Most of people need to apply for a National Insurance number once they’ve arrived in the UK and intend to work, study or claim benefits.

The National Insurance number is issued by the DWP (Department for Work and Pensions), it is made up of letters and numbers and never changes. E.g. SX123456A

To apply for a National Insurance number you need to call and book an appointment. You will get a letter from DWP asking you to come for a NI number interview at Jobcentre Plus which is closer to your home address.

You have to attend the interview with the following documents:

As proof of identity – valid passport or ID card, Biometric Residence Card (BRP)

As proof of address - utility bills, bank statement, letter from GP

As proof of employment/self-employment – letter from employer, recent payslips

After interview, you will get a confirmation letter that you’ve applied for a NI Number and you can start work before your NI number arrives.

If you’re a UK resident aged 19 or under

You’ll normally be sent a National Insurance number automatically, in the 3 months before your 16th birthday, if both the following are true:

• you live in the UK
• a parent has filled in a Child Benefit claim form for you

If you’re aged 16 to 19 and did not get one – call HM Revenue and Customs. 

If you’re left UK and lost your NI number

You have a NI number to make sure your NI contributions and tax are recorded against your name only.

If, by mistake, you have lost your letter with NI number there is always the possibility to recover it.

Please contact the office on 07789758177 / 02082211165 and our team of professional advisers will help you to get your National Insurance Number.