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  2. Pensions and retirement planning
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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.

  • Check your State Pension age
  • National Insurance and tax after State Pension age

More useful links

  • Voluntary National Insurance contributions
  • Getting credits towards your State Pension
  • Contacting 08 and 03 numbers
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Retirement planning

  • Complaining about your pension scheme
  • Early retirement - effect on your pension
  • Find a lost pension
  • Getting credits towards your State Pension
  • Getting information and help with pensions
  • Guide to opportunities in retirement
  • How much income will you have in retirement
  • Introduction to workplace, personal and stakeholder pensions
  • National Insurance after State Pension age
  • Opportunities in retirement
  • Planning for retirement
  • Retiring abroad
  • Voluntary National Insurance contributions: Gaps in your National Insurance record
  • Working past State Pension age

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