How do you get a National Insurance Number?

by Vidit Agarwal Marketing Director

What is the National Insurance Number?

It is a unique identification personal number allocated to you that is used to identify you to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) and the Department of Work and Pensions and sometimes referred to as NI No, or NINO. Individuals usually receive a National Insurance (NI) number just before their 16^th birthday and a NI number looks something like AB123456C. After you have turned sixteen the process of sending you your National Insurance number is automatic. If possible memories your National Insurance number (NI Number) for use on application forms, bank applications and so on. In case an individual has lost their NI number, it is imperative to contact the HMRC and report the loss. Individuals who have lost their NI number can either complete the online form (available on HMRC website), or give a call on National Insurance enquiries helpline number 0300-200-3500 (the office can be contacted between 8am to 5pm on weekdays). Even if an individual is a part-time worker or earns a low wage, he / she must have a NI number in order to get a job. A NI number is important as it makes sure that all the National Insurance contributions and tax related information, corresponding to an individual, is recorded under his / her name. A National Insurance number can be found on the following:

An individual’s payslip
Form P60
On the letter containing details regarding tax, pension, and other benefits
In the NI-Perosnal Tax Account

How do I get a national insurance number?

1. Online Services: If an individual needs a letter confirming the NI number, he / she can:

Log in to the Personal Tax Account to get a copy – this is possible if an individual has already set up a Personal Tax Account
Set up the Personal Tax Account to log in and get a copy – only possible if the NI number is known
Fill in the online form and post it to HMRC–this is possible if Personal Tax account has not been set up and an individual does not know the NI number

You can also find your National Insurance number on your pay slip, P60, tax returns or official letters about tax, pensions or benefits.

2. Telephone

It is possible to call and get advice if:

If an individual is between 15 years and 9 months to 20 years of age and hasn’t received a NI number
An individual has lost or can’t recall the NI number
A letter is required to confirm the NI number

HMRC won’t give information regarding NI number over the phone; rather they will post it and is expected to arrive within 10 working days.

Text-phone: 0300 200 3519
Telephone:0300 200 3500
Outside the UK:
Timings are from 8am to 8pm from Monday to Friday and 8am to 4pm on Saturday; however it is closed on Sundays and bank holidays

What are the benefits of National Insurance Number?

Most of the agencies in UK will ask you to provide them with proof of your National Insurance number (NIN) before they allow you to commence working for them. For some UK benefits, you need to have paid or been credited national insurance numbers (NI Number).

Maternity Allowance
Jobseeker's Allowance
Basic State Pension
Contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance
Bereavement Benefits
New State Pension
Student Loan

Who needs to know your National Insurance Number (NINO)?

The following people may need to know your NINO:

HM Revenue & Customs (‘HMRC’)
Local council
Employers and pension providers
Department for Work and Pensions
Banks and building societies if you want to open an ISA.
The Student Loans Company

An individual will have to keep all the tax information handy including name, address, date of birth, NI Number etc. Once verified, HMRC will resend the UTR number to the registered office (it is usually not shared over the phone). On the other hand, if an individual knows their login details they can find the UTR number via HMRC's online services.

For more information you should contact HMRC or visit their official website. You can also take the advice of any Accounting firms in Milton Keynes.