Work-Treatment Balance Support Now Mandatory: Are Companies Informing Employees About 'Disability Pensions' Before Depression-Related Resignations?

National Disability Pension Partners, a labor and social security attorney firm specializing in disability pension applications for depression, with over 2,500 cases, has issued three practical recommendations for companies in response to the April 2026 amendment of the Labor Measures Comprehensive Promotion Act.

While support for "working while treating" is gaining attention, the firm believes companies must also establish mechanisms to inform employees about the "disability pension" system, a public support system for long-term mental health conditions, before they resign.

It is crucial to view this legislative change not merely as a requirement to help employees stay on the job, but as an opportunity to help workers choose between working, taking leave, or focusing on recovery based on their condition.

About the Mandatory Work-Treatment Balance Support

The amended act, effective April 1, 2026, makes it a duty of effort for employers to respond to consultations from workers undergoing treatment and to establish necessary structures and measures.

Beyond Working Support: Considering Long-term Leave and Post-resignation Support

According to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare's 2024 Survey on Industrial Safety and Health, 12.8% of businesses had employees on leave or who resigned due to mental health issues for a month or more. Forcing continued employment can worsen symptoms, leading to prolonged leaves, resignation, and loss of income.

The firm points out the reality that the option of disability pensions is not sufficiently communicated to employees before they resign.

Voices from the Field

The firm frequently hears from clients who applied for disability pensions after suffering from depression: "Nobody told me about the disability pension option."

Three Recommendations for Practical Response

The firm argues that companies should adopt a dual strategy: providing support for continuing employment and ensuring access to public benefit systems for periods when they cannot work.

Recommendation 1: Include information on "Living Support Systems" in consultation windows.