National Insurance :: HEADstart2london

What is a National Insurance (NI) number?

You must, by law, have a National Insurance Number to work in the UK, even if the work you do is unpaid. Your National Insurance number is the reference number under which the Contributions Agency and HM Revenue and Customs file the information they hold on you. The file will contain information about what you have paid and any benefit entitlement you may have built up. The number is made up of two letters, six numbers and another letter (e.g. AB 12 56 15 B).

An employer will ask you for your National Insurance number when you start work. They use the number to notify the Inland Revenue and the Contributions Agency of deductions they have made from your salary. Employers who have computerised payroll facilities cannot enter you onto their system without a number.

Employers are sometimes reluctant to offer a job to a person who does not have a National Insurance number.

If you change any of your names, your title or your address you should tell your local office so they can keep your file up to date. Failure to do this can lead to a delay if you wish to claim benefits

How do I get an NI number?

Once you have a job you must apply for a National Insurance Number. This is the responsibility of the individual and not of their employer. You can also apply for an National Insurance Number if you can prove that you are looking for a job. The proof would be several documents e.g. rejection letters, invitations to interviews, confirmations of received applications etc.

The appointment line number to get a mandatory interview is:
+44 (0) 845 600 0643 and is open 8am - 6pm, Mon - Fri.

We would suggest that you take your passport, proof of employment, proof of UK address plus your previous address for the last two years and the name and address of your employer. Once the forms have been completed at the interview you will be issued with a National Insurance Number, but it may take up to 6 weeks to be processed.