Donate

Self employment and benefits - Self employed people and national insurance

If you or your partner are working, or thinking of starting work, as a self employed person you might qualify for welfare benefits to top up your income.

Self employed people and national insurance

National insurance is a scheme in which working people make payments that count towards certain benefits. If you are self employed, you are responsible for paying your own national insurance contributions. As a self-employed person, you will usually pay Class 2 national insurance contributions (NICs) and you will also have to pay Class 4 NICs if you earn above a certain amount.

For information about the benefits your contributions count towards, read our guide on National Insurance Contributions.

For more information, see the Low Incomes Tax Reform Group's Tax and National Insurance pages for people who are self employed.

Reviewed: April 2022

Share

Printable version of this guide

Was this page helpful?

Tell us the problem

*Required

Thank you

Thank you for your feedback. If you would like to tell us more, please visit our contact us page.

Check benefit entitlement

Find out what means-tested benefits you might be entitled to, including tax credits.

Use the Benefits Calculator

Find an adviser

Search for advice and support services near you.

Find an Adviser