What is national insurance and do I have to pay it?
Watch: What is National Insurance and do I have to pay it?
National insurance is something many people see on their payslips every month, and it’s important to understand what it is so you know what you’re paying for.
National insurance is a tax you pay that entitles you to a state pension, but it also entitles you to lots of other benefits in your lifetime.
How much you pay is dependent on how much you earn and what your employment status is.
If you fall behind on your contributions it could leave you without access to certain benefits, but there are easy ways to catch up to make sure you don’t lose out.