A national insurance number (NINO) is a number unique to you which is used to keep track of your national insurance contributions and the benefits which you are paid. The number is made up of two letters, six numbers and one letter, for example, AB 123456 C. You must not let anyone else use your number. We’ll show you how to apply.
You don’t have a legal right to a national insurance number, but you are legally obliged to apply for one if you start work, or if you (or your partner) claim benefit.
Why do I need a National Insurance number?If you start work or set up as self-employed you must apply for a National Insurance number if you do not have one.
Your National Insurance number is your own personal account number. It is unique to you and you keep the same one all your life. It makes sure that the National Insurance contributions and tax you pay are properly recorded against your name, and you pay the correct amount of tax. It also acts as a reference number when communicating with the Department for Work and Pensions and HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).
How many days will it take to get my NI number?By using our Fast Track service, it can take just a few weeks rather than several months to get hold of your National Insurance number, meaning you can start work and pay the correct amount of tax quicker. Not having a National Insurance number can be costly as your employer may put you on an ’emergency tax’ rate, so its best to get a number as soon as possible.
Interview:
It is mandatory for all applicants to attend an ‘Evidence Of Identity’ interview at a JobCentre Plus
After we have received your application, we will email you your interview details, along with the list of documents you need to take with you to the appointment
Your interview will usually take place between 2 and 14 days of your application, depending on location and availability
You should then receive your number 2 to 4 weeks after the interview
Do I have to have a UK work visa before I apply?You will be expected to provide evidence to prove you have a right to work in the UK. If you don’t have the right to work in the UK, you won’t be entitled to a National Insurance number.
You will not be issued with a number until your interviewing office is satisfied that you have proved your identity. Some people may have problems because they do not have the documents usually accepted as evidence.
What documents will I need to take to the interview?At your ‘Evidence Of Identity’ interview, you will be asked about your circumstances and why you need a National Insurance number.
Bring as many ‘identity documents’ (originals, not photocopies) as you can to your interview. Examples of documents which count are:
If you don’t have any of these – or other – identity documents you still must go to the interview. The information you are able to provide might be enough to prove your identity
How do I apply for a National Insurance number?The quickest way to apply for your National Insurance number is through our standard ‘Fast Track’ service, which we don’t charge a premium for. We process ALL applications within 1 working day, and will process within a few hours if we are able to do so
Will I have to pay National Insurance?You usually only have to pay national insurance contributions if you are employed or self-employed in Great Britain or Northern Ireland, and you live here.
If you are an employee or self-employed under pension age, you have to pay national insurance contributions on part of your earnings or profits if you are self employed. The amount you pay depends on how much you earn. You might not have to pay any contributions if your earnings are lower than a certain amount called the primary threshold.
What happens if I want to cancel my application?If your application has already been processed, no refund will be able to be given. If your application hasn’t been processed when you inform us you wish to cancel, a £10 administration fee will apply, and you will be refunded any excess funds via Stripe
This service is classed as a “Distance Contract” under the Consumer Contracts Regulations, and you are entitled to a 14 day cancellation period, which starts on the day after you agree to our services.
As the service that we carry out for you starts immediately we receive your application, we need your consent to start working for you within this cancellation period.
If you cancel after we commence the service for you, you will be liable to pay us for the work we have already carried out for you. If our service for you is completed in full within the 14 day period, these cancellation rights will not apply.