National Pension Childcare Exemption: How Self-Employed Parents Can Save on Premiums from October 2026

Raising a baby while working less often means national pension premiums become harder to cover. This explanation covers the childcare exemption system introduced in October 2026, which waives premiums for Category 1 insured persons such as the self-employed and freelancers who are raising a child under one year old, and it outlines how the exemption affects pension amounts and how to apply.

■ Childcare Exemption Basics
- Eligibility for Category 1 insured persons, including self-employed workers and freelancers
- Coverage period: the nine months following the pre-and post-natal exemption for mothers, and up to 12 months from the month of birth for fathers who are also Category 1 insured persons
- Rough savings amount based on the monthly premium of about 18,000 yen, including a combined figure for a couple
- How the exemption is treated for pension calculation purposes, so the pension does not decrease
- Eligibility for children who are under one year old as of October 2026, and the notification process for those who already completed the pre-and post-natal exemption

■ Application Process
- Steps through the Myna Portal: Pension > National Pension Procedures > exemption for the childcare period > Start Application > review and submit
- Alternative application methods: by mail or at the local municipal pension office

This is aimed at self-employed individuals, freelancers, and parents of infants who want to check whether they qualify and take the necessary steps. Viewers can learn the conditions, expected savings, and concrete application route, and then confirm their own eligibility and submit an application.