Social Security for Americans in Japan: Sign Up Guide
Social Security for Americans in Japan: Sign Up Guide! sign up for Social Security benefits, eligibility requirements, and how living in Japan affects your retirement planning. This guide covers everything from age considerations to creating Social Security
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KEY TAKEAWAYS
When should I sign up for Social Security Benefits as an American living in Japan?
AMERICANS: Sign up for Social Security when over 60 something when living in Japan.
How can I sign up for Social Security here in Japan as an American?
American Social Security Benefits Tokyo Japan
Tokyo, Japan American Social Security Benefits for Americans living in Japan.
Long term Americans living in Japan: Social Security Benefits.
Planning U.S. Social Security as an American Living in Japan (Age 60+)
Daniel TJ International Correspondent Tokyo, Japan
If you’re an American who has lived in Japan for 20+ years and are now approaching retirement, one of the biggest questions is:
Should I apply at 62, 65, 67, or 70?
This guide gives clear, focused answers — especially for long-term U.S. citizens residing in Japan.
STEP 1 — Confirm You Are Eligible
To receive U.S. Social Security retirement benefits while living in Japan:
You generally need 40 work credits (about 10 years of U.S. work).
U.S. citizens can receive retirement benefits abroad, including in Japan.
SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is not payable outside the United States.
Under the U.S.–Japan Totalization Agreement, work credits in Japan may help you qualify if you don’t have enough U.S. credits.
If you worked mostly in Japan but paid into the Japanese pension system (Nenkin), your coverage under Japan can help you meet eligibility requirements.
STEP 2 — When Should You Apply? (62 vs 65 vs 67 vs 70)
This is where most people are confused.
Your Full Retirement Age (FRA) depends on your birth year:
Born 1955–1959 → FRA is 66 + some months
Born 1960 or later → FRA is 67
Here’s what happens at each age:
Age 62 (Earliest Option)
You can claim at 62.
Your benefit is permanently reduced by about 25–30%.
Best if:
You need income immediately.
You have health concerns.
You don’t expect to live into your late 80s.
Age 65
No special Social Security increase at 65.
Historically linked to Medicare.
If living in Japan, Medicare generally does not cover you outside the U.S.
Age 67 (Full Retirement Age for Most)
You receive 100% of your benefit.
No permanent reduction.
Good balance between early access and maximizing income.
Age 70 (Maximum Benefit)
For every year you delay past FRA, your benefit increases about 8% per year.
Waiting until 70 can mean 24–32% more per month than at 67.
Best if:
You are healthy.
Longevity runs in your family.
You don’t urgently need income.
Key Insight for Americans in Japan:
If you’ve lived in Japan 26 years and have Japanese pension income, delaying U.S. Social Security until 67 or 70 can significantly increase lifetime benefits.
STEP 3 — Create a “my Social Security” Account
Before applying, create an account at:
www.ssa.gov/myaccount
This allows you to:
View your earnings record
Estimate benefits at 62, 67, and 70
Check for errors
Download statements
This step prevents surprises.
STEP 4 — How to Apply from Japan
Option 1 — Through the Federal Benefits Unit (FBU)
In Japan, Social Security matters are handled by:
Federal Benefits Unit (FBU)
U.S. Embassy Tokyo
Website: https://jp.usembassy.gov/services/social-security/
Telephone (from Japan):
+81-3-3224-5000
(Ask for the Federal Benefits Unit)
Email:
FBU.Tokyo@ssa.gov
You usually must schedule an appointment. The FBU forwards your application to the Social Security Administration.
Option 2 — Apply Online
You may apply online at:
www.ssa.gov/retirement
However, many Americans in Japan find it easier to coordinate with the FBU.
STEP 5 — Documents You’ll Need
Prepare:
U.S. passport
Social Security number
Birth certificate
Bank information
Marriage certificate (if claiming spousal benefits)
Divorce decree (if applicable)
STEP 6 — Setting Up Payments in Japan
You can receive benefits by:
Direct deposit to a U.S. bank account
Direct deposit to certain Japanese banks (check with FBU)
Ensure:
Your bank details are correct.
Your address is updated with SSA.
STEP 7 — After You Begin Receiving Benefits
SSA will periodically send a:
Questionnaire for Persons Outside the United States
You must respond or payments may stop.
Also report:
Address changes
Marital status changes
Death of a spouse
Important Issues for Americans in Japan
Taxes
You must file U.S. tax returns annually.
Social Security benefits may be taxable depending on total income.
Japan may also tax portions depending on residency status.
Consult a tax professional familiar with U.S.–Japan taxation.
Medicare
Original Medicare generally does not cover you in Japan.
Some Americans enroll anyway to avoid late penalties if returning to the U.S.
Others rely on Japanese National Health Insurance.
Spousal & Survivor Benefits
Spouses may qualify at 62.
Survivor benefits can begin at 60.
Totalization may help if work history is split between U.S. and Japan.
Practical Strategy for a 60+ American in Japan (26 Years Abroad)
If you need income soon:
Apply at 62 — but understand permanent reduction.
If you are stable financially:
Wait until 67 for full benefits.
If you are healthy and want maximum monthly income:
Wait until 70.
If you have strong Japanese pension income:
Delaying U.S. benefits may significantly increase lifetime income.
Quick Contact Summary
Federal Benefits Unit – Tokyo
Phone: +81-3-3224-5000
Social Security Administration (U.S.)
Website: www.ssa.gov
International Services: www.ssa.gov/international/
Final Thoughts
For Americans who have lived in Japan for decades:
You can receive Social Security in Japan.
SSI is not payable abroad. SSI is not payable abroad means that
if you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) from theSocial Security Administration (SSA), your monthly payments will stop if you are outside the United States for a full calendar month or for 30 consecutive days or more.
Totalization can help you qualify.
The biggest decision is when to claim — 62, 67, or 70.
Waiting increases monthly income permanently.
Plan carefully based on health, savings, Japanese pension, and life expectancy.
If needed, the Federal Benefits Unit in Tokyo is your primary support point for applications and questions.
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