Class 2 Social Security contributions

About Class 2 contributions

Social Security contributions are payments that you must make by law.

If you don't pay your contributions it may affect your entitlement to benefits.

Who should pay and exemptions

You pay Class 2 contributions if you’re 18 or over and below the pension age, have been living in Jersey for more than 6 months and are:

self-employed
unemployed
studying
a stay-at-home parent
earning less than £1,080 per month from an employer
earning less than the minimum earnings threshold

You may be exempt from paying depending on your circumstances.

Exemptions

You may be exempt from paying if you can receive contributions credits or have a low income.

Contribution credits

In some cases, contribution credits may be available if you cannot afford to pay. For example, if you:

are off work sick or injured
have been made redundant
are studying
are looking after children under school age

Credits protect your Social Security contribution record and entitlement to certain benefits.

You must apply for credits as we don’t add them to your record automatically. Apply for contribution credits and find out more if you can’t afford to pay contributions.

Low income

You can apply to be exempt from paying your Class 2 contributions in the current year if you:

have a low income and aren't working
are working and earn less than £1,080 per month
are self-employed with a predicted income of less than £20,240 in the current year

To be exempt from paying your Class 2 contributions you must apply for a Low Income Contribution Relief. Find out more if you have a low income or aren't working, including how being exempt may impact your benefits.

Pay your contributions

There are different payment methods to pay your Social Security contributions and instalments.

When to pay

You must pay your contributions by day 15 of the following month. For example, your contributions for October will be paid by 15 November.

Overpayment

We’ll automatically send you a refund at the end of the quarter if you overpay contributions. You may overpay if you have:

credits
Class 1 contribution payments (employed)
Short Term Incapacity Allowance claim (STIA)
a pension starting

Having problems paying

Contact us as soon as possible if you have problems paying your contributions. If you don’t pay you may be prosecuted and lose your entitlement to benefits.

Apply to pay your contributions

You must tell us if your circumstances change and you need to start paying Class 2 contributions:

email Social Security Contributions with ‘request for RRC’ and your social security number in the subject title
attach a copy of your tax assessment from 2 years ago
if you don’t have your tax assessment from 2 years ago, tell us in your email. We can request a copy on your behalf but this may slightly delay the process

If you’re self-employed you may have different payment options. Visit Class 2 contributions payment options for self-employed to learn more and apply.

How your rate is calculated

Rates and thresholds below are for 2023 and change every year.

The contributions rate you pay is calculated using the Reduced Rate Contributions (RRC) method. Calculations are based on your income from 2 years ago. This is used because it’s your most recent available tax assessment and the best evidence to estimate your income.

You pay:

12.5% on annual income up to £60,720 (Standard Earnings Limit)
2.5% on annual income between £60,720 and £276,864 (Upper Earnings Limit)
0% on annual income over £276,864 (maximum rate of contributions applied)

We consider both your earned and unearned incomes to calculate your rate. Unearned income is any income you earn outside of working or providing a service. For example, income from investments or renting a property.

For example, if your annual income is £2,000 more than £60,720, you’ll pay a rate of 12.5% of £60,720 and 2.5% of £2,000.

The calculation may be slightly different depending on your circumstances. Contact Social Security Contributions for further information and guidance.

Types of taxable income

Social Security contribution levels

Reduced rate calculation

The amount you pay is recalculated every January based on your income from your latest tax assessment.

You’ll be notified of your new monthly rate in or around January each year. If you pay:

by direct debit, the new amount will be taken directly from your account
in any other way, you’ll be responsible for paying the new amount monthly

Payment options for self-employed

As self-employed you have different payment options depending on your circumstances. Some options may be more cost-effective. Learn about the different options on Class 2 contributions payment options for self-employed.