Please feel free to add questions or comments to this page.  The PAs check the PA Wiki pages regularly and will respond to any questions or comments.  We will also add other pension-related questions we receive which we feel are applicable to most JETs in the prefecture.

Q. Where do I find the different pension numbers I need for section 5 (Claimant’s pension handbook data) of the pension refund claim form?

A. You only need to enter the “Basic Pension number” in this section.  This number can be found in your blue pension handbook.  It is the number at the top of the page with your name and birthday.

Q. My bank doesn’t have a certified bank stamp.  What should I do?

A. In this case, you will need to submit documentation from the bank verifying the bank name, branch name, branch address, account number and account holder’s name (account holder must be you).

Q. I am filling in the History section on page 2 of the claim form.  Which type of pension was I enrolled in, and what dates should I list for the enrollment period?

A. All JETs are enrolled in (2) Employees’ Pension Insurance.  For enrollment period, list the beginning date of the appointment of your first JET year and ending date of the appointment of your last JET year.

Note: this may be different for those who worked in Japan before JET.

Q. I noticed the GIH and Social Insurance Agency site only list refund amounts for up to 36 months of enrollment.  Does the amount continue to increase beyond 36 months?

A. No, you can only have up to 36 months worth of pension payments refunded.  This is not a JET Programme rule, but a Social Insurance Agency regulation.

Q. Can I apply for the pension refund from Japan?

A. No, only those who have left Japan (and in doing so cancelled their alien registration by handing over their Alien Registration Card at the airport when departing) may apply.

Q. How much time will it take to get the lump-sum refund?

A. On average, it takes 3-6 months from submission of the claim form.  If information on the claim form is incorrect or insufficient, the process will take longer.

Q. I didn’t designate a tax representative before I left Japan.  Is it possible to do so from my home country?

A. Yes, it is possible.  You do not have to be present when the form is submitted to your local tax office.  Find someone in Japan willing to be your tax representative and, upon filling in the necessary information, send them the tax representative declaration form.  They will then take it to the local tax office where you resided in Japan.

Q. Does the tax representative declaration form need to be submitted to MY local tax office?

A. Yes, it should be submitted to the tax office with jurisdiction over the address where you filed for alien registration. 

Note: tax offices are not always at city/town/village halls.