Jobseekers benefit NIC

Erasmic

I have a bit of a poser. I have been unemployed for approx 9 months. I was made redundant and got a really good package. So although I sign on every fortnight I do not claim any benefits except I believe my National Insurance contribution is paid by them.
At the beginning of this year I started doing some TV and film extra work. It's very sporadic, some weeks I could do 2 or 3 days a week, other weeks nothing. Usually a NI contribution is deducted.
I haven't informed the job centre of this work as I don't know how often I will get it. Should I let them know? Also as I have paid NIC for 36 years do I need to continue paying it. If not I assume I could stop signing on. My fear is I am fiddling the system somehow which is not my aim.
Finally, with this extra work I am doing should I be requesting a tax return so I can declare it or does it have to be a certain amount before that's necessary.
Apologies for the long windedness, any advice gratefully recieved

Erasmic

healy

Yes you should let the jobcentre know of any work that you do, that is what you are signing for each time you go, to say you have not done any work.

As long as you are liable for National Insurance (paid over a certain amount) you have to pay National Insurance.

Your local Tax Office would be able to advise about the tax situation.