National Insurance is a form of tax on earnings which impacts all workers who have to pay once they earn over a certain threshold amount. This record is important when claiming certain welfare benefits such as State Pension and Maternity Allowance. Express.co.uk has compiled a guide to show you how you can check your National Insurance record.

National Insurance contributions must be paid by individuals who wish to qualify for certain benefits and State Pension.

The following benefits are contingent on NI contributions:

• Basic State Pension
• Additional State Pension
• New State Pension
• Contribution-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
• Contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance
• Maternity Allowance
• Bereavement Support Payment.

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How to check your National Insurance record

You can check your National Insurance record online here.

This record will show what you have paid up to the start of the current tax year, any National Insurance credits you have received, any gaps in contributions which do not count towards the State pension.

In addition, you will find out if you can pay voluntary contributions to fill any gaps and how much this will cost.

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To use this platform you will need a Government Gateway user ID and password to check your National Insurance record.

If you do not have a user ID, you will need to create one when you check your record.

Your record will not show National Insurance contributions from the Isle of Man if you reach State Pension age after April 5, 2016.

If you have made contributions there, you need to email the National Insurance office in the Isle of Man to find out how much you have paid.

The email address is: nationalinsurance.itd@gov.im

You can also request a printed National Insurance statement online or by phone.