Key Facts
• In 2024, disability pension denials increased significantly in Japan.
• Over 1,000 cases of denied pensions were secretly reassessed by the Japan Pension Service.
• Reassessments were conducted internally, an unusual and unprecedented measure.
• The Pension Service denied these actions, but internal documents confirmed the reassessments.
• Employees accused the agency of providing false statements regarding the issue.
• A March 2024 investigation highlighted a sharp rise in pension denials.
• In April 2024, the Disability Pension Center head announced plans to reassess cases.
• Cases were selected from various departments for review and analysis.
• By mid-April, the center head denied the reassessment plan but acknowledged the need for analysis.
• The issue has raised concerns about transparency and fairness in pension decisions.
Summary
The Japan Pension Service faced scrutiny after reports revealed a secret reassessment of over 1,000 disability pension denial cases in 2024. This unusual measure followed a sharp increase in denials, as highlighted by a March investigation. Despite denying the reassessments, internal documents confirmed their occurrence, with employees accusing the agency of false statements. The Disability Pension Center head initially announced the reassessment plan but later denied it, acknowledging the need for analysis. The incident has raised questions about the agency’s transparency and decision-making processes.
