NationalPension
National Pension Childcare Exemption (from Oct 2026)
国民年金保険料の育児免除制度
In short: From October 2026, Category 1 National Pension members (self-employed, students, not working) raising a child under 1 are exempt from premiums, with no income test, and the period counts as paid.Birth or adoptive parents who are National Pension Category 1 insured persons, raising a child under 1 who is legally their child and lives at the same address (special adoption and foster cases included). No income requirement. Both parents qualify if both are Category 1.(Source: www.nenkin.go.jp, verified on 2026-10-15)
Validity: Started 1 Oct 2026 (nenkin page updated 2026-10-01). Verified on 2026-10-15. Official source: https://www.nenkin.go.jp/service/kokunen/menjo/ikujimenjo.html
- Residence-status rule — not stated on source; confirm with office.
Who qualifies
- Birth or adoptive parents who are National Pension Category 1 insured persons, raising a child under 1 who is legally their child and lives at the same address (special adoption and foster cases included). No income requirement. Both parents qualify if both are Category 1. [official source · verified on 2026-10-15]
- Not for Category 2 (company employees — separate employee pension exemption) or Category 3 dependants and voluntary members. [official source · verified on 2026-10-15]
Conditions by topic
| Age | Not stated in the sources we checked — confirm with the office. |
|---|---|
| Income | Not stated in the sources we checked — confirm with the office. |
| Household | Not stated in the sources we checked — confirm with the office. |
| Child age | Child under 1. [official source · verified on 2026-10-15] |
| Residence in Japan | Not stated in the sources we checked — confirm with the office. |
| Residence in Tokyo / municipality | Not stated in the sources we checked — confirm with the office. |
| Work / insurance type | National Pension Category 1. [official source · verified on 2026-10-15] |
| Disability | Not stated in the sources we checked — confirm with the office. |
Residence status
Not stated in the official sources we checked — unknown.
Residence status is not stated on the official page; it applies to National Pension Category 1 insured persons.
Where to apply
- Submit the notification (届出) — see the Japan Pension Service page for where and how. [official source · verified on 2026-10-15]
Find addresses in the office finder.
Deadlines
Not yet verified from an official source.
Documents
Not yet verified from an official source.
Key details
- The exempt period counts as paid for the old-age basic pension. Already-paid premiums for the period are refunded or applied. You may still pay the ¥400 additional (fuka) premium. [official source · verified on 2026-10-15]
- Period: birth mothers with a prenatal/postnatal exemption — the 9 months following it; fathers, adoptive parents (and mothers without that exemption) — from the month care starts until the month before the 1st birthday (up to 12 months). Only months from Oct 2026 count (e.g. child born 1 Jan 2026: Oct–Dec 2026). [official source · verified on 2026-10-15]
Phone / counter phrases
すみません、国民年金の育児免除について伺いたいのですが、対象になるか、何を持っていけばよいか教えていただけますか。
Hello. I would like to ask about the National Pension childcare exemption. Am I eligible, and what documents should I bring?
すみません、もう少しゆっくり話していただけますか。
Sumimasen, mō sukoshi yukkuri hanashite itadakemasu ka.
Sorry, could you please speak a little more slowly?
Generic phrases for practical help, not official wording.