eligibility to receive an exemption.

For those who wish to apply for an exemption

Applications for exemptions or payment deferment are accepted every July. The period of coverage can be extended to up to 2 years and 1 month before the date on the application. Please bring the necessary documents to either the Insurance & Pension Division at City Hall (1st floor, 15th window) or to the Citizens Welfare Division (shimin fukushi-ka) at any branch office.

Necessary items

• Your My Number card and a photo ID
• Your basic pension number notification document or your pension book
• If you are currently unemployed, you need to submit proof of employment insurance. You can submit either a koyo hoken rishoku-hyo (雇用保険離職票) or a koyo hoken jyukyu shikaku shasho (雇用保険受給資格者証) which are available from your former employer.
• If you will have a representative apply on your behalf, they will need to bring a signed letter of proxy (i-nin jyo, 委任状) and a photo ID.

For those who wish to continue receiving their exemption

In general, you need to reapply for the payment exemption every year. However, those who received full exemption during the previous year or who qualified for payment deferment do not to submit a new application. Please check the notice that was sent in the mail by the Japan Pension Office (Nippon Nenkin Kiko, 日本年金機構).

Inquiries

Insurance & Pension Division (hoken nenkin-ka)
Tel:027-321-1238