Having the right to take maternity leave does not necessarily mean you will have an income while you are away from work.
One of the most important sources of financial support during maternity leave is Maternity Allowance (出産手当金), which is available through employees’ health insurance for workers who meet the requirements. Workers enrolled only in National Health Insurance generally do not receive the same benefit.

That means two workers with very similar jobs can find themselves in very different financial situations when they become pregnant, depending on their insurance coverage.

Shakai hoken eligibility can also be complicated. Working hours, wages, the size and status of the employer, and other factors may affect whether enrollment is required. And even when an employer is technically complying with the law, gaps in the system can still leave workers without the support they expected when they need it most.

That’s why it’s worth checking your insurance coverage before you need maternity or childcare leave. Don’t wait until your leave is about to begin to find out what benefits you will—or won’t—receive.

If you’re unsure whether you should be enrolled in shakai hoken or what benefits you may be entitled to, contact the General Union for a consultation.

Maternity and Childcare Leave: Protected Doesn’t Always Mean Paid