– Support for Patients at Azabu Mental Clinic in Tokyo –
At Azabu Mental Clinic in Tokyo, we often see patients who are struggling with depression, anxiety, insomnia, or stress-related conditions. For some, continuing to work becomes extremely difficult, and taking a medical leave of absence is necessary.
One of the biggest concerns during such leave is: “What will happen to my income?”
To support patients in this situation, Japan’s health insurance system provides an important benefit called the Sickness and Injury Allowance (Shōbyō Teatekin). This system can be especially helpful for those receiving care at a psychiatry or psychosomatic medicine (shinryōnaika) clinic.
What Is the Sickness and Injury Allowance?
The Sickness and Injury Allowance is a financial support system provided through Japanese social health insurance when you are unable to work due to illness or injury outside of work.
If your psychiatrist or physician certifies that you are medically unfit for work, you may be eligible to receive this benefit.
This allows you to focus on treatment and recovery without unnecessary financial anxiety.
Who Is Eligible?
At our Azabu psychiatry and mental health clinic, many patients ask about this system when considering leave. The main conditions are:
- You are covered by Japanese social health insurance
(for company employees or dependents, not National Health Insurance). - You are unable to work due to a diagnosed condition
– This includes mental health conditions such as depression, adjustment disorder, and anxiety. - You have taken at least 4 consecutive days off, including a 3-day waiting period.
- You are under continuous medical treatment with a psychiatrist or psychosomatic physician.
How Much Can You Receive?
- Amount: About two-thirds of your average daily salary, calculated from the previous 12 months.
- Duration: Benefits are available for up to 1 year and 6 months from the start of payment.
How to Apply
- Consult your psychiatrist and obtain a medical certificate
– This step is essential. At Azabu Mental Clinic, we can prepare this documentation if required. - Request the application form from your employer or health insurance society
– The form has sections for you, your employer, and your doctor. - Submit the completed form to your health insurance society.
- If your leave extends, obtain an updated certificate and reapply as needed.
Important Points
- If you stop visiting your clinic for over a month, you may lose eligibility.
- Paid leave or holidays may affect the start date of payment.
- Rules differ slightly depending on your health insurance society, so always confirm.
Why This Matters for Mental Health Patients
Mental health conditions are not always visible to others, and they are sometimes misunderstood. But depression, insomnia, or anxiety that prevents you from working is a recognized medical condition.
Instead of pushing yourself to continue, it may be better to take leave, apply for the allowance, and concentrate on recovery.
Conclusion
- The Sickness and Injury Allowance is a valuable support system for those needing psychiatric or psychosomatic medical leave.
- You can receive about two-thirds of your salary for up to 18 months.
- Continuous treatment and medical certification are required.
At Azabu Mental Clinic in Tokyo, our English-speaking psychiatrists can provide guidance and documentation for international residents who may need to apply for this allowance.
Contact Us
If you are considering taking leave from work due to mental health reasons, please do not hesitate to reach out.
We are here to support you with both treatment and the necessary paperwork.
👉 Click here to make an online reservation
👉 Or contact us directly via our official LINE account
Let us help you take the first step toward recovery.
03-6809-4515
4th floor OTM, 2-3-8 Azabujuban, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0045