You pay National Insurance contributions on your earnings which help you qualify for certain benefits and count towards your State Pension entitlement.

National Insurance is paid if you are 16 or over and you are:

• an employee earning above £184 a week; or
• self-employed and making a profit of £6,515 or more a year

You pay National Insurance contributions until you reach State Pension age. If you choose to continue working after you reach State Pension age, you don't have to pay National Insurance contributions. 

More information on National Insurance contributions:

• National Insurance
• Check your National Insurance Record
• Working after Pension Age