Existing user? Sign in
Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.
Free. Takes 2 min.
Social security in Japan is a set of public systems designed to provide income security, medical care, long-term care, and welfare support. In Shizuoka Prefecture these systems operate under national laws combined with local administration by municipal governments and prefectural agencies. Key components include the National Pension and Employees Pension Insurance for income replacement in retirement, disability and survivors situations - national and municipal health insurance systems for medical care costs - long-term care insurance for older adults who need support - and public assistance programs for people with insufficient income.
Administration is shared between national bodies such as the Japan Pension Service and local governments including city and ward offices in Shizuoka. Legal questions often involve eligibility, benefit calculation, application procedures, appeals of administrative decisions, and interactions with employers or medical providers. Because social security benefits can be based on complex rules, timelines, and documentation requirements, people frequently need guidance to protect their rights and secure the support to which they are entitled.
While many social security procedures can be handled directly with government offices, there are common situations when legal assistance is helpful or necessary:
- Benefit denial or reduction. If a pension, disability benefit, health coverage, or long-term care benefit is denied or reduced, a lawyer can help explain the reasons, gather evidence, and prepare requests for reconsideration or appeals.
- Disability certification disputes. Medical assessments underpin disability pensions and long-term care eligibility. Lawyers can assist in obtaining independent medical opinions, preparing documentation, and challenging incorrect assessments.
- Complex eligibility or contribution records. Cases involving gaps in pension contributions - multiple employers, overseas work, or mistaken classification as employee or contractor - often require legal review to correct records and calculate entitlements.
- Administrative appeals and litigation. If reconsideration at the administrative level fails, you may need a lawyer for administrative litigation or representation in court.
- Interaction with employers. Disputes about employer omission of pension enrollment, wrongful termination affecting benefits, or employer responsibility for contributions can involve legal remedies.
- Access to public assistance and social services. Lawyers and social welfare advocates can help with applications for public assistance, housing support, and benefits for low-income households, and can challenge wrongful denials.
- Protection of non-Japanese residents. Foreign residents may face additional documentation and interpretation issues. A lawyer can help explain eligibility, residency requirements, and translation needs.
The social security landscape in Shizuoka reflects national Japanese law implemented locally. Important local aspects include:
- Municipal administration. City and ward offices in Shizuoka handle enrollment and benefits for National Pension, National Health Insurance, long-term care services, and public assistance. Rules for application procedures, necessary documents, and local service delivery follow national law but differ in administrative process and contact points.
- Prefectural support and coordination. Shizuoka Prefectural Government oversees coordination among municipalities and delivers certain programs, especially for public health, disaster-related social support, and cross-municipal services.
- National statutes and agencies. Core legal frameworks are set by national statutes - the Employees Pension Insurance Law, the National Pension Law, the National Health Insurance Act, the Long-Term Care Insurance Act, and the Public Assistance Act. The Japan Pension Service and Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare provide interpretation and national procedures.
- Disability and long-term care assessment procedures. Local governments operate care-management services under the Long-Term Care Insurance Act and conduct assessments following national criteria. Medical certifications and functional assessments are pivotal for benefit levels.
- Appeals process. Administrative appeal routes include filing a request for reconsideration with the relevant agency and, if unsuccessful, bringing administrative litigation in court. Local welfare offices and the Japan Pension Service have dedicated procedures and time limits for appeals.
- Legal aid and support services. Local bar associations, municipal welfare consultation centers, and the Japan Legal Support Center provide advice and legal aid based on eligibility and case type.
Coverage depends on employment status. Employees are generally enrolled in Employees Pension Insurance through their employer. Self-employed people, students, and non-employed residents enroll in the National Pension. Foreign residents may also be required to enroll if their residency status meets the law requirements. Your municipal office or the Japan Pension Service office in Shizuoka can confirm which system applies to you.
Apply through the Japan Pension Service. You will need medical records, a physician's certificate, identity documents, pension number if known, and documents showing work and contribution history. Municipal pension consultation centers and welfare offices can help with forms and procedural questions. Timeliness and thorough medical documentation are important.
First ask for a written explanation of the denial and gather any missing documentation. You can file a request for reconsideration with the relevant agency. If administrative review is unsuccessful, you may be able to pursue administrative litigation in court. Consulting a lawyer experienced in social security law early can improve the chances of success.
Residents aged 65 and over and those aged 40-64 with eligible illnesses can apply for long-term care insurance benefits at their municipal long-term care insurance section. An assessment determines the care need level, and based on that level the municipality issues a care plan and authorizes service providers. Local care managers and municipal offices assist applicants through the process.
Yes. Municipal offices often provide interpretation support or can refer you to community organizations that assist foreign residents. For legal matters, a lawyer or advisor who can communicate in your language is highly beneficial. Prepare identity and immigration documents, and ask the municipal office about available language support when you inquire.
Important documents include pension booklets or pension numbers, employer-issued statements, withholding slips showing pension premiums, tax records, and any letters from pension authorities. If gaps exist due to overseas work or employer omission, collecting employment contracts, pay slips, and other evidence is useful. The Japan Pension Service can also provide official contribution records upon request.
Time limits vary by type of benefit and procedure. For pension reconsideration and administrative appeals, there are specific statutory deadlines - for example, reconsideration requests often must be made within a few months of receiving the decision. Public assistance and other benefit systems also have deadlines for appeals. If you receive an adverse decision, act promptly and consult the responsible office or a lawyer to confirm deadlines.
Most applicants receive benefits without court proceedings. However, if administrative reconsideration fails, litigation may be necessary to challenge a decision. Courts can review administrative decisions and order remedies. A lawyer can advise whether litigation is appropriate and represent you in court if needed.
Employers who fail to enroll eligible employees or who improperly withhold contributions may face administrative penalties and can be required to make back payments. Employees may also have civil remedies. If you suspect employer omission or misconduct, gather employment records and consult a lawyer or labor bureau for advice.
Start with the Japan Legal Support Center for information on eligibility for legal aid and low-cost services. The Shizuoka Bar Association can provide lawyer referral services and offer consultations. Some municipal welfare offices and consumer centers also offer initial guidance. Many lawyers offer initial consultations for a reduced fee or free intake interviews to assess your case.
Below are types of organizations and offices that can help you with social security matters in Shizuoka. Contact the municipal office in your city or ward first for local procedures and applications:
- Japan Pension Service - administrative office for pension enrollment, benefits, and contribution records.
- Municipal government offices in Shizuoka cities and towns - handle National Pension, National Health Insurance, long-term care insurance, and public assistance applications and assessments.
- Shizuoka Prefectural Government - health and welfare divisions that coordinate prefectural social services and disaster-related social support.
- Japan Legal Support Center - information on legal aid eligibility and low-cost legal services.
- Shizuoka Bar Association - lawyer referral services and information on legal consultations.
- Local social welfare councils and welfare offices - advice on public assistance, welfare programs, and community resources.
- Nonprofit organizations and NGOs that support foreign residents and vulnerable populations - assistance with language, documentation, and navigating local systems.
If you need legal assistance with a social security issue in Shizuoka, follow these practical steps:
1. Gather documents - Collect identity documents, pension booklets or numbers, employment records, medical records, notices from authorities, and any correspondence related to your case.
2. Contact the appropriate municipal or national office - For pensions contact the Japan Pension Service or your municipal pension office. For health and long-term care matters contact your municipal health or long-term care insurance section.
3. Ask for written reasons - If you received a denial or reduction, request a written explanation and note any deadlines for reconsideration or appeal.
4. Seek an initial consultation - Use municipal consultation services, the bar association referral, or the Japan Legal Support Center to get an initial legal assessment. Many services can point you to affordable options.
5. Consider administrative remedies first - File a request for reconsideration or administrative appeal within the deadline if the office provides one. A lawyer can help prepare a strong submission and assemble medical or employment evidence.
6. Prepare for litigation if needed - If administrative review is unsuccessful, discuss administrative litigation with a lawyer to evaluate chances of success and procedural requirements.
7. Keep detailed records - Maintain copies of all applications, forms, receipts, medical reports, and correspondence. Accurate records strengthen applications and appeals.
8. Use language support if needed - Ask municipal offices about interpretation services and, if necessary, find an attorney or advisor who can communicate in your preferred language.
9. Protect timelines - Be aware of appeal deadlines and act promptly. Missing a deadline can forfeit rights to challenge a decision.
10. Stay informed - Social security rules change periodically. Check with official offices or trusted legal sources for updates that may affect your case.
If you are uncertain how to proceed, seek a legal consultation to map out options and next steps tailored to your circumstances. A trained lawyer or welfare advisor can explain applicable laws, evaluate evidence, and represent you in administrative or judicial proceedings if required.
