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<h1>Social Security Programs Throughout the World: Asia and the Pacific, 2010</h1>
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<h1>Japan</h1>
<div class="exchangeRate">Exchange rate: <abbr class="spell">US</abbr>$1.00 = 88.66&nbsp;yen.</div>
<h2>Old Age, Disability, and Survivors</h2>
<h3>Regulatory Framework</h3>
<p><span class="h4">First law:</span> 1941 (employees' pension insurance).</p>
<p><span class="h4">Current laws:</span> 1954 (employees' pension insurance) and 1959 (national pension).</p>
<p><span class="h4">Type of program:</span> Social insurance system.</p>
<p>Note: The social insurance system involves a <span class="nobr">flat-rate</span> benefit for all residents under the national pension program and earnings-related benefits under the employees' pension insurance program or other employment-related program.</p>
<h3>Coverage</h3>
<p><span class="h4">National pension program:</span> Persons residing in Japan aged&nbsp;20 to 59; voluntary coverage for persons residing in Japan aged&nbsp;60 to 64 and for citizens residing abroad (aged&nbsp;20 to 64; to age&nbsp;69 in special cases).</p>
<p>For the purposes of the national pension program, a self-employed person is a person who runs an unincorporated business with no more than 4&nbsp;workers.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Employees' pension insurance:</span> Employees younger than age&nbsp;70 in covered firms in industry and commerce, including seamen.</p>
<p>Exclusions: Most self-employed persons.</p>
<p>Special employment-related system for civil servants.</p>
<h3>Source of Funds</h3>
<h4>Insured person</h4>
<p><span class="h5">National pension program:</span> Contributions from the employees' pension insurance or other employment-related program are transferred to the national pension program. The total amount transferred (15,100&nbsp;yen a month from April&nbsp;2010 to March&nbsp;2011) is based on the number of the insured persons under each program.</p>
<p>The employees' pension insurance or other employment-related programs pay contributions for low-income and dependent spouses of insured persons.</p>
<p>None for low-income persons, beneficiaries of the disability national pension, and persons who receive livelihood assistance.</p>
<p><span class="h5">Employees' pension insurance:</span> 7.852% (September&nbsp;2009 to August&nbsp;2010) of monthly wage class earnings (salary and bonuses before tax), according to 30 wage classes; miners and seamen contribute 8.224% (September&nbsp;2009 to August&nbsp;2010) of monthly earnings (salary and bonuses before tax).</p>
<p>Employers contracting out of a portion of the Employees' Pension Insurance contribute 5.47% to 5.77% of monthly earnings (salary and bonuses before tax).</p>
<p>The minimum monthly earnings used to calculate contributions are 98,000&nbsp;yen.</p>
<p>The maximum monthly earnings used to calculate contributions are 620,000&nbsp;yen.</p>
<p>The minimum and maximum earnings levels are adjusted on an ad hoc basis according to the increase in the national average wage.</p>
<h4>Self-employed person</h4>
<p><span class="h5">National pension program:</span> 15,100&nbsp;yen a month (April&nbsp;2010 to March&nbsp;2011).</p>
<p><span class="h5">Employees' pension insurance:</span> Generally not applicable.</p>
<h4>Employer</h4>
<p><span class="h5">National pension program:</span> Contributions from the employees' pension insurance or other employment-related program are transferred to the national pension program (see Insured Person, above).</p>
<p><span class="h5">Employees' pension insurance:</span> 7.852% (September&nbsp;2009 to August&nbsp;2010) of monthly payroll (salary and bonuses before tax), according to 30 wage classes; contributions for miners and seamen, 8.224% (September&nbsp;2009 to August&nbsp;2010) of payroll (salary and bonuses before tax).</p>
<p>Employers contracting out of a portion of the Employees' Pension Insurance contribute 5.47% to 5.77% of monthly earnings (salary and bonuses before tax).</p>
<p>The minimum monthly earnings used to calculate contributions are 98,000&nbsp;yen.</p>
<p>The maximum monthly earnings used to calculate contributions are 620,000&nbsp;yen.</p>
<p>The minimum and maximum earnings levels are adjusted on an ad hoc basis according to the increase in the national average wage.</p>
<h4>Government</h4>
<p><span class="h5">National pension program:</span> 50% of the cost of benefits and 100% of administrative costs are financed by the national tax system.</p>
<p><span class="h5">Employees' pension insurance:</span> The total cost of administration is financed by the national tax.</p>
<h3>Qualifying Conditions</h3>
<h4><span class="nobr">Old-age</span> pension</h4>
<p><span class="h5">National pension program:</span> age&nbsp;65 with at least 25&nbsp;years of contributions (including any periods exempt from contribution requirements such as low-income periods). The full pension is paid with 40&nbsp;years of paid contributions. The coverage period includes years of coverage under the employees' pension insurance and other employment-related programs as an insured's dependent spouse (including common-law spouse). There is no requirement to cease employment and the pension is not earnings-tested.</p>
<p>Early pension: An early pension is paid from age&nbsp;60 to 64 with at least 25&nbsp;years of contributions.</p>
<p>Deferred pension: The pension may be deferred until age&nbsp;70. The insured must satisfy the qualifying conditions for the <span class="nobr">old-age</span> national pension and cannot claim the pension sooner than one year after fulfilling the conditions.</p>
<p>If the insured receives a supplement for a spouse under the employees' pension insurance scheme, when the spouse reaches age&nbsp;65 and starts to receive the <span class="nobr">old-age</span> national pension, he or she will receive an additional benefit.</p>
<p><span class="h5">Employees' pension insurance:</span> age&nbsp;60 (age&nbsp;59 for seamen and miners) with at least 25&nbsp;years of coverage (including any periods exempt from contribution requirements). There is no requirement to cease employment. The pension is reduced if the pension and salary combined exceed a certain limit. The reduction is greater for those aged&nbsp;60 to 64 than for those aged&nbsp;65 to 69.</p>
<p>The retirement age for the employee's pension insurance is rising gradually to age&nbsp;65 by 2025 (men) and 2030 (women).</p>
<p>Dependent's supplement: Paid for a dependent spouse younger than age&nbsp;65. When the spouse reaches age&nbsp;65, and receives a pension in his or her own right under the national pension program, the supplement ceases. Paid for children up to the end of the fiscal year in which they reach age&nbsp;18 (up to the month they reach age&nbsp;20 if disabled).</p>
<h4>Disability pension</h4>
<p><span class="h5">National pension program:</span> Must be assessed with a total disability requiring constant attendance (Group&nbsp;<abbr title="one">I</abbr>) or a degree of disability that severely restricts the person's ability to live independently (Group&nbsp;<abbr title="two">II</abbr>). Must have been insured at the first medical exam and have paid contributions during 66.7% of the period from age&nbsp;20 to two months before the month of the first medical exam (including any periods exempt from contribution requirements). Alternatively, must have paid continuous contributions for one year from age&nbsp;20 to two months before the month of the first medical exam (until March&nbsp;2016).</p>
<p>Dependent's supplement: Paid for children up to the end of the fiscal year in which they reach age&nbsp;18 (up to the month they reach age&nbsp;20 if disabled).</p>
<p><span class="h5">Employees' pension insurance:</span> Must be assessed with a total disability requiring constant attendance (Group&nbsp;<abbr title="one">I</abbr>), a degree of disability that severely restricts the person's ability to live independently (Group&nbsp;<abbr title="two">II</abbr>), or a degree of disability that severely restricts the person's ability to work (Group&nbsp;<abbr title="three">III</abbr>). Must have been insured at the first medical exam and have paid contributions during 66.7% of the period from age&nbsp;20 to two months before the month of the first medical exam (including any periods exempt from contribution requirements).</p>
<p>Dependent's supplement: Paid to persons with a Group&nbsp;<abbr title="one">I</abbr> or <abbr title="two">II</abbr> disability for a dependent spouse younger than age&nbsp;65. When the spouse reaches age&nbsp;65 and receives a pension in his or her own right under the national pension program, the supplement ceases.</p>
<p><span class="h5">Disability grant (employees' pension insurance):</span> Paid for a degree of disability assessed as less severe than Group&nbsp;<abbr title="three">III</abbr>. Must have paid contributions during 66.7% of the period from age&nbsp;20 to two months before the month of the first medical exam (including any periods exempt from contribution requirements).</p>
<h4>Survivor pension</h4>
<p><span class="h5">National pension program:</span> The deceased must have satisfied one of the following conditions: was an <span class="nobr">old-age</span> pensioner; was an insured person or a resident of Japan aged&nbsp;60 to 64 with paid contributions during 66.7% of the period from age&nbsp;20 to two months before the month of the death (including any periods exempt from contribution requirements); or, if younger than age&nbsp;65, must have paid continuous contributions for one year before the two-month period before the month of the death.</p>
<p>Eligible survivors include the widow living with and caring for the deceased's children up to the end of the fiscal year in which the child reaches age&nbsp;18 (age&nbsp;19 if disabled), and the deceased's children up to the end of the fiscal year in which the child reaches age&nbsp;18 (age&nbsp;19 if disabled).</p>
<p>Dependent's supplement: Paid for children up to the end of the fiscal year in which they reach age&nbsp;18 (up to the month they reach age&nbsp;20 if disabled).</p>
<p><span class="h5">Childless widow's pension (national pension program):</span> Paid to a childless, dependent widow aged&nbsp;60 to 64 who was married to the deceased for at least 10&nbsp;years provided the deceased was not an <span class="nobr">old-age</span> pensioner at the time of death and had at least 25&nbsp;years of contributions (including any periods exempt from contribution requirements).</p>
<p><span class="h5">Death grant (national pension program):</span> The deceased was not an <span class="nobr">old-age</span> or disability pensioner at the time of death and had at least 3&nbsp;years of contributions (including any periods exempt from contribution requirements).</p>
<p><span class="h5">Employees' pension insurance:</span> The deceased must have satisfied one of the following conditions: received or was eligible to receive for an <span class="nobr">old-age</span> or disability (Group&nbsp;<abbr title="one">I</abbr> or <abbr title="two">II</abbr>) pension; or was insured with paid contributions during 66.7% of the period from age&nbsp;20 to two months before the month of the death (including any periods exempt from contribution requirements).</p>
<p>Eligible survivors include a widow, a widower aged&nbsp;55 or older at the time of the insured's death (benefits are paid from age&nbsp;60), children or grandchildren up to the end of the fiscal year in which the child reaches age&nbsp;18 (age&nbsp;19 if disabled), and parents or grandparents older than age&nbsp;55 at the time of the insured's death (benefits are paid from age&nbsp;60), if they were financially dependent on the deceased at the time of death. The pension is paid to the first eligible survivor in the following order of priority: spouse, children, parents, grandparents, and grandchildren.</p>
<p>Widow's supplement (employee's pension insurance): An additional benefit may be paid to a childless widow aged&nbsp;40 to 64 if she was aged&nbsp;40 or older at the time of the insured's death.</p>
<h3><span class="nobr">Old-Age</span> Benefits</h3>
<p><span class="h4">National pension program (<span class="nobr">old-age</span>):</span> The full pension is 792,100&nbsp;yen a year. A reduced pension is paid according to the number of contributions paid and credited. The pension is paid every 2&nbsp;months.</p>
<p>Early pension: For those born on or after April&nbsp;2, 1941, the reduction is 0.5% multiplied by the number of months between application and one month before age&nbsp;65. For older cohorts, the benefit is reduced by 42% to 11%, depending on the age at which the pension is awarded from age&nbsp;60 to 64.</p>
<p>Deferred pension: For those born on or after April&nbsp;2, 1941, the increase is 0.7% multiplied by the number of months between application and one month before age&nbsp;65. For older cohorts, the pension paid at age&nbsp;65 is increased by 12% to 88%, depending on the age at which the pension is awarded from ages&nbsp;66 to 70.</p>
<p>Dependent's supplement: The supplement is paid directly to a qualifying spouse aged&nbsp;65 or older and ranges from 15,300&nbsp;yen to 227,900&nbsp;yen a year, depending on the spouse's age.</p>
<p>Benefit adjustment: Benefits are automatically adjusted annually according to changes in the cost of living and wages.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Employees' pension insurance (<span class="nobr">old-age</span>):</span> The pension is based on the insured's average monthly wage over the full career multiplied by a coefficient determined by the insured's date of birth multiplied by the number of months of coverage. The pension is paid every 2&nbsp;months.</p>
<p>Pensioners aged&nbsp;60 to 64 receive an additional 1,676&nbsp;yen a month for each month of total coverage.</p>
<p>Working pensioner (aged&nbsp;60 to 64): The full pension is paid for continued employment from age&nbsp;60 to 64 if the combined total of monthly earnings and pension is no greater than 280,000&nbsp;yen; if the combined total is 280,000&nbsp;yen to 470,000&nbsp;yen a month, the pension is reduced by 50% of the increase in monthly earnings; if monthly earnings exceed 470,000&nbsp;yen a month, the pension is further reduced.</p>
<p>Working pensioner (aged&nbsp;65 to 69): If the combined monthly earnings and pension exceed 470,000&nbsp;yen, the pension is reduced by 50% of the increase in monthly earnings.</p>
<p>Dependent's supplement: 227,900&nbsp;yen a year is paid for a spouse; 227,900&nbsp;yen a year for each of the first two children and 75,900&nbsp;yen a year for each subsequent child up to the end of the fiscal year in which the child reaches age&nbsp;18 (up to the month they reach age&nbsp;20 if disabled).</p>
<p>Benefit adjustment: Benefits are automatically adjusted annually according to changes in the cost of living and wages.</p>
<h3>Permanent Disability Benefits</h3>
<p><span class="h4">National pension program (disability):</span> 990,100&nbsp;yen a year is paid for a Group&nbsp;<abbr title="one">I</abbr> disability; 792,100&nbsp;yen a year for a Group&nbsp;<abbr title="two">II</abbr> disability.</p>
<p>Dependent's supplement: 227,900&nbsp;yen a year is paid for each of the first two children and 75,900&nbsp;yen a year for each subsequent child up to the end of the fiscal year in which the child reaches age&nbsp;18 (up to the month they reach age&nbsp;20 if disabled).</p>
<p>Benefits are paid every 2&nbsp;months.</p>
<p>Benefit adjustment: Benefits are automatically adjusted annually according to changes in the cost of living and wages.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Employees' pension insurance (disability):</span> 125% of the <span class="nobr">old-age</span> pension plus additional benefits for dependents is paid for a Group&nbsp;<abbr title="one">I</abbr> disability; 100% of the <span class="nobr">old-age</span> pension plus additional benefits for dependents for a Group&nbsp;<abbr title="two">II</abbr> disability; or 100% of the <span class="nobr">old-age</span> pension for a Group&nbsp;<abbr title="three">III</abbr> disability. For persons with less than 300&nbsp;months of coverage, the pension is calculated based on a contribution period of 300&nbsp;months.</p>
<p>The minimum benefit is 594,200&nbsp;yen a year.</p>
<p>Dependent's supplement: 227,900&nbsp;yen a year is paid for a spouse.</p>
<p>Benefits are paid every 2&nbsp;months.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Disability grant:</span> A lump sum of 200% of the <span class="nobr">old-age</span> pension is paid. The minimum lump sum is 1,162,000&nbsp;yen.</p>
<p>Benefit adjustment: Benefits are automatically adjusted annually according to changes in the cost of living and wages.</p>
<h3>Survivor Benefits</h3>
<h4>National pension program (survivors)</h4>
<p><span class="h5">Widow's pension:</span> 792,100&nbsp;yen a year is paid for a widow. (No benefit is paid for a widower.)</p>
<p>Dependent's supplement: 227,900&nbsp;yen a year is paid for each of the first two children and 75,900&nbsp;yen a year for each subsequent child up to the end of the fiscal year in which the child reaches age&nbsp;18 (up to the month they reach age&nbsp;20 if disabled).</p>
<p><span class="h5">Full orphan's pension:</span> The benefit is the same as for a widow plus dependent supplements and is split equally among all eligible full orphans.</p>
<p><span class="h5">Childless widow's pension:</span> 75% of the <span class="nobr">old-age</span> pension the deceased would have been entitled to receive.</p>
<p>Benefits are paid every 2&nbsp;months.</p>
<p><span class="h5">Death grant:</span> A lump sum of 120,000&nbsp;yen to 320,000&nbsp;yen is paid according to the length of the period of paid contributions from 3 to 35&nbsp;years.</p>
<p>Benefit adjustment: Benefits are automatically adjusted annually according to changes in the cost of living and wages.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Employees' pension insurance (survivors):</span> 75% of the <span class="nobr">old-age</span> pension is paid to the first eligible survivor for the death of an insured worker.</p>
<p><span class="h5">Widow's supplement:</span> An additional benefit of 594,200&nbsp;yen a year may be paid to a childless widow aged&nbsp;40 to 65.</p>
<p>Benefits are paid every 2&nbsp;months.</p>
<p>Benefit adjustment: Benefits are automatically adjusted annually according to changes in the cost of living.</p>
<h3>Administrative Organization</h3>
<p>Pension Bureau of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (<a href="https://www.mhlw.go.jp/index.html">http://www.mhlw.go.jp</a>) supervises both the national and employees' pension programs.</p>
<p>Japan Pension Service (<a href="https://www.nenkin.go.jp/">http://www.nenkin.go.jp</a>), under the fiscal and management responsibility of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, administers both programs nationally.</p>
<p>Japan Pension Service collects contributions, provides consultation services, and pays benefits for both programs through their branch offices.</p>
<h2>Sickness and Maternity</h2>
<h3>Regulatory Framework</h3>
<p><span class="h4">First and current laws:</span> 1922 (employees' health insurance), implemented in 1927; 1938 (national health insurance); and 1982 (medical system for the elderly), implemented in 1983.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Type of program:</span> Social insurance system.</p>
<h3>Coverage</h3>
<p><span class="h4">National health insurance:</span> All persons residing in Japan not covered under the employees' health insurance program.</p>
<p>Special national health insurance societies provide coverage for certain occupations.</p>
<h4>Employees' health insurance</h4>
<p><span class="h5">Society-managed health insurance:</span> Members of an occupational health insurance society.</p>
<p><span class="h5">Association-managed health insurance:</span> Employees of firms in industry and commerce with five or more employees are covered by the program managed by the Japan Health Insurance Association, unless the insured is a member of an occupational health insurance society.</p>
<p>Voluntary coverage for employees in private-sector workplaces with less than five workers and for agricultural, forestry, or fishery workers.</p>
<p>Special systems for seamen, private-school employees, and local and national government employees.</p>
<p>A health and medical services program operates for persons aged&nbsp;75 or older.</p>
<h3>Source of Funds</h3>
<h4>Insured person</h4>
<p><span class="h5">National health insurance:</span> The contribution is set by the insurer but must not exceed 630,000&nbsp;yen a year per household. (The average annual contribution in 2008 was 85,448&nbsp;yen per insured person, or 150,271&nbsp;yen per household.)</p>
<p>Contributions may be reduced for low-income persons.</p>
<p><span class="h5">Employees' health insurance:</span> 4.67% of monthly payroll (salary and bonuses before tax), according to 47 wage classes (association-managed program). The annual average contribution in 2008 was 3.31% of monthly payroll (salary and bonuses before tax), according to 47 wage classes (society-managed program).</p>
<p>The minimum monthly earnings used to calculate contributions are 58,000&nbsp;yen.</p>
<p>The maximum monthly earnings used to calculate contributions are 1,210,000&nbsp;yen.</p>
<p>The minimum and maximum earnings levels are adjusted according to any increase in the national average wage.</p>
<h4>Self-employed person</h4>
<p><span class="h5">National health insurance:</span> The contribution is set by the insurer but must not exceed 630,000&nbsp;yen a year per household. (The average annual contribution in 2008 was 85,448&nbsp;yen per insured person, or 150,271&nbsp;yen per household.)</p>
<p>Contributions may be reduced for low-income persons.</p>
<p><span class="h5">Employees' health insurance:</span> Not applicable.</p>
<h4>Employer</h4>
<p><span class="h5">National health insurance:</span> None.</p>
<p><span class="h5">Employees' health insurance:</span> 4.67% of the monthly payroll (salary and bonuses before tax), according to 47 wage classes (association-managed program). The annual average contribution in 2008 was 3.31% of monthly payroll (salary and bonuses before tax), according to 47 wage classes (society-managed program).</p>
<p>The minimum monthly basic earnings used to calculate contributions are 58,000&nbsp;yen.</p>
<p>The maximum monthly basic earnings used to calculate contributions are 1,210,000&nbsp;yen.</p>
<p>The minimum and maximum earnings levels are adjusted based on any increase in the national average wage.</p>
<h4>Government</h4>
<p><span class="h5">National health insurance:</span> A subsidy of 50% (43% from the national government and 7% from the prefecture) of the cost of medical care.</p>
<p><span class="h5">Employees' health insurance:</span> 16.4% of benefit costs, 16.4% of the cost of health care for older people, the total cost of administration for the association-managed program, and part of the cost of administration for the society-managed program.</p>
<p>Also, about 50% of the cost (excluding the cost covered by the insured) of medical care provided under the health and medical services program for older people.</p>
<h3>Qualifying Conditions</h3>
<p><span class="h4">National health insurance:</span> Must reside in Japan.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Employees' health insurance:</span> Must be in covered employment. If an insured person leaves employment but was in covered employment during the previous 2&nbsp;months, the insured may be covered on a voluntary basis for up to 2&nbsp;years.</p>
<p>Eligible dependents are spouses, parents, grandparents, younger sisters and brothers, children, and grandchildren whether or not residing with the insured person; and fathers- and mothers-in-law, uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces, and older brothers and sisters, provided they reside with the insured.</p>
<h3>Sickness and Maternity Benefits</h3>
<p><span class="h4">National health insurance:</span> Each insurer provides maternity and child care allowances and funeral grants, according to the municipality.</p>
<h4>Employees' health insurance</h4>
<p><span class="h5">Sickness and injury allowance:</span> 66.67% of the average daily basic wage is paid according to wage class. The benefit is paid after a <span class="nobr">3-day</span> waiting period for up to 18&nbsp;months. Health insurance societies may provide more generous benefits. If the insured receives wages, benefits are suspended or partially reduced.</p>
<p><span class="h5">Maternity allowance:</span> Approximately 66.67% of the average daily basic wage is paid, according to wage class, for 42&nbsp;days before (98&nbsp;days for expected multiple births) and 56&nbsp;days after the expected date of childbirth. If the insured receives wages, benefits are suspended or partially reduced.</p>
<p><span class="h5">Child care allowance:</span> A lump sum of 420,000&nbsp;yen is paid to an insured person or the dependent of an insured person.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Funeral grant:</span> A lump sum of 50,000&nbsp;yen is paid to a dependent who pays for the funeral. If there is no dependent, the actual cost is paid to the person who organizes the funeral, up to 50,000&nbsp;yen.</p>
<h3>Workers' Medical Benefits</h3>
<p><span class="h4">National health insurance:</span> Clinics, hospitals, and pharmacists under contract with and paid by the insurer usually provide medical care and treatment (some insurers provide services directly through their own clinics and hospitals). Benefits include medical treatment, surgery, hospitalization, nursing care, dental care, maternity care (only for a difficult childbirth), and medicine.</p>
<p>There is no limit to duration.</p>
<p>Cost sharing: The amount depends on the person's age: 20% of the cost for preschool children; 30% of the cost for persons up to age&nbsp;69; 10% or 30% of the cost (depending on income) for persons aged&nbsp;70 or older.</p>
<p>Hospitalized persons also pay a daily fee toward the cost of nonmedical expenses, depending on family income.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Employees' health insurance:</span> Benefits include medical treatment, surgery, hospitalization, nursing care, dental care, maternity care (only for a difficult childbirth), and medicine.</p>
<p>There is no limit to duration.</p>
<p>Cost sharing: The amount depends on the person's age: 20% of the cost for preschool children; 30% of the cost for persons up to age&nbsp;69; 10% or 30% of the cost (depending on income) for persons aged&nbsp;70 or older.</p>
<p>Hospitalized persons also pay a daily fee toward the cost of nonmedical expenses, depending on family income.</p>
<h3>Dependents' Medical Benefits</h3>
<p><span class="h4">National health insurance:</span> Not applicable.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Employees' health insurance:</span> Benefits include medical treatment, surgery, hospitalization, nursing care, dental care, maternity care (only for a difficult childbirth), and medicine.</p>
<p>There is no limit to duration.</p>
<p>Cost sharing: The amount depends on the person's age: 20% of the cost for preschool children; 30% of the cost for persons up to age&nbsp;69; 10% or 30% of the cost (depending on income) for persons aged&nbsp;70 or older.</p>
<p>Hospitalized persons also pay a daily fee toward the cost of nonmedical expenses, depending on family income.</p>
<h3>Administrative Organization</h3>
<p>Health Insurance Bureau of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (<a href="https://www.mhlw.go.jp/index.html">http://www.mhlw.go.jp</a>) governs the National Health Insurance and Employee's Health Insurance programs.</p>
<p>Regional Bureaus of Health and Welfare and prefectures supervise the programs locally.</p>
<p><span class="h4">National health insurance:</span> Municipalities administer the program.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Employees' health insurance:</span> Japan Health Insurance Association (<a href="https://www.kyoukaikenpo.or.jp">http://www.kyoukaikenpo.or.jp</a>) administers the association-managed program nationally and 1,459 health insurance societies administer the society-managed program nationwide.</p>
<p>Municipalities administer the health and medical services program for older people.</p>
<h2>Work Injury</h2>
<h3>Regulatory Framework</h3>
<p><span class="h4">First law:</span> 1911.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Current law:</span> 1947 (workmen's accident compensation insurance).</p>
<p><span class="h4">Type of program:</span> Social insurance system.</p>
<h3>Coverage</h3>
<p>All employees not included under voluntary coverage or special systems.</p>
<p>Voluntary coverage for employees in agricultural, forestry, and fishery establishments with less than five workers.</p>
<p>Some self-employed persons and entrepreneurs (such as business owners of small- and medium-sized enterprises) are covered.</p>
<p>Special systems for civil servants.</p>
<h3>Source of Funds</h3>
<p><span class="h4">Insured person:</span> None.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Self-employed person:</span> 0.4% to 5.2% of an amount based on the industry or type of work and income.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Employer:</span> 0.3% to 10.3% of payroll, according to a <span class="nobr">3-year</span> accident rate.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Government:</span> Provides subsidies.</p>
<h3>Qualifying Conditions</h3>
<p><span class="h4">Work injury benefits:</span> There is no minimum qualifying period.</p>
<h3>Temporary Disability Benefits</h3>
<p>The benefit is 60% of the insured's average daily wage in the 3&nbsp;months before the temporary disability began plus a temporary disability supplement of 20% of the insured's average daily wage. The benefit is paid after a <span class="nobr">3-day</span> waiting period until recovery (the employer pays 60% of the average daily wage for the first 3&nbsp;days).</p>
<p>The minimum daily benefit is 4,040&nbsp;yen.</p>
<p>The maximum daily benefit is 13,284&nbsp;yen to 24,955&nbsp;yen, depending on the insured's age.</p>
<p>Benefit adjustment: Automatic quarterly adjustment for wage changes greater than 10% from the previous quarter.</p>
<p>From the 19th month, persons with less severe disabilities continue to receive the same level of benefit until recovery; persons with more severe disabilities receive the disease compensation pension (annual benefit is 100% of the average daily wage in the preceding 3&nbsp;months multiplied by 245 to 313&nbsp;days until recovery, according to the degree of disability), plus a special supplement based on the worker's annual salary bonus.</p>
<p>Benefits are paid every 2&nbsp;months.</p>
<p>Benefit adjustment: Automatic annual adjustment for changes in wages.</p>
<h3>Permanent Disability Benefits</h3>
<p><span class="h4">Permanent disability pension:</span> Persons with serious disabilities (Grades&nbsp;1 to 7) receive an annual pension of 131 to 313&nbsp;times their average daily wage in the 3&nbsp;months before the disability began. The pension varies with the assessed degree of disability.</p>
<p>Persons with less serious disabilities (Grades&nbsp;8 to 14) receive a <span class="nobr">lump-sum</span> benefit of 56 to 503&nbsp;times their average daily wage in the preceding 3&nbsp;months. The pension varies according to the assessed degree of disability.</p>
<p>Constant-attendance allowance (Grades&nbsp;1 and 2): Up to 104,730&nbsp;yen a month if the insured requires the constant attendance of others to perform daily functions (56,790&nbsp;yen if family members provide attendance; up to 52,370&nbsp;yen a month if the insured requires <span class="nobr">part-time</span> attendance (28,400&nbsp;yen if family members provide attendance).</p>
<p>Benefits are paid monthly.</p>
<p>Benefit adjustment: Benefits are automatically adjusted annually according to changes in wages.</p>
<h3>Workers' Medical Benefits</h3>
<p>Benefits include medical treatment, surgery, hospitalization, nursing, dental care, medicine, appliances, and transportation.</p>
<p>There is no limit on the duration of benefits.</p>
<h3>Survivor Benefits</h3>
<p><span class="h4">Survivor pension:</span> An annual pension of the insured's average daily wage in the 3&nbsp;months before the insured's death multiplied by 153 to 245&nbsp;days is paid according to the number of survivors.</p>
<p>Eligible survivors include a widow or widower (aged&nbsp;60 or older), children and grandchildren (up to the end of the fiscal year in which the child reaches age&nbsp;18), parents and grandparents (aged&nbsp;60 or older), and brothers and sisters (up to the end of the fiscal year in which the child reaches age&nbsp;18; or aged&nbsp;60 or older) who were dependent on the deceased worker at the time of death.</p>
<p>Benefits are paid every 2&nbsp;months.</p>
<p>Benefit adjustment: Benefits are automatically adjusted annually according to changes in wages.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Death grant (if no eligible survivors):</span> A lump sum of the insured's average daily wage in the 3&nbsp;months before the insured's death multiplied by 1,000&nbsp;days is paid to a nondependent survivor.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Funeral grant:</span> The grant is 60&nbsp;days of the insured's average daily wage in the 3&nbsp;months preceding death or 315,000&nbsp;yen plus 30&nbsp;days of wages, whichever is greater.</p>
<h3>Administrative Organization</h3>
<p>Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (<a href="https://www.mhlw.go.jp/index.html">http://www.mhlw.go.jp</a>) provides general supervision and administration.</p>
<p>Work Injury Compensation Department within the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare's Bureau of Labour Standards administers the program through prefectural Labour Bureaus and local Labour Standards Inspection Offices.</p>
<h2>Unemployment</h2>
<h3>Regulatory Framework</h3>
<p><span class="h4">First law:</span> 1947.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Current law:</span> 1974 (employment insurance).</p>
<p><span class="h4">Type of program:</span> Social insurance system.</p>
<h3>Coverage</h3>
<p>Employees younger than age&nbsp;65.</p>
<p>Voluntary coverage for employees in agricultural, forestry, and fishery establishments with less than five regular employees.</p>
<p>Exclusions: Workers who have less than 20 scheduled working hours per week and self-employed workers.</p>
<p>Special systems for daily workers and seasonal workers.</p>
<h3>Source of Funds</h3>
<p><span class="h4">Insured person:</span> 0.6% of monthly earnings (salary and bonuses before tax); 0.7% for agricultural, forestry, fishery, or sake brewing industry workers.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Self-employed person:</span> Not applicable.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Employer:</span> 0.95% of payroll (salary and bonuses before tax); 1.05% for agricultural, forestry, fishery, or sake brewing industry workers; and 1.15% for construction workers.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Government:</span> 13.8% of the cost of unemployment benefits and special allowances, 18.3% of the cost of benefits for daily workers, and 6.9% of the cost of benefits for insured persons on child care leave and for older workers.</p>
<h3>Qualifying Conditions</h3>
<p><span class="h4">Unemployment benefit:</span> Must have at least 12&nbsp;months of coverage during the last 24&nbsp;months before unemployment (in case of unemployment due to insolvency or dismissal, at least 6&nbsp;months of insurance during the last 12&nbsp;months). Must be registered with the Public Employment Security Office and be capable of, and willing to, work. The unemployed person must report to the Public Employment Security Office once every 4&nbsp;weeks. Unemployment must not be due to voluntary leaving, serious misconduct, refusal of a suitable job offer, or nonattendance at vocational training (otherwise, the benefit may be limited to 1 to 3&nbsp;months).</p>
<p>Special daily or monthly allowances: The insured must have at least 3&nbsp;years (1&nbsp;year if receiving the benefit for the first time) of coverage to receive education and training benefits and must take designated educational and training courses.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Older worker benefit:</span> Paid to workers aged&nbsp;60 to 64 with more than 5&nbsp;years of coverage whose wage was reduced by 75% from the wage paid at age&nbsp;60.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Child care leave benefit:</span> Paid to insured persons who take child care leave to care for a newborn child up to age&nbsp;1; up to age&nbsp;18&nbsp;months under certain conditions.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Nursing care leave benefit:</span> Paid to insured persons who take leave to provide nursing care for family members.</p>
<h3>Unemployment Benefits</h3>
<p><span class="h4">Unemployment benefit:</span> The&nbsp;benefit is 50% to 80% of the insured's average daily wage (higher percentages are awarded to lower-wage earners) in the 6&nbsp;months before unemployment; 45% to 80% if aged&nbsp;60 to 64. The benefit is paid after a <span class="nobr">7-day</span> waiting period for 90 to 330&nbsp;days, according to the length of coverage, age and reasons for unemployment. The benefit may be extended for another 60&nbsp;days for insured persons who are unemployed due to insolvency or dismissal and are having difficulty finding a new job, taking into consideration age and regional circumstances (temporary measure until March&nbsp;31, 2012).</p>
<p>The minimum daily benefit is 1,600&nbsp;yen.</p>
<p>The maximum daily benefit is 7,505&nbsp;yen.</p>
<p>Special daily or monthly allowances: Allowances are paid to cover the cost of vocational training, transportation for job search activities, moving, and lodging expenses while seeking employment in the wider area.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Older worker benefit:</span> The maximum benefit is 15% of the wage after age&nbsp;60, depending on the percentage of wage reduction.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Child care leave benefit:</span> A monthly benefit is paid of 50% of the insured's average daily wage in the 6&nbsp;months before the leave period multiplied by 30.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Nursing care leave benefit:</span> 40% of the insured's wage before the leave period is paid.</p>
<h3>Administrative Organization</h3>
<p>Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (<a href="https://www.mhlw.go.jp/index.html">http://www.mhlw.go.jp</a>) provides general supervision and management.</p>
<p>Employment Security Bureau in the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare administers the national program through the Employment Insurance Divisions of prefectural Labour Bureaus and Public Employment Security Offices.</p>
<h2>Family Allowances</h2>
<h3>Regulatory Framework</h3>
<p><span class="h4">First and current laws:</span> 1971 (child allowance), implemented in 1972, and 2010 (payment of child allowance).</p>
<p><span class="h4">Type of program:</span> Employer-liability and social assistance system.</p>
<h3>Coverage</h3>
<p>Persons raising one or more children younger than the age of graduation from junior high school.</p>
<h3>Source of Funds</h3>
<p><span class="h4">Insured person:</span> None.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Self-employed person:</span> None.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Employer:</span> 70% of the cost (about 0.13% of wages) for children younger than age&nbsp;3.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Government:</span> For employees' children younger than age&nbsp;3: 10% of the cost paid by the National Treasury; 10% by the prefecture; and 10% by municipalities. For employees' children aged&nbsp;3 to 12: 33.3% of the cost paid by the National Treasury; 33.3% by the prefecture; and 33.3% by municipalities. For self-employed and unemployed persons' children aged&nbsp;0 to 12: 33.3% of the cost paid by the National Treasury; 33.3% by the prefecture; and 33.3% by municipalities. Costs for civil servants' children are paid by the civil servant's government agency.</p>
<h3>Qualifying Conditions</h3>
<p>No income test exists.</p>
<h3>Family Allowance Benefits</h3>
<p>13,000&nbsp;yen a month is paid to parents or guardians for each child.</p>
<p>Allowances are normally paid every four months (February, June and October) and the sum of allowances for the previous three months is paid.</p>
<p>Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted on an ad hoc basis.</p>
<h3>Administrative Organization</h3>
<p>Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (<a href="https://www.mhlw.go.jp/index.html">http://www.mhlw.go.jp</a>) supervises the program through its Equal Employment, Children, and Families Bureau.</p>
<p>Japan Pension Service Branch Offices collect contributions.</p>
<p>Municipalities pay allowances.</p>
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