National Insurance
National Insurance (NI) in the UK is a contributory system that allows people to receive certain state benefits as long as they have made the required contributions. These benefits may include:
- Basic state pension.
- Additional state pension.
- New state pension.
- Contribution-based jobseeker’s allowance.
- Contribution-based employment and support allowance.
- Maternity allowance.
- Bereavement support payment.
NI is paid by people aged 16 or over, who have a NI number and their earnings are above a certain threshold.
Throughout their working life, each person has a NI number comprising letters and numbers which ensures their contributions are credited only to their name. The number can be found on their payslips, P60 forms, letters from HMRC, pensions and benefits, and in their personal tax account.
NI numbers are used by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), employers, the Department for Work and Pensions, local councils and so on for electoral registration purposes, student loans, pensions, ISAs and so on.
Contents |
[edit] Classes of National Insurance
There are a number of different types of NI depending on a person’s employment status, their earnings and whether they have any gaps in their National Insurance record:
- Class1 National Insurance is paid by people in employment earning above a threshold. The contributions are automatically deducted from wages by employers.
- Class 1A or 1B National Insurance are paid by employers directly on their employee’s expenses or benefits.
- Class 2 National Insurance is paid by self-employed people earning above a threshold. Those earning below the threshold can choose to pay voluntary contributions.
- Class 3 National Insurance are voluntary contributions that can be paid by individuals to fill or avoid gaps in their NI contributions record.
- Class 4 National Insurance is paid by the self-employed people earning above a threshold.
[edit] Applying for a National Insurance number
Individuals are normally sent their National Insurance number automatically in the three months before their 16th birthday as long as they live in the UK; and a parent has submitted a Child Benefit claim on their behalf.
Foreign nationals planning to work in the UK cannot do so until they have a NI number which will allow them to find employment, apply for a student loan or claim benefits.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Capital gains tax.
- Construction industry scheme.
- Construction recruitment agency.
- Employee.
- Hourly rate.
- Human resource management in construction.
- IR35.
- PAYE.
- Payroll companies.
- Tax relief.
- Umbrella companies.
- Tax.
- VAT.
[edit] External references
Featured articles and news
Prioritising tax considerations.
Reviewing the Double Diamond Design model
The four D creative process: discover, define, develop and deliver.
National Cyber Security Centre initiative is announced.
The impact of COVID-19 on global HVAC&R markets
Reviewing trends and projections.
Legislation will establish initiatives to move towards net zero.
Status determination statement
How to document contractor employment status.
Social distancing goes high tech
Tech tools to help manage people and space post-pandemic.
Eclectic Edwardian architecture
A style that ranges from mock Tudor to arts and crafts to the 'Wrenaissance'.
Free guide from Secured by Design.
Building Back Better: Circularity
BREEAM strategy for sustainability and the circular economy.
Free tool to improve the construction programming process.
Building services verification
Are buildings doing what they're supposed to be doing?
Cities with quick access to everything by foot or bike.
The pressures and pinch points of global destinations.