#sickpaygap

— The Hidden Flaws of Japan’s “Special Retiree” System —

⸻

“I thought I could still get my sick pay after retiring…

So why is mine suddenly cut off?”

The reason may be your status as a “Special Retiree Insured Person” (Tokurei Taishoku Hihokensha).

⸻

✅ Who can continue receiving sick pay — and who can’t?

In Japan, sick pay (Shōbyō Teatekin) is meant to support working people who are unable to work due to illness or injury.

Normally, even after quitting a job, you can still receive it if you meet certain conditions.

But if you are reclassified as a Special Retiree, this support is abruptly terminated.

⸻

🔍 So who are “Special Retirees”?

 • People aged 60 or older, who retire after long employment

 • Not eligible for continuation of standard health insurance

 • Not yet old enough to receive their pension in full

In short:

“You’re no longer working, so you’re no longer eligible” — even if you’re still sick and unable to earn.

⸻

📉 In reality, they are often:

 • Forced to retire due to illness just before pension age

 • Still waiting to reach age 65 for pension

 • Undergoing treatment and unable to work

 • Left with zero income

Yet, under the system, they’re cut off from benefits just when they need it most.

⸻

💭 Policy logic vs Real-life experience

System says: But real life says:

No work = no benefit But I still need money to live

You’re in a different category now But nothing about my illness has changed

⸻

📌 A Viewpoint as a Labor and Social Security Attorney (Shakai Hōrōshi)

This is not just a policy detail — it’s a human gap in support.

And the moment you feel, “This isn’t fair,” you’ve already taken the first step to understanding the system more deeply.

⸻

We need systems that support people especially when they’re sick, not abandon them.

Let’s keep questioning and improving these frameworks together.

⸻