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Why would I want a National Insurance (NI) number?

If you are seeking work, starting work, setting up in business or claiming any benefits you will need to apply for an NI number. This number will be exclusive to you and will stay with you for life. It is used to identify you throughout the entire Social Security system as well as to record any National Insurance contributions you make. You may be asked for your National Insurance number on many occasions ... for example, by your employer when you start work.

How do I apply for a National Insurance Number?

If you have a visa to settle in the UK (eg spouse/partner) or have been granted British citizenship - and you meet one of the criteria above - then you may be eligible for a National Insurance number.

Your first step in applying for an NI number is to visit your local Jobcentre Plus office. To find your nearest office click on the image below.

Tell them you wish to apply for a National Insurance number and the reason why (eg. you are starting work or looking for work) You will be asked a few questions and given an interview date and a list of documents to bring with you to the interview.

If you have already started work (or are about to) you can also request at this stage a temporary National Insurance number to use until your permanent one is issued.

Why do I have to attend an interview?

Benefit fraud costs the country millions of pounds and any new claim for an NI number is scrutinised carefully because of this. The purpose of the interview is to establish without any doubt that (a) you are who you say you are, (b) you are entitled to an NI number and (c) you have not already been issued with one before.

Documents you can show at the interview are listed below. You should bring as many of these with you as possible where appropriate to you. Photocopies are not usually accepted.

• Valid Passport
• National Identity Card
• Original Birth Certificate
• Adoption Certificate
• Marriage Certificate
• Divorce or Annulment Papers
• Driving Licence
• Life Assurance Policy
• Cheque Book
• Cheque Guarantee Card
• Bank Statements
• Building Society Passbook
• Recent Household Bill
• Store or Credit card
• Wage Slips
• Any other papers showing your name, address, D.O.B. or a photograph may also help

A leaflet about applying for an NI number is available from the JobCentrePlus website. Click on the image below to view or print this document (PDF format):

For more information on proving your identity, click here.

Do not worry if your English is poor, you will be allowed to have someone with you to assist with the interview and any forms you are asked to complete.

There can often be a wait of many weeks or months before your interview date. Make sure you do not miss the appointment and bring all your documents with you.

Again, after the interview there is often also a considerable delay before you hear anything or receive your NI number. The person interviewing you can advise you as to roughly how long this will take.

If you are working, be sure to give your new NI number to your employer as soon as you receive it so that any NI contributions you have made are correctly credited to you.

For up to date and detailed information, click below to visit the website of The Department of Work and Pensions: