The Japan-US Social Security Agreement: What You Need to Know
For individuals who have lived and worked in both Japan and the United States, the social security systems of both countries can be a source of confusion when it comes to receiving benefits. Fortunately, the two nations have entered into a social security agreement that helps to eliminate some of this confusion.
The Japan-US Social Security Agreement allows eligible individuals to receive benefits from both countries, even if they have not met the minimum work requirements for one or both of the systems. This agreement applies to retirement, survivor, and disability benefits.
To be eligible for benefits under this agreement, individuals must have contributed to both the Japanese and US social security systems for a minimum period of time. The specific eligibility requirements vary depending on the type of benefit being sought.
For retirement benefits, individuals must have contributed to the Japanese system for at least 25 years and to the US system for at least 10 years. If an individual has not contributed to the US system for 10 years, the agreement allows for the use of their Japanese contributions to satisfy this requirement.
For survivor benefits, the eligibility requirements are based on the deceased individual`s work history. In order for a surviving spouse to receive benefits, the deceased individual must have contributed to the Japanese system for at least six months or to the US system for at least one and a half years.
For disability benefits, individuals must have contributed to the Japanese system for at least six months and to the US system for at least five years. However, if an individual has not contributed to the US system for five years, the agreement allows for the use of their Japanese contributions to satisfy this requirement.
It is important to note that the Japan-US Social Security Agreement does not cover all types of social security benefits. For example, the agreement does not apply to healthcare benefits provided by Medicare in the United States or by the National Health Insurance system in Japan.
To apply for benefits under the Japan-US Social Security Agreement, individuals must submit an application to the social security agency in the country where they currently reside. This application should include information about the individual`s work history and contributions to both social security systems.
Overall, the Japan-US Social Security Agreement provides important benefits to individuals who have lived and worked in both countries. By ensuring that eligible individuals can receive benefits from both systems, this agreement helps to eliminate some of the confusion and uncertainty that can arise when navigating two different social security systems.