If, for whatever reason, you do not have a National Insurance (NI) number, and you intend to work in the UK, you need to apply for one.
1: What is a National Insurance number?
Your National Insurance number is your own personal account number, it is unique to you and you will keep the same one all your life (e.g FH123456A).
The number makes sure that the National Insurance contributions and tax you pay are properly recorded on your account. It also acts as a reference number when communicating with the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) and Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
You must keep your number safe and not disclose it to anyone who does not need it, this will help to prevent identity fraud.
2: When to apply for a National Insurance number
You must apply for a National Insurance number if:
You need claim benefits and/or tax credits
You have the right to work in the UK
You are entitled to and have applied for a student loan
3: How to apply
a. Right to work in the UK
If you have the right to work in the UK and you are looking for or starting work, telephone Jobcentre Plus on 0345 600 0643 to apply for a National Insurance number. Lines are open 8.00 am to 6.00 pm, Monday to Friday.
b. Applying for a National Insurance number (non-EU nationals)
If you are a non-EU national, then you can avoid the need for an ‘Evidence of Identity’ interview. When you call Jobcentre Plus tell them you are a non-EU national. They will then ask you some questions to confirm your details, and will then post you out a form to complete. Once you receive the form, complete it, and post it back to the Jobcentre Plus team along with a copy of your passport. Your new NI number will then be issued in 2 – 3 weeks.
c. Applying for a National Insurance number (EU nationals)
If you are a EU national, Jobcentre Plus will arrange an Evidence of Identity (EOI) interview for you or send you a postal application. They will confirm the date, time and location of your interview. They will also tell you what information and documentation is required to support your application.
4: Evidence of Identity Interview
What to expect at the ‘Evidence of Identity’ interview
The interview will usually be one-to-one (unless, for example, you need an interpreter). You will be asked questions about who you are, why you need an National Insurance number, your background and circumstances. During the interview an application for an National Insurance number form will be completed and you will be asked to sign this form.
If you don’t have any official documents you still have to go to the interview. The information you are able to provide might be enough to prove your identity.
Proving your identity
You will need to prove your identity to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) if:
you are starting work or looking for work and need an National Insurance number
you need an National Insurance number in order to claim benefit, pension or allowance
DWP will accept a range of documents (originals, not photocopies) when you are proving your identity. The following list is not exhaustive and you should always bring as many identity documents as you can to your interview, for example:
valid passport (UK or foreign)
national identity card (UK or foreign)
residence permit or residence card (including biometric immigration residency documents)
full birth certificate
adoption certificate
full marriage certificate
civil partnership certificate
driving license (UK or foreign)
If you do not have any of these (or any other) identity documents, then you can still apply for a National Insurance number and the information you supply will be checked and may be sufficient to prove your identity.
What happens after the interview
If you were asked to provide additional information you will need to do this by the agreed date. Jobcentre Plus will then write to you letting you know whether your application has been successful or not and notifying you of your National Insurance number where appropriate.
You should tell your employer your National Insurance number as soon as you know it.