This leaflet explains the National Insurance contribution position if you are employed through an agency. It tells you about the special rules that apply and the contributions you and the agency may have to pay. To find out current National Insurance contribution and Social Security benefit rates see leaflet GL23 Social Security benefit rates . Most people who work have to pay National lnsurance contributions. There are six classes of contributions, and in the course of your working life you may need to change from one category of employment to another, which may mean having to change the class of contribution you are liable to pay, or you may have to pay more than one class of contribution at the same time.
Some contributions count towards certain benefits.
Sometimes, your right to them can be protected even if you are not liable to pay contributions. These are normally paid by self-employed people in addition to Class 2 contributions. Class 4 contributions do not count towards benefits. Your National Insurance Number Your National Insurance number is personal to you. It is your account number for all dealings with the Inland Revenue, Department of Health and Social Services and Department of Social Security.