公立学校共済組合 (Kokuritsu Gakko Kyosai Kumiai) or the National Mutual Insurance Federation of Agricultural Cooperatives is a public mutual aid association in Japan. It was established in 1923 to provide insurance and welfare benefits to employees of national and local public schools, including teachers, staff, and their families.
Membership and Benefits
Membership to the Kokuritsu Gakko Kyosai Kumiai is mandatory for all employees of public schools in Japan. It offers various benefits, including:
- Health and accident insurance
- Life insurance
- Retirement benefits
- Disability and nursing care benefits
- Childbirth and child-rearing benefits
Members can also receive discounts on various services, such as medical check-ups, dental treatments, and leisure activities.
The Structure of the Kokuritsu Gakko Kyosai Kumiai
The Kokuritsu Gakko Kyosai Kumiai is divided into two sections:
- The Health Insurance Section
- The Mutual Aid Section
The Health Insurance Section provides health and accident insurance, while the Mutual Aid Section provides life insurance and other welfare benefits.
How to Apply for Membership
New employees of public schools are automatically enrolled in the Kokuritsu Gakko Kyosai Kumiai. However, if you are not automatically enrolled or if you want to add your family members as beneficiaries, you can apply for membership at your school or at the nearest Kokuritsu Gakko Kyosai Kumiai office.
You will need to submit the following documents:
- Your personal identification documents
- Your family members’ personal identification documents (if applicable)
- Your bank account information for automatic withdrawal of premiums
Once your application is processed, you will receive a membership card and other relevant documents.
Premiums and Contributions
The premiums for the Kokuritsu Gakko Kyosai Kumiai are deducted from employees’ salaries on a monthly basis. The amount of premiums depends on your salary and the number of family members you have enrolled.
The Kokuritsu Gakko Kyosai Kumiai also receives contributions from the government and public school organizations. These contributions are used to provide various benefits to members.
How to Make Claims
If you need to make a claim for any of the benefits provided by the Kokuritsu Gakko Kyosai Kumiai, you can do so by filling out the relevant forms and submitting them to your school or the Kokuritsu Gakko Kyosai Kumiai office.
You will need to provide supporting documents, such as medical certificates or receipts, depending on the type of benefit you are claiming.
Recent Changes to the Kokuritsu Gakko Kyosai Kumiai
In recent years, the Kokuritsu Gakko Kyosai Kumiai has undergone some changes to better serve its members. Some of these changes include:
- Introduction of a nursing care benefit in 2000
- Introduction of a childbirth and child-rearing benefit in 2010
- Introduction of a telemedicine service in 2020
The Kokuritsu Gakko Kyosai Kumiai has also made efforts to improve its digital services, such as allowing members to access their benefit information online.
Conclusion
The Kokuritsu Gakko Kyosai Kumiai is an important organization that provides insurance and welfare benefits to employees of public schools in Japan. By knowing the basics of membership, benefits, premiums, and claims, you can make the most of the services provided by this organization.
