NationalPension
National Pension Premium Exemption / Deferral
国民年金保険料の免除・納付猶予
In short: Full or partial exemption, or deferral, of National Pension premiums when paying is difficult.Exemption: if the prior-year income of you, your spouse and the household head is below set limits, or after job loss. Levels: full, 3/4, half, 1/4.(Source: www.nenkin.go.jp, verified on 2026-10-15)
Validity: Current as of 2026-10-15 (FY2026 / Reiwa 8); source page live on that date. Verified on 2026-10-15. Official source: https://www.nenkin.go.jp/service/kokunen/menjo/20150428.html
Who qualifies
- Exemption: if the prior-year income of you, your spouse and the household head is below set limits, or after job loss. Levels: full, 3/4, half, 1/4. [official source · verified on 2026-10-15]
- Deferral: ages 20–49, based on your and your spouse's prior-year income. [official source · verified on 2026-10-15]
- Students use the separate Student Special Payment system; voluntary enrollees cannot apply. [official source · verified on 2026-10-15]
- Job-loss special exemption: available regardless of prior-year income with proof of unemployment (e.g. copy of separation notice 離職票). [official source · verified on 2026-10-15]
Conditions by topic
| Age | Deferral (納付猶予): ages 20–49 only. Exemption: National Pension insured (ages 20–59). [official source · verified on 2026-10-15] |
|---|---|
| Income | Full exemption if prior-year income ≤ (dependents+1)×¥350,000+¥320,000; 3/4: ¥880,000+deductions; half: ¥1,280,000+deductions; 1/4: ¥1,680,000+deductions. Applies to you, spouse and household head. [official source · verified on 2026-10-15] |
| Household | Not stated in the sources we checked — confirm with the office. |
| Child age | Not stated in the sources we checked — confirm with the office. |
| 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 | Job loss (with proof) qualifies regardless of prior-year income. Students must use the Student Special Payment instead; voluntary enrollees cannot apply. [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.
Where to apply
- National pension counter of your city/ward office, or a nearby pension office; also by mail or e-application. [official source · verified on 2026-10-15]
Find addresses in the office finder.
Deadlines
- You can apply for periods up to 2 years after the payment deadline (about 2 years 1 month back). [official source · verified on 2026-10-15]
- Application is generally required every fiscal year (full exemption/deferral can continue automatically if requested). [official source · verified on 2026-10-15]
Documents
- Application form; Basic Pension Number document or My Number Card (or My Number proof + ID such as residence card). [official source · verified on 2026-10-15]
- For job-loss exemption: proof of unemployment. [official source · verified on 2026-10-15]
Key details
- Fully exempt periods count for 1/2 of the full-payment pension amount; unpaid periods count for nothing. [official source · verified on 2026-10-15]
- Exempted premiums can be paid later (追納) within 10 years. [official source · verified on 2026-10-15]
Phone / counter phrases
すみません、国民年金保険料の免除の手続きについて伺いたいのですが、何を持っていけばよいですか。
Sumimasen, kokumin nenkin hokenryō no menjo no tetsuzuki ni tsuite ukagaitai no desu ga, nani o motte ikeba yoi desu ka.
Hello. I would like to ask about the procedure for National Pension premium exemption. 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.