Hi everyone! I’m looking for some advice or to see if anyone has experienced a similar "paperwork vs. reality" situation here in Japan.
Back in May 2024, I was in the final stages of getting my Spouse Visa. On May 2, we finally got the notification that my residency was approved and I could go pick up my card! We were so happy… but the timing was wild. That exact same day, I had a medical emergency and was rushed to the hospital. 🏥
I gave birth on May 5. Because I was stuck in a hospital bed recovering, I couldn't physically get to the Immigration office until May 10 (the day I was discharged) to finally get my Residence Card.
Because of those 5 days, the City Hall told us that since my card says "Issued May 10," I wasn't "officially" insured on the day I gave birth (the 5th). We ended up having to pay over ¥1,000,000 out of pocket in installments! 💸
Now it’s 2026, and I’ve learned two things:
The Childbirth Lump-Sum Grant (¥500,000) has a 2-year deadline—so I have until May 2026 to claim it!
My "Date of Permission" (the day I was legally approved) might actually be May 17, even if the card was printed later.
I’m planning to call the Immigration Info Center tomorrow to confirm my actual "Permission Date." If it’s the 2nd or 5th, it means I was technically a resident when my baby was born, and that ¥500,000 should legally be ours.
Has anyone else dealt with a "backdated" insurance claim like this? Did you manage to get the city to recognize the date of approval instead of the date on the card?
Thank you!
by SillyLove2024