If you worked in the U.S. for less than 10 years, you may be eligible for benefits in accordance with the U.S.-Japan Social Security Agreement (aka Totalization Agreement).

This agreement, which went into effect October 1, 2005, improves Social Security protection for people who work or have worked in both countries. It helps many people who, without the agreement, would not be eligible for monthly retirement, disability or survivors benefits under the Social Security system of one or both countries. It also helps people who would otherwise have to pay Social Security taxes to both countries on the same earnings.

A detailed description of this agreement is available online in English and in Japanese.

How to Apply For Benefits under the Totalization Agreement

If you worked in the U.S. for less than 10 years and believe you are eligible for social security benefits, follow these basic steps to apply:

1. Contact the nearest Japanese social insurance office (Shakai Hoken Jimusho) for an initial interview regarding your eligibility.

2. If the social insurance office determines that you may be eligible, they will send your information to the Social Security Regional Office in Manila, Philippines, for review.

3. SSA Manila will review your case and send you the appropriate application forms and instructions.

    If you have forgotten your Social Security number, and are unable to find any record of the number, please still apply through the Japanese social insurance office without the number. SSA Manila will research your number from the information provided in documents such as the Japanese Family Register, and if found, will send you the necessary application forms.

4. In some cases, Manila may request that you (in most cases, your spouse) visit the Embassy or closest Consulate in person for a Mandatory Interview.

    You will need to present a valid passport or other government-issued photo identification at the time you appear for your interview. Check here for information on office hours and how to schedule an appointment.

5. Once you have completed the application forms (and if necessary, Mandatory Interview), you must mail the forms back to SSA Manila.

    If you have questions regarding how to fill out these forms, please contact SSA Manila for assistance.

6. After submitting your application, you may receive a letter indicating that you "do not qualify for benefits ... based only on credits under the U.S. Social Security program" and that "... We are asking Japan to furnish us information about your coverage under its social insurance program." See a sample letter here.

   If you have received such a letter, do not be concerned - all this means is that the U.S. Social Security Administration is contacting the Japan Social Insurance Agency to see if your combined work credits between the U.S. and Japan will qualify you for social security eligibility. You can expect a follow-up letter from SSA Baltimore within three months from the time you received the current letter. There is no need to take any further action.

7. Once SSA has completed reviewing your materials and has made a determination regarding your benefits eligibility, they will send you a benefits notification letter.

    Please be advised that it may take several months from the time you apply until you receive your final notification.

For More Information

Residents of Japan who have questions about specific claims under the Totalization Agreement can contact Social Security's Regional Office in Manila.

For more information on the Totalization Agreement, please also view our Social Security Frequently Asked Questions page.