National insurance contributions (NIC) - What benefits do my national insurance contributions (NIC) pay for?
National insurance is a tax on your earnings. This guide covers some basic information about NIC.
- Last reviewed 03 January 2022
What benefits do my national insurance contributions (NIC) pay for?
For some UK benefits, you need to have paid or been credited national insurance contributions (NIC). These are called contributory benefits. There are other benefits where provided the rules for claiming apply to you, it does not matter whether or not you have paid any NI contributions.
Benefits which depend on NIC include:
- Maternity Allowance
- Contribution-based/New Style Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)
- Contribution-based/New Style Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Bereavement Benefits
- Basic State Pension
- New State Pension
Benefits which do not depend on NIC include:
- Attendance Allowance
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Adult Disability Payment Scotland
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Child Benefit
- Guardian's Allowance
- Universal Credit
- Industrial Injuries benefits
- Carer's Allowance
| Benefits | Class 1 | Class 2 | Class 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maternity Allowance | Yes | Yes | No |
| Contribution-based Jobseeker's Allowance | Yes | No | No |
| Contribution-based / New Style Employment and Support Allowance | Yes | Yes | No |
| Bereavement Benefits | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| New State Pension | Yes | Yes | Yes |
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