National Insurance up to and after State Pension age
Learn about National Insurance contributions. Discover what you pay 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 (NICs). 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.
Your employer automatically takes these off your pay.
If you're self-employed
You pay Class 2 contributions at a flat weekly rate.
If your profits are less than £6,725 a year, you can voluntarily pay Class 2 contributions.
If your profits are more than £12,570 a year, you must pay Class 4 contributions.
Learn more information about National Insurance or pay your Class 2 National Insurance bill at:
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.