How to apply for maternity leave in Japan
The term ‘applying’ for maternity leave might actually be a little bit confusing. You are legally entitled to maternity leave. Therefore, you might think of it as informing the different stakeholders of your situation. These notifications are important for your social security payments and the receipt of the financial support while on maternity leave.
The filing process is relatively straight forward once you understand the overall idea. I have been on maternity leave twice in Japan. The first time, I went back to work right after maternity leave. The second time, I also took some child care leave before returning to work.
I am not a social security expert but let me share with you what I have learned from my experience applying for maternity and child care leave in Japan.
Before Maternity Leave
You have probably already informed all you important stakeholders within your organization about your pregnancy and upcoming maternity leave. That’s great but probably not enough. When informing HR, ask if there are any formal documents you have to submit as the official information of you absence and planned return.
Next your health insurance has to be informed that you will go on maternity leave. You are exempt for the health insurance premiums for the duration of your maternity leave. They will therefore need to know the expected due date based on which the start and end date of your maternity leave are calculation.
The same principle applies to your pension insurance. There will most likely be a separate form asking for the same information as for the health insurance.
I recommend to complete this paperwork about a month before your last day in the office. This way you have enough time to clarify questions, re-submit forms if they need editing or submit missing information.
After Giving Birth
Promptly after giving birth, you have to submit a set of forms again. To fully enjoy the new born bliss, I recommend to prepare this part well before giving birth.
If your baby was born on its due date and you are not taking child care leave, there are only two more forms you have to submit. The application for the child birth lump sum payment and the application for the maternity allowance.
If your child was born on a date other than the expected due date, you have to re-submit the forms to let your health and pension insurance know. The actual birth date determines the end date of your maternity leave. That is why the update is necessary.
If you are taking child care leave, you have to submit another form to your health and pension insurance each. These forms are very similar to the ones handed in before maternity leave but obviously ask for the start and planned end date of your child care leave. Finally, you also have to submit a form to receive the child care allowance.
At the end of Maternity Leave
In my case, I had to submit a form requesting my return to work including how many days and hours I was going to work. This might be handled differently by different companies. Make sure to check with your HR if there are any and what the requirements for your return to work after maternity leave are.
