National Insurance FAQs

National Insurance funds a huge share of the UK’s state benefits system, and both employees and the self-employed contribute through different classes depending on how they work and how much they earn.

It’s easy to not fully understand how the system actually adds up, or that it’s possible to overpay and claim a refund.

This section covers the essentials: how to apply for a National Insurance number, what each contribution class means, whether National Insurance Credits apply to you, and what your options are if you’re moving abroad or already living outside the UK.

Use the FAQs below to get a clear picture of what you’re paying and why.

Learn more about National Insurance

What is a National Insurance Number?

National Insurance (NICs) is a tax on your earnings that goes into the government’s National Insurance Fund…

How do I apply for a National Insurance Number?

We cover the best methods to apply for a NI number and how to find your NI number if you can’t find it…

Can I claim a National Insurance refund?

Did you know that it is possible to pay too much National Insurance? You can reclaim any overpayment with a National Insurance Refund…

I am not from the UK can I claim a National Insurance refund?

If you are a UK non resident who pays national insurance you could be eligible to claim a refund of the class 1 national insurance payments deducted from your salary…