日経新聞によると106万円の壁（パート労働者の厚生年金適用要件 ＝ 年収要件）が撤廃される見込みです。
これにより、配偶者の扶養の下でパート等で働く人が「手取り収入の減少」を意識して（年末近くになると）労働時間を調整するインセンティブがなくなると考えられます。
一方、労働時間要件は残る見通しで、週20時間以上働くと原則として厚生年金に入ることになります。
【English】
The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare in Japan is moving toward abolishing the so-called ’1.06 million yen income cap.’
Currently, this threshold sets an income limit, and part-time and low-income workers who exceed it are subject to mandatory enrollment in employee pension and health insurance programs.
However, earning slightly above this threshold reduces workers’ take-home pay due to the required deductions for social insurance premiums. As a result, many part-time and low-income employees adjust their working hours to avoid exceeding the limit.
This phenomenon has discouraged some people from working additional hours, potentially limiting their income growth and career development.
On the other hand, being part of social insurance programs offers clear long-term benefits for workers. Employees who are enrolled can expect a higher pension when they retire.
One key factor in abolishing the income threshold is Japan’s recent minimum wage increase. As minimum wage levels rise, part-time workers are likely to exceed the income threshold if they work over 20 hours per week. For this reason, the Ministry believes that maintaining the income cap is no longer necessary.
Increasing the number of people in social insurance is also part of the government’s plan to sustain Japan’s pension system. By expanding the base of social insurance, the Ministry aims to protect future pension benefits and ensure the financial stability of the system.
The Ministry’s proposed reform highlights Japan’s evolving response to demographic and economic challenges, marking a step toward a more comprehensive social insurance framework that benefits both present and future generations.
【英語表現】
▣ be subject to …の支配下にある，対象となる
The terms and conditions of this agreement are subject to change based on market fluctuations and regulatory updates.
▣ take-home pay 手取り給与（≒ disposable income）
After taxes and deductions, her take-home pay barely covers the cost of living.
▣ discourage 人 from something （人）に～を思いとどまらせる
The financial advisor discouraged him from investing in high-risk stocks without fully understanding the market trends.
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