How much is enough National Insurance

TheGardener

I am 58, I took redundancy with pension this year. I now have a part time job with a variable income (zero hours)and don't consistently earn enough to pay N.I. - some months I do - some months I don't.
I have 3 years until I reach the contribution level for maximum state pension according to my NI statement.

Can I 'top up' NI payments at the end of the year? - and do I need to? I am happy to 'top up' if it will help.

molerat

Once the NI year is finalised, usually by around June for those in employment, your forecast will show if and how much you need to pay to complete that year. If in that year you earn in excess of 52 x the LEL then you should not have to top up.

TheGardener

Thanks for that. Will I get some sort of notification or is it my responsibility to check?

molerat

Up to you to check.

GunJack

https://www.gov.uk/check-state-pension

get yourself set up for access (if you haven't already) and within the main page is a link to check your NI record...the details will appear on there.

grnglide

At the end of the tax year you can check your P60.


Whether or not you pay NI is irrelevant, as long as your total pay for the year is greater than 52 times the Lower Earnings Limit which is £118 for this year. You only pay NI for any week/month if your pay is over £166 per week (£719 per month).