Calculate UK National Insurance contributions for employees, employers, and self-employed individuals. Understand your NI obligations and benefits entitlements.
UK National Insurance Classes
Class 1 - Employees
- Employee rate: 12% on earnings £12,570 - £50,270, then 2% above
- Employer rate: 13.8% on earnings above £9,100 (no upper limit)
- Benefits: Full pension and benefit entitlements
Class 2 - Self-Employed (Low Profits)
- Rate: £3.45 per week (if profits over £6,515)
- Voluntary: Can pay voluntarily if profits below threshold
- Benefits: Basic pension and some benefit entitlements
Class 4 - Self-Employed (Higher Profits)
- Rate: 9% on profits £12,570 - £50,270, then 2% above
- Benefits: No additional benefits (pays for Class 2 benefits)
What National Insurance Pays For
- State Pension
- NHS funding
- Jobseeker's Allowance
- Employment and Support Allowance
- Maternity/Paternity benefits
- Bereavement benefits
National Insurance Credits
You may get NI credits if you're:
- Unemployed and claiming benefits
- Unable to work due to illness
- Caring for someone
- On approved training courses
- Receiving Child Benefit for under-12s
Frequently Asked Questions
How much National Insurance do I pay as an employee?
As an employee, you pay 12% National Insurance on earnings between £12,570 and £50,270 annually, then 2% on earnings above £50,270. Your employer pays 13.8% on your earnings above £9,100 with no upper limit. These rates apply to the 2024-25 tax year. NI is automatically deducted from your salary along with income tax. The thresholds align with income tax personal allowance and higher rate threshold to simplify the system.
What's the difference between Class 1, 2, and 4 National Insurance?
Class 1 is for employees (12% then 2% rates) and provides full pension and benefit entitlements. Class 2 is for self-employed people with profits over £6,515, costing £3.45 per week and providing basic pension rights. Class 4 is for self-employed people with higher profits, charged at 9% on profits between £12,570-£50,270, then 2% above. Class 4 doesn't provide additional benefits beyond Class 2. If you're employed and self-employed, you may pay multiple classes but there are annual maximum limits.
What benefits does National Insurance provide?
National Insurance contributions fund the State Pension, NHS, and various benefits including Jobseeker's Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, and Maternity Allowance. You need qualifying years of contributions for full State Pension (currently 35 years for full pension, 10 years minimum). You may get National Insurance credits during unemployment, illness, or caring responsibilities to protect your benefit entitlements. Check your National Insurance record regularly to ensure you have adequate coverage for retirement.