Frequently Asked Questions (National Pension)

QuestionPlease tell me about the National Pension premium exemption system during the childcare period.

Response

Those raising a child (biological parents or adoptive parents) can be exempted from National Pension premiums up to the month before the child's first birthday by submitting a notification.

Eligible Individuals

From October 1, 2026, biological parents or adoptive parents of National Pension Category 1 insured persons raising a child until the child turns one year old
All of the following requirements must be met to qualify as raising a child (there are no income requirements).

1. The parent-child relationship with the child continues.
2. The parent and child share the same address.

Exemption Period

In the case of the biological mother

If the biological mother has a maternity exemption period, the National Pension premiums will be exempted for nine months following the maternity exemption period (applicable only from October 1, 2026, onward).
(Example) If the child's birth (expected) date is May 1, 2027, the 9-month period from August 2027 to April 2028 corresponds to the childcare exemption period.
 

In the case of the biological father or adoptive parents (including biological mothers without a pre- and postnatal exemption period)

From the month in which the person begins raising the child until the month before the child's first birthday, up to a maximum of 12 months, the National Pension insurance premiums are exempted (limited to periods on or after October 1, 2026).
(Example) If the child's birth date is May 1, 2027, the 12-month period from May 2027 to April 2028 corresponds to the childcare exemption period.

 

If the child has been raised since before the system implementation (October 2026) and is under one year old at the time of system implementation (in the case of the biological mother)

Among the 9 months following the prenatal and postnatal exemption period (4 or 6 months), the National Pension premiums for the months from October 1, 2023, onward are exempted.
(Example) If the child's birth date is January 1, 2023, the 3-month period from October 2023 to December 2023 corresponds to the childcare exemption period.

 

If you have been raising a child since before the system was implemented (October 2023) and the child is under one year old at the time of implementation (in the case of the biological father or adoptive parents)

From October 1, 2023, the period until the month before the child’s first birthday is eligible for childcare exemption.
(Example) If the child's birth date is January 1, 2023, the 3-month period from October 2023 to December 2023 corresponds to the childcare exemption period.

 

Handling of the Childcare Exemption Period

The period recognized as a childcare exemption period will be reflected in the amount of the old-age Basic Pension as if the insurance premiums had been paid.

Notification Destination

City Hall Insurance and Pension Division
Note: You can apply for exemption electronically via the My Number Portal.

• Electronic Application for National Pension Procedures

Required Items for Notification

1. Identity verification documents (My Number Card, driver's license, etc.)
2. Basic Pension Number Notification or Pension Handbook, etc.

Cases Where Notification Is Not Required

Those who are eligible for the maternity and childcare exemption (biological mother) and whose maternity and childcare exemption period ended in or after September 2026, and who continue to raise the child as confirmed by the Japan Pension Service, do not need to submit a notification. For those who qualify, the Japan Pension Service will send a "National Pension Insurance Premium Childcare Exemption Eligibility Notice" after the maternity and childcare exemption period ends.

For more details, please check the Japan Pension Service website.

• Japan Pension Service website "Exemption System for National Pension Insurance Premiums During Childcare"(External Link)

Contact Information

Insurance and Pension Division
Phone 042-378-2111
Extension 142, 143
 

• Fuchu Pension Office

Postal Code 183-8505
Address: 2-12 Fuchucho, Fuchu City
Phone 042-361-1011