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Useful Cyprus Information Cyprus Government Websites Currency Converter Cyprus Property News Limassol Marina CyprusNewsReport.comMoving To The UK - UK Social Security System
Information on the various Socila Security programmes you will need when Moving To The UK
National Insurance:
The UK has a government-run benefit scheme. Some benefits are based on contributions to the National Insurance (NI) scheme, which is managed by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). Contributions are deducted directly from salaries, at rates determined by the type of worker. This scheme provides benefits for sickness, unemployment, widowhood and retirement. The NI number records your social security contributions throughout your career.
When you start a job in the UK, your employer will need your NI number. If you do not already have one, you should apply for one at your nearest Jobcentre Plus office or by calling for an appointment on telephone 0845 600 0643 between 8.00am and 6.00pm, Monday to Friday. You should only apply for an NI number if you are about to start work and/or are making a benefit claim.
Your level of NI contributions is determined by your employment status. Category 1 workers do not pay NI if their earnings are below £110 per week.
- Class 1 contributions are paid by employees and their employers
- Class 2 contributions are paid by self-employed workers
- Class 3 voluntary contributions are paid by people who do not earn enough to pay NI but want to guarantee their state pension when they retire; and
- Class 4 contributions are normally paid by self-employed people who are subject to a particular section of the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1998.
Jobcentre Plus
There are also various non-contributory benefits, which are available regardless of whether satisfactory NI contributions have been made. These include child allowance and benefits for disabled people, for example.
If you think you may be eligible for a benefit, you should go to your local Jobcentre, social security office or Jobcentre Plus office. They can give you advice on whether you are eligible and any specific requirements if you are not a UK citizen. Jobcentre Plus deals with all applications for benefits for people of working age.
The Pension Service
The Pension Service is part of the Department for Work and Pensions and has a network of pension centres supported by a local service. It provides information for individuals about pensions and other pensioner benefits in the UK.
The National Health Service
The National Health Service (NHS) is funded through general taxation therefore no charges are made when you use it (except for items such as prescriptions and dental care). To qualify for NHS treatment, you should register with a local health centre, which will assign you to a doctor.
Text last edited on: 10/2010
© European Union 1995 - 2011
Source European Union
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