Unemployment Insurance in Japan

Unemployment Insurance (雇用保険 Koyou Hoken) is a benefit granted to unemployed workers (who have lost their jobs) until they find a new job. Its purpose is to provide temporary financial assistance to unemployed workers.

It is the employer’s obligation to register the worker in the Unemployment Insurance system. The insurance costs will be borne by both the employer and the worker. The value of unemployment insurance is 0.0135% of the month’s salary, with 0.005% deducted from the employee’s salary and 0.0085% paid by the employer. An employee who receives a base salary of 200,000 yen is deducted 1,000 yen for unemployment insurance contributions.

Who can receive unemployment insurance benefits

  • The worker who is registered with unemployment insurance and at the time of leaving the job.

Who cannot receive the benefit

  • Person unable to work immediately due to illness, injury or pregnancy. Benefit payment is postponed.
  • Person who permanently returns to the country immediately after leaving the company.

Deadline to request the benefit

  • The insured person can receive the subsidy within one year from the day after the date of leaving the company. If this period is exceeded, the beneficiary will lose the right to the subsidy.

Waiting Period

  • The waiting period is 7 days after registering with Hello Work, 7 days are required for recognition of unemployed status.

Rights of the person who is fired by the company

  • You will be entitled to the benefit if you have been covered by unemployment insurance for 6 months or more.
  • You will be entitled to payment after the waiting period (7 days).

Rights of the person who resigned

  • You will be entitled to the benefit if you have been insured for more than 12 months.
  • You will be entitled to payment after three months, in addition to the waiting period (7 days).
  • However, even if you have resigned, if Hello Work concludes that there were unavoidable circumstances, you will be entitled to payment after 7 days, instead of 3 months.

How the subsidy to be received is calculated

  • The last six salaries prior to the date of dismissal are added together and the total is divided by 180 to obtain the daily value that serves as the calculation basis. The insured will receive 45% to 80% of this daily amount. The lower the salary, the higher the percentage you receive.

What is the number of days to receive

  • It varies depending on age, years of contribution and the reason for leaving. Generally the benefit period is 90 days (3 months), but it can vary depending on the reason, reaching up to 360 days.

Documents required to apply for unemployment insurance benefits

  • Unemployment letter, work leave form (Rishokushyo).
  • Unemployment insurance card (Koyo Hoken Hihokenshasho).
  • Zairyu Card.
  • Inkan (stamp).
  • 2 photos (3×2.5cm)
  • Bank book.

Where can I ask questions or apply for unemployment insurance?

  • At Hello Work in your city (usually there is an Interpreter).

Link >>> HELLO WORK

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