【Event Report】Zench Kyosai Holds Online Seminar to Address Concerns About Disability Pensions for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Zench Kyosai Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President: Shigeaki Enomoto), a short-term insurance provider specializing in insurance for individuals with disabilities, held an online seminar titled 'Don't Rush! A Disability Pension Seminar to Support Your Child's Future' (Lecturer: Junko Matsuyama, Representative of YORISOU Social Insurance Labor Scrivener Corporation) on April 25 and May 23, 2026.

During the seminar, Ms. Matsuyama emphasized that the most critical factor in disability pension applications is not the diagnosis or the type of disability certificate, but the 'actual status of how much support the individual needs in daily life.' She also explained that there are ways to resolve seemingly dead-end troubles, such as lost medical records or procedures to follow after parents pass away.

■ Key Trends in Families' Questions and Concerns
Participants raised specific and earnest questions regarding life stages and family futures. The four most prominent trends were:

1. Concerns about employment or university attendance
Questions included whether full-time employment, employment at special-purpose subsidiaries, part-time jobs, university attendance, or even having a driver's license would disqualify one from receiving a pension.

2. Concerns about future 'renewal procedures' after parents pass away
Families expressed anxiety about whether their child could continue pension receipt if parents are no longer around to handle procedures, and if there are alternative options or costs involved.

3. Questions regarding hospitals and medical records
Participants asked how to prove medical history if the initial hospital has disposed of records after 10+ years, whether they can rely on current doctors if past doctors have left, and what they can prepare now while the child is still in middle or high school.

4. Concerns regarding mild disabilities, grey zones, or lack of a certificate
Questions focused on the eligibility for individuals with mild certificates, borderline IQ, autism, or diagnoses made in adulthood without having a disability certificate since birth.

■ Participant Feedback
- 'I thought the disability pension procedure was difficult, but the seminar made it feel more accessible.' (Parent in their 70s)
- 'I realized how important it is to convey the actual hardships in daily life, as there are times when doctors do not fully grasp the situation.' (Parent in their 50s)

■ Zench Kyosai's Commitment
Through this seminar, Zench Kyosai highlighted the ongoing anxieties many families face regarding pension applications. The company remains committed to utilizing this feedback to provide better information to all.