Most employees, employers and the self-employed pay national insurance contributions. The National Insurance Fund pays out benefits such as Jobseeker's Allowance, retirement pensions and Widow's Benefit.

Effectively a tax which you pay as you earn. It's used to help fund the Social Security system including the State Pension and Unemployment Benefits.

A form of tax that determines entitlement to a range of social security benefits, including the Basic State Pension.

A form of tax on your salary or wages, used to fund certain state benefits. The tax is paid by most employers, employees and self-employed people.

Regular payments to the State to build up the individual’s entitlement to benefits including Jobseeker’s Allowance, Incapacity Benefit and State Pension.

Has operated in the United Kingdom since 1911 and works as a system of taxes and social security benefits.

An additional form of "tax" paid by most employers, employees and self-employed people. The money collected is (broadly) used to pay for social security benefits. Class 1 Contributions are paid by employers and by employees with earnings above the lower limit. Class 2 Contributions are paid by the self-employed at a weekly flat rate. Class 3 Contributions are voluntary and are paid by those who do not earn enough to require Class 1 or Class 2 contributions to be made. Class 4 Contributions are paid by the self-employed.

An additional form of tax paid by most employers, employees, self employed (and some unemployed) people. For the employed it is deducted from income by the employer on a scale related to income levels. The employed pay part flat rate, part income related. The unemployed may pay a flat rate voluntary contribution to keep their benefits entitlement up to date.

A payment made by most employers, employees, self-employed (and some unemployed) people to the government to fund such things as national healthcare and education. For the employed it is deducted from income by the employer on a scale related to income levels. The employed pay part flat rate, part income-related. The self-employed and the unemployed may pay a flat-rate voluntary contribution to keep their benefits entitlement up to date.