What is a Japanese Employment Insurance Card?
The Japanese Employment Insurance Card (雇用保険被保険者証, Koyou Hoken Hihokensha Shou) is an official document that identifies you as an insured individual under Japan’s Employment Insurance (雇用保険, Koyou Hoken) system. This insurance is mandatory for most employees and provides benefits such as:
- Unemployment Benefits (失業手当, Shitsugyou Teate): Financial support when you’re unemployed.
- Childcare Leave Allowance (育児休業給付金, Ikuji Kyūgyō Kyūfukin): Support during parental leave.
- Training and Career Support Programs (職業訓練支援, Shokugyou Kunren Shien): Assistance for skill enhancement.
What Does the Card Contain?
- Your name and unique insurance number.
- Basic details about your employment insurance enrollment.
How Do You Get the Employment Insurance Card?
You don’t directly apply for this card as an employee. The process is managed by your employer. Here’s how it works:
Step 1: Employer’s Responsibility
- Enrollment in Employment Insurance:
- When you start working, your employer must enroll you in the Employment Insurance system if you work more than 20 hours per week and plan to work for more than 31 days.
- Employers submit your details to the nearest Hello Work Office (ハローワーク, Harō Wāku), which handles employment and unemployment services.
- Issuance of the Insurance Card:
- After enrollment, the Hello Work Office issues the Employment Insurance Card to the employer.
Step 2: Employee’s Role
- Receive the Card: Your employer will provide you with the card, typically within a few weeks after starting the job.
- Keep It Safe: The card is essential for claiming unemployment benefits or transferring your insurance when changing jobs.
What to Do When Changing Jobs?
- Provide the Card to Your New Employer:
- When you join a new company, you must give your Employment Insurance Card to your new employer so they can transfer your insurance.
- Update Information:
- Your new employer will update your employment details with the Hello Work Office.
Lost Your Employment Insurance Card?
If you lose your Employment Insurance Card, you can request a reissue through your current employer or directly at the Hello Work Office. You will need:
- A form of identification (e.g., residence card or My Number card).
- Possibly, your Employment Insurance number or other employment details.
Who is Eligible for Employment Insurance?
- Employees who work 20+ hours per week and are expected to be employed for 31+ days.
- Temporary, part-time, and contract workers may also be eligible if they meet these conditions.
Let me know if you need further clarification on this process!
If you haven’t received your Employment Insurance Card (雇用保険被保険者証, Koyou Hoken Hihokensha Shou) from your previous employer and have already left the company, here’s what you can do:
Steps to Retrieve Your Employment Insurance Card
- Contact Your Previous Employer:
- Reason: It is the employer’s responsibility to issue and provide the Employment Insurance Card to employees when they leave.
- Action: Reach out to the HR department or the person responsible for handling employment insurance at your previous company.
- Request: Politely ask them to send you the card or confirm whether they submitted your details to the Hello Work Office.
- Check with the Hello Work Office (ハローワーク):
- If your previous employer cannot provide the card or did not issue it, visit the Hello Work Office nearest to your last workplace.
- Required Information:
- Your My Number (personal identification number).
- Proof of employment, such as:
- Resignation letter or termination letter.
- Payslips or employment contract.
- Any communication or paperwork indicating your employment insurance enrollment.
- Request: Ask for a reissue of the Employment Insurance Card.
- Inform Your New Employer:
- Notify your new employer that you do not have the Employment Insurance Card but are working to obtain it.
- Your new employer may also assist you in applying for a reissue.
If You Need Benefits or Enrollment Immediately
If you are in urgent need (e.g., unemployment benefits), explain your situation at the Hello Work Office. They will:
- Verify your employment insurance status using your My Number.
- Assist you in applying for unemployment benefits or transferring the insurance to your new employer.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What happens if I cannot retrieve my card from the previous employer?
If your previous employer refuses to provide the card, the Hello Work Office can issue a new one based on your employment records. Employers are legally required to enroll employees in the employment insurance system, so the office can verify your status.
2. How long does it take to get a reissued card?
Reissuing the card may take a few days to a few weeks, depending on how quickly the Hello Work Office can verify your records.
3. Will it affect my new job if I don’t have the card?
No, it won’t prevent you from starting your new job. However, you need to provide your Employment Insurance Card eventually for the transfer of insurance to your new employer.
Tips to Avoid Issues in the Future
- Always Collect the Employment Insurance Card When Leaving a Job:
- Employers should give you the card along with your final payslip or other documents.
- Keep Copies of Employment Records:
- Keep payslips, contracts, and termination letters for easier verification if needed.
Let me know if you’d like help drafting a message to your previous employer or guidance on visiting the Hello Work Office!
Your Employment Insurance Number (雇用保険被保険者番号, Koyou Hoken Hihokensha Bangou) is a unique identifier used to track your employment insurance records in Japan. Here’s how you can check it:
1. Check Your Employment Insurance Card (雇用保険被保険者証)
- Where to Find It: The Employment Insurance Number is printed on your Employment Insurance Card, which your employer gives you when you are enrolled in the system.
- What It Looks Like: The number is typically 11 digits long.
2. Check with Your Current or Previous Employer
- Request Information: If you don’t have your Employment Insurance Card, contact the HR or payroll department of your employer (current or past).
- Details Needed:
- Provide your full name and other identifying details (e.g., date of birth or My Number) to help them locate your record.
- Employers can verify your Employment Insurance Number through their records or by contacting the Hello Work Office.
3. Visit the Hello Work Office (ハローワーク)
If you cannot obtain the number from your employer:
- Find Your Local Office: Visit the Hello Work Office closest to your workplace or residence.
- Required Documents:
- My Number Card or other official ID (e.g., Residence Card).
- Proof of employment (e.g., payslips, employment contract, or resignation letter).
- Request: Ask for your Employment Insurance Number. They will verify your information and provide the number if you are enrolled.
4. Check Your My Number Records
- Why My Number? Japan’s My Number System (マイナンバー) links your employment and insurance information, including Employment Insurance.
- How to Check:
- Use your My Number Card to inquire at the Hello Work Office or relevant government office.
- Some employers also use My Number for tracking Employment Insurance, so this may help them locate your number.
5. Look at Employment-Related Documents
Sometimes your Employment Insurance Number is included in:
- Payslips: Check for any references to employment insurance contributions.
- Final Payslip or Tax Documents: Some employers include the insurance number in these records.
- Resignation Documents: When leaving a company, your employer may include this number in the paperwork.
What to Do If You Can’t Find Your Number
If you cannot locate the number:
- Visit the Hello Work Office to verify your enrollment.
- Request a reissue of your Employment Insurance Card, which will have your number.
Important Notes
- Keep It Safe: The Employment Insurance Number is sensitive information, so store it securely.
- Required for Job Changes: Provide the number to your new employer when you switch jobs to ensure a smooth transfer of your insurance enrollment.
Let me know if you’d like more specific guidance based on your situation!