National Insurance Numbers
National insurance contributions are payments, deducted from earnings by an employer, which most people make towards the National Health Service and to enable them to get entitlement to some social security benefits.
Most young people will automatically receive a National Insurance card and number (NINO) just before their 16th birthday. A person who does not have a NINO must apply for one if s/he is resident in the United Kingdom and:-
- has never registered before; and
- is aged 16 or over and under pension age; and
- is employed or self-employed (or non-employed but would benefit from paying voluntary contributions).
There is no requirement to have a National Insurance number before starting work. However, an employment agency may refuse to accept a client on its books until s/he has a NINO. This is because the agency wants to satisfy itself that the person is legally entitled to work in this country.
An application for a national insurance number (NINO) is made in person at a local benefits office. It must be accompanied by sufficient documentary evidence as proof of identity. This includes such items as a birth certificate or, if the applicant is from abroad, a passport or entry document issued by the Home Office. It is advisable to telephone the office first for an appointment and to ask which items will be required at the interview.
To find out where your local Benefits office is call the National Insurance Contributions helpline on 0845 302 1479
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