N.I. Number and Work
Your National Insurance Number is a personal number used by both the benefits and tax credits system. It is used to record your contributions into the system. It is also used for:
- When you work, you will pay Tax and National Insurance deductions through Pay As You Earn (PAYE).
- Your Pension: you need a NI number to get your pension when you get old.
- While you seek work, you may qualify for Jobseeker’s Allowance claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance.
- Housing Benefit claims.
Every National Insurance number is different. It is made up of letters and numbers that look like this:
QQ 12 34 56 A
NI number and work
Whether you are seeking work or welfare support, apply for your NI as soon as possible.
It can take you some weeks or months to get your number so it is important to apply as soon as possible. You do NOT need a national Insurance number while you are looking for work. However you DO need a National Insurance number when you start work.
Many employers are reluctant to give jobs to people who have not received their National Insurance number. If this happens to you, you should tell Jobcentre Plus. Show them evidence that you have been trying to find work. Ask them for help.
Apply for your NI number
To apply for your National Insurance number, telephone: 0845 600 0643
When you apply for a National Insurance Number, you will have to answer some questions, for example:
- Full Name
- Date of Birth
- Postcode and full address
- Have you been to the UK before? If yes: When?
- Did you work in the UK?
- Who did you work for?
If you don’t speak much English, ask the agent for an interpreter and state your language , for example "I speak Kurdish"
Evidence of Identity interview
Jobcentre Plus will arrange an Evidence of Identity (EOI) interview for you.
They will confirm the date, time and location of the interview and will tell you what information/documentation to bring with you.
It is important to take as many original documents of identification with you such as photo ID – passport, national identity card, ARC card, birth certificate
Links
Applying for a National Insurance Number
Southampton City Council