Your Guide to Hello Work & Unemployment Support
Hello Work Application Checklist:
| Received Letter of Separation (Rishoku-hyo) from Brain Power. | |
| Located my My Number Card, Residence Card, and Bank Book. | |
| Got two passport-sized photos (3.0cm x 2.4cm). | |
| Found my local Hello Work office's address and hours. | |
| Practiced my Japanese "contract completion" phrase. |
This guide is for those whose time with Brain Power is ending and who plan to stay in Japan to look for a new job. It explains the financial support system available to you.
What is Hello Work (ハローワーク)?
Hello Work is the Japanese government's employment service center. It has two main functions:
- A Job Center: They help people find new employment.
- An Insurance Office: They administer Unemployment Insurance (雇用保険 - koyou hoken).
Important: Applying for and managing these benefits is your personal responsibility. While we provide the necessary paperwork, you must complete the process yourself.
Am I Eligible for Unemployment Benefits?
To receive benefits, you must meet all the following criteria:
- Have a Valid Work Visa: You must hold a residence status that permits you to work (e.g., Instructor, Specialist in Humanities). You cannot receive benefits if your visa has expired.
- Have Paid into the System: You must have been enrolled in Unemployment Insurance for at least 12 months within the last 2 years. (This rule has a critical exception for contract non-renewal, explained below).
- Be Actively Seeking Work: You must be willing, able, and actively trying to find a new job in Japan. You cannot receive benefits if you are not looking for work or plan to leave the country.
Important: For Contracts Shorter Than One Year (e.g., May to January)
The standard "12-month" rule often causes confusion for ALTs on shorter contracts. Here is the solution.
- The Problem: A 9-month contract does not meet the 12-month requirement. A Hello Work officer might initially deny your claim.
- The Solution: The "Involuntary Separation" Exception. The insurance requirement is lowered to 6 full months in the last year if you left for an "involuntary" or "justifiable" reason.
- Crucially, having your fixed-term contract end and not be renewed is considered an involuntary separation.
What You Must Do at Hello Work:
- Brain Power will ensure your Letter of Separation (離職票 - Rishoku-hyo) is correctly marked as "Contract Period Expired" (契約期間満了 - keiyaku kikan manryō). This is our promise to you.
- When you apply, a staff member may still question your eligibility. This is your moment to clarify.
- Politely point to your Rishoku-hyo and use this simple Japanese phrase:
「契約期間満了による離職です。」
(Keiyaku kikan manryō ni yoru rishoku desu.)
"My employment ended due to the completion of my contract period."
The Step-by-Step Process to Receive Benefits
Step 1: Gather Your Documents
- Letter of Separation (離職票 - Rishoku-hyo): We will send this to you after your contract ends. This is essential.
- My Number Card (or notification card)
- Residence Card (Zairyu Card)
- Bank Book or Cash Card (for an account in your name)
- Two passport-sized photos (3.0cm tall x 2.4cm wide)
- Personal seal (inkan/hanko) (if you have one)
Step 2: Apply and Follow the Process
- Go to Your Local Hello Work Office: Find the office that has jurisdiction over your registered address.
- Apply and Register: Submit your documents. They will give you a handbook and dates for your mandatory seminar and first Recognition Day.
- Serve the 7-Day Waiting Period (待機期間 - Taiki-kikan): This is a standard, unpaid waiting period for everyone.
- Attend Recognition Days (認定日 - Nintei-bi): Every 4 weeks, you must go to Hello Work to submit a form showing your job-seeking activities. What counts as a job-seeking activity?
You must repeat this cycle for as long as you claim benefits. Report ALL part-time work, as failure to do so is considered fraud.