To work or claim benefits in the UK, you must have a National Insurance Number (NINO). What is a NINO? What should you do if you lose or forget it? And, most importantly, how do you get a National Insurance Number in the UK? You’ll find the answers to all these questions in this article.
What is a National Insurance Number (NIN/NINO)?
A National Insurance Number (often abbreviated as NINO or NIN) is a unique code consisting of 2 letters, 6 digits and a final letter. For example, it might look like this: AB 123456 C.
Once issued, it is valid for life. Each person has their own unique number, which means you cannot use someone else’s National Insurance number or allow someone else to use yours.
If you suspect that someone has stolen your NINO and is committing fraud or identity theft, you must contact HMRC immediately to report the problem.
How to get a National Insurance Number in the UK?
People living in the UK or Northern Ireland are automatically issued with a National Insurance number shortly before their 16th birthday. The government uses the Child Benefit Claim Register to keep track of children approaching this milestone.
However, if a parent or guardian has not applied for child benefit, they must apply for the number.
The same applies to non-UK citizens planning to work in the UK. While you can start looking for a job without having a NINO, the National Insurance Number will be required once you begin employment.
In England, Scotland and Wales, the NINO is issued by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). In Northern Ireland, it is issued by the Department for Social Development (DSD).
How to get your National Insurance number back if you lose or forget it?
If you lose or forget your National Insurance Number (NINO), you can find it on official documents such as your payslip, tax return or PAYE coding notice.
You can also contact HMRC to confirm your number by:
- Completing form CA5403,
- Contact the National Insurance Numbers Helpline (if you’re in England, Scotland or Wales) or the National Insurance Registration Helpline (if you’re in Northern Ireland).
Regardless of the method chosen, you will receive your NINO information in written form, as HMRC does not provide this information over the phone.
If you need a document to confirm your National Insurance number, you can print it from your personal tax account.
Who needs your National Insurance Number?
As you now know, NINO is your unique number, so it’s best not to give it out unless you really need to. However, certain institutions and government agencies may need your number. These include
- HMRC,
- Employers and benefits providers,
- DWP,
- Local government,
- The Student Loans Company,
- Banks and building societies.
