National Insurance after State Pension age
Information about National Insurance contributions up to State Pension age and what happens when you reach State Pension age and continue to work.
Up to State Pension age
If you work - either as an employee or self-employed - and your earnings are over a certain level you pay National Insurance contributions. You pay NICs from age 16 until you reach State Pension age.
If you're employed you pay Class 1 National Insurance contributions based on your level of earnings. If you're self-employed you pay Class 2 contributions at a flat weekly rate and Class 4 contributions annually, based on your level of taxable profits.
After State Pension age
You do not pay National Insurance after you reach State Pension age - unless you’re self-employed and pay Class 4 contributions. You stop paying Class 4 contributions at the end of the tax year in which you reach State Pension age.