InsuranceFAQs

national insurance number uk what is it

by Miss Deja Orn Published 1 year ago Updated 11 months ago
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A National Insurance number is a series of numbers and letters used to register you with Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC

HM Revenue and Customs

Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs is a non-ministerial department of the UK Government responsible for the collection of taxes, the payment of some forms of state support and the administration of other regulatory regimes including the national minimum wage.

) and the Department for Work & Pensions (DWP). While HMRC deals with tax collection in the United Kingdom, the DWP is responsible for welfare, pensions and other benefits. What is National Insurance?

The National Insurance number is a number used in the United Kingdom in the administration of the National Insurance or social security system. It is also used for some purposes in the UK tax system. The number is sometimes referred to as a NI No or NINO.

Full Answer

How do you get an UK National Insurance number?

You must:

  • complete the form accurately
  • be over the age of 16
  • have never had a NI number before

How do you write UK National Insurance number?

You’re not eligible to apply if you:

  • have lost your National Insurance number
  • are a UK resident aged 19 or under
  • have a biometric residence permit ( BRP) which has a National Insurance number printed on it
  • are only applying for a National Insurance number because you want to apply for benefits or a student loan

How is National Insurance calculated in the UK?

The cost of living crisis in the UK continues. After confirmation that ... As well as price increases, taxes are due to rise from April. National insurance (NI) rates will go up by 1.25 percentage ...

How do you Find Your National Insurance number?

You can find your National Insurance number:

  • on your payslip
  • on your P60
  • on letters about your tax, pension or benefits
  • in the National Insurance section of your personal tax account

What is a national insurance number?

When does a person get their NI number?

What is a reference number similar to NI?

What is a temporary NI number?

How many digits are in a Social Security number?

What does the suffix D mean on a NI card?

How many digits are in a number?

See more

About this website

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What does a National Insurance number do UK?

Your National Insurance Number (also known as your NI number or “NIN”) is the UK version of a social security number. It is used to give tax and benefits. It is a requirement for anyone who intends to get a job and work in the UK. It is made up of a combination of numbers and letters such as 'AA-12-34-56-A'.

What is National Insurance UK used for?

National Insurance is now used to pay for: The NHS. Unemployment benefit. Sickness and disability allowances.

Do I have a UK National Insurance number?

If you have a BRP , you might have a National Insurance number already - it will be printed on the back of your BRP if you do. If you do not have a National Insurance number, you must apply for one if you plan to work. You can only apply when you're in the UK.

What does a National Insurance do?

National Insurance contributions are a tax on earnings and self-employed profits paid by employees, employers and the self-employed. They can help to build your entitlement to certain benefits depending whether you are employed or self-employed, such as the State Pension and Maternity Allowance.

What happens if I don't pay National Insurance?

Thus, if you're not paying your National Insurance contributions you'll end up with gaps in your NI record, and won't be able to qualify for some benefits. On top of that, you'll be penalised by the HMRC for missing your National Insurance payments.

What's the difference between tax and National Insurance?

Income Tax and National Insurance Contributions The Government uses the money raised through taxes to run the country. National insurance pays for benefits when people retire or are sick or unemployed.

Why do I need a National Insurance number?

You have a National Insurance number to make sure your National Insurance contributions and tax are recorded against your name only. It's made up of letters and numbers and never changes. You can find your National Insurance number: on your payslip.

How do I get my NI number?

If you do not know your National Insurance number, the quickest and easiest way to find it is:online through your personal tax account.on a document you already have, for example a payslip or P60.

Can I work without a National Insurance number?

You do not need a National Insurance number to start work but you will need to get one once you have started a job. Your employer will give you a temporary number while you wait for your permanent number.

Can I claim back National Insurance?

National Insurance refunds You can claim back any overpaid National Insurance.

Do non UK residents pay National Insurance?

You'll usually pay National Insurance in the UK if you're working abroad temporarily and you're either: usually self-employed in the UK. sent by your employer.

Where does NI money go?

The money paid for National Insurance goes into a government fund that is used to pay for a number of benefits and pensions, such as the State Pension,and Maternity Allowance.

Apply for a National Insurance number

If you do not already have a National Insurance number, you only need to apply for one if you’re planning to work. You can start work without a Nat...

Eligibility

You can apply for a National Insurance number if you live in the UK and have the right to work in the UK. You must also be looking for work or have...

How to apply

You can apply for a National Insurance number if you live in the UK and have the right to work. To get a National Insurance number you need to appl...

Apply online

After you apply you’ll get an email with your application reference number. The email will tell you if you need to provide more proof of your ident...

Get help with your application

National Insurance number application helpline (England, Scotland and Wales) Telephone: 0800 141 2079 Textphone: 0800 141 2438 Monday to Friday, 8a...

UK National Insurance number Checker Online

The tool is designed to confirm if a UK National Insurance number is valid. But It can't valid NINO belongs to a specific individual.

Get your National Insurance number - GOV.UK

Use your personal tax account to view your National Insurance number or download a letter confirming it, or use form CA5403 to get your number by post.

Check your National Insurance record - GOV.UK

Find out if you've paid enough National Insurance to qualify for the full State Pension - check gaps, contributions and credits, get a National Insurance statement, call the helpline

What do the letters at the beginning and at the end of my NI number mean?

A National Insurance number (NI number) has three parts – a prefix of two letters, six numbers, and a suffix of a single letter. For example, AB123456C. Your NI number has no personal information about you; it is a randomly allocated reference number. The prefix is simply two letters that are allocated to each new series of NI number.

National Insurance numbers – GOV.UK Design System

When to use this pattern. Follow this pattern whenever you need to ask for a National Insurance number. When not to use this pattern. Never use National Insurance numbers to verify a user’s identity.

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What is a national insurance number?

The National Insurance number is a number used in the United Kingdom in the administration of the National Insurance or social security system. It is also used for some purposes in the UK tax system. The number is sometimes referred to as a NI No or NINO.

When does a person get their NI number?

Shortly before a person's 16th birthday, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) notifies them of their NI number.

What is a reference number similar to NI?

Reference numbers similar in format to NI numbers are sometimes allocated for tax or benefit purposes with special prefix letters. Special prefixes used now or in the past include the letters OO (for Tax Credit claims), CR (for investigations), FY (formerly for Attendance Allowance claims, named after the Fylde social security office where claims were processed), MW (used from 1980 to 1987 for migrant workers), NC (formerly for Stakeholder Pensions ), PP (for use by pension schemes as PP999999P), and PY or PZ (both used for tax-only accounts created prior to 2003).

What is a temporary NI number?

Until April 2001, employers sometimes allocated their employees a temporary insurance number, which followed the format "TN dd mm yy x", where 'TN' stands for temporary number and is static and x is M for male, F for female, or P for pensioner and the numbers in the midsection were the employee's date of birth. In the case of a woman born on 31 December 1958, for example, the temporary NI number would have been TN 31 12 58 F. Temporary NI numbers could not be used to trace back any NI credits or personal details. Since 2001 the National Insurance number must be obtained – the temporary code must not now be used.

How many digits are in a Social Security number?

After the two prefix letters, the six digits are issued sequentially from 00 00 00 to 99 99 99. The last two digits determine the day of the week on which various social security benefits are payable and when unemployed claimants need to attend their Jobcentre to sign on (renew their claims): 00 to 19 for Monday, 20 to 39 for Tuesday, 40 to 59 for Wednesday, 60 to 79 for Thursday and 80 to 99 for Friday.

What does the suffix D mean on a NI card?

Until 1975, the suffixes A, B, C and D at the end of the NI number signified the period of validity of the National Insurance cards originally used to collect National Insurance contributions (NICs). Cards were exchanged every twelve months and because of the very large numbers of cards issued the exchange was staggered.

How many digits are in a number?

The format of the number is two prefix letters, six digits and one suffix letter. An example is AA123456C .

How long does it take to get your insurance number?

It can take up to 16 weeks for you to get your National Insurance number after you have proven your identity.

Where is the BRP number on my BRP?

If you have a BRP, you might have a National Insurance number already - it will be printed on the back of your BRP if you do.

When was National Insurance created?

National Insurance launched over 70 years ago, in 1948 . Its purpose is to help fund unemployment and sickness benefits, as well as the State Pension.

What happens if you lose your national insurance number?

If you’ve lost your National Insurance number you won’t be able to apply for a new one.

What is my National Insurance number?

National Insurance numbers are set by the Department of Work and Pensions.

How many numbers are in a national insurance number?

Each person is only assigned one National Insurance number and you'll use the same one throughout your life. Your National Insurance number contains two letters, six numbers and a final letter.

Who pays National Insurance?

National Insurance is paid by employers, as well as employees and self-employed workers.

What to do if you lose your NI number?

If you lose your card, you will need to contact the helpline on 0300 200 3500 to be issued a letter stating your NI number.

What is the number to call to apply for a UK residency?

If not, you must apply once you are in the UK by calling the helpline number on 0800 141 2075.

What is the number to call for National Insurance?

If you didn’t, and are under 20, call the National Insurance number helpline (0300 200 3500). If you are older than 20, call the National Insurance application line on 0800 141 2075. This office is only open Monday to Friday. You’ll need ID, and may need to attend an interview.

Where are national insurance contributions paid?

Your National Insurance contributions are paid into a fund, from which some state benefits are paid.

When do you stop paying for class 1 insurance?

When you stop paying. If you’re employed, you stop paying Class 1 National Insurance when you reach the State Pension age. If you’re self-employed you stop paying: Class 2 National Insurance when you reach State Pension age.

Do you have to pay national insurance if you are 16?

You pay mandatory National Insurance if you’re 16 or over and are either: self-employed and making a profit of £6,515 or more a year.

Can you pay voluntary contributions to avoid gaps in your NI?

You may be able to pay voluntary contributions to avoid gaps in your NI contributions.

How many numbers are in a nino?

A NINO is made up of 2 letters, 6 numbers and a final letter, which is always A, B, C, or D. It looks something like this: This is an example only and should not be used as an actual number.

What is the format of a TRN?

It is sometimes necessary to use a TRN for Individuals. The format of a TRN is 11 a1 11 11.

Can an employer use a TN number?

Employers are no longer permitted to use TN numbers and they will not be accepted by the Quality Standard. If the employer does not know an employee’s NINO when they submit their return, they should leave the NINO box blank, enter the employee’s date of birth and gender in the appropriate boxes, following the Employers’ Guidance, or on the HMRC internet site. See NIM39210.

Do reference numbers look like NINOs?

For administrative reasons, it has sometimes been necessary for HMRC and DWP to use reference numbers which look like NINOs but which do not use valid prefixes. The administrative prefixes used include:

What to do if you forgot your national insurance number?

If you’ve lost or forgotten your National Insurance number, or need a letter confirming it, you can: register for or log in to your personal tax account to view or download, print, save or share a letter with it on. fill in the online form and post it to us, if you’re unable to register for a personal tax account.

How long does it take for HMRC to get your insurance number?

HMRC will not tell you your National Insurance number over the phone. They’ll post it to you and it’ll arrive within 15 working days.

What is a National Insurance number?

If you were born in the UK, you should have automatically received your National Insurance number just before your 16th birthday. If you’ve moved to the UK from another country, you may have a National Insurance number printed on the back of your biometric residence permit. Otherwise, you need to apply for a National Insurance number.

What is the HMRC helpline?

It’s a unique code that makes sure your tax and National Insurance contributions are recorded against your name. You’ll need to share your National Insurance number with your employer and also your pension provider when setting up a pension.

What is a national insurance number?

The National Insurance number is a number used in the United Kingdom in the administration of the National Insurance or social security system. It is also used for some purposes in the UK tax system. The number is sometimes referred to as a NI No or NINO.

When does a person get their NI number?

Shortly before a person's 16th birthday, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) notifies them of their NI number.

What is a reference number similar to NI?

Reference numbers similar in format to NI numbers are sometimes allocated for tax or benefit purposes with special prefix letters. Special prefixes used now or in the past include the letters OO (for Tax Credit claims), CR (for investigations), FY (formerly for Attendance Allowance claims, named after the Fylde social security office where claims were processed), MW (used from 1980 to 1987 for migrant workers), NC (formerly for Stakeholder Pensions ), PP (for use by pension schemes as PP999999P), and PY or PZ (both used for tax-only accounts created prior to 2003).

What is a temporary NI number?

Until April 2001, employers sometimes allocated their employees a temporary insurance number, which followed the format "TN dd mm yy x", where 'TN' stands for temporary number and is static and x is M for male, F for female, or P for pensioner and the numbers in the midsection were the employee's date of birth. In the case of a woman born on 31 December 1958, for example, the temporary NI number would have been TN 31 12 58 F. Temporary NI numbers could not be used to trace back any NI credits or personal details. Since 2001 the National Insurance number must be obtained – the temporary code must not now be used.

How many digits are in a Social Security number?

After the two prefix letters, the six digits are issued sequentially from 00 00 00 to 99 99 99. The last two digits determine the day of the week on which various social security benefits are payable and when unemployed claimants need to attend their Jobcentre to sign on (renew their claims): 00 to 19 for Monday, 20 to 39 for Tuesday, 40 to 59 for Wednesday, 60 to 79 for Thursday and 80 to 99 for Friday.

What does the suffix D mean on a NI card?

Until 1975, the suffixes A, B, C and D at the end of the NI number signified the period of validity of the National Insurance cards originally used to collect National Insurance contributions (NICs). Cards were exchanged every twelve months and because of the very large numbers of cards issued the exchange was staggered.

How many digits are in a number?

The format of the number is two prefix letters, six digits and one suffix letter. An example is AA123456C .

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Overview

The National Insurance number is a number used in the United Kingdom in the administration of the National Insurance or social security system. It is also used for some purposes in the UK tax system.
The number is sometimes referred to as a NI No or NINO.

Allocation of number

Shortly before a person's 16th birthday, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) notifies them of their NI number.
In 1993, a one-off mass allocation of NI numbers was made to all children under the age of 16 whose parents were in receipt of Child Benefit. As a result of this, siblings who met the criteria above were allocated NI numbers sequentially.

Format

The format of the number is two prefix letters, six digits and one suffix letter. An example is AA123456C.
Neither of the first two letters can be D, F, I, Q, U or V. The second letter also cannot be O. The prefixes BG, GB, NK, KN, TN, NT and ZZ are not allocated. Validation lists of issued two-letter prefixes are published from time to time.

Temporary numbers

Until April 2001, employers sometimes allocated their employees a temporary insurance number, which followed the format "TN dd mm yy x", where 'TN' stands for temporary number and is static and x is M for male, F for female, or P for pensioner and the numbers in the midsection were the employee's date of birth. In the case of a woman born on 31 December 1958, for example, the temporary NI number would have been TN 31 12 58 F. Temporary NI numbers could not be use…

Administrative numbers

Reference numbers similar in format to NI numbers are sometimes allocated for tax or benefit purposes with special prefix letters. Special prefixes used now or in the past include the letters OO (for Tax Credit claims), CR (for investigations), FY (formerly for Attendance Allowance claims, named after the Fylde social security office where claims were processed), MW (used from 1980 to 1987 for migrant workers), NC (formerly for Stakeholder Pensions), PP (for use by pension sc…

Numbercards

Prior to 1984, when a person was allocated an NI number, a manila notification card was issued to them. From 1984 until 2011, they received a plastic 'numbercard', of similar proportions to a credit card, with the number raised on the front. The card was only used as a reminder of the number; it was not needed to start work, and was not considered a valid identity card. Numbercards were phased out after September 2010 and their issue ceased in October 2011. NI numbers are now …

Crown dependencies

National Insurance numbers issued in the Isle of Man hold the prefix MA. Similarly, those issued in Jersey start with JY, and those issued in Guernsey hold the prefix GY. Only Channel Island NINOs issued prior to 1975 are validated, and recognised for UK use by HMRC.

Use for tax purposes

The National Insurance number is used as a reference number in the Pay As You Earn system, and also by the self-employed. It is also used in applications for Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs), to check that an individual has opened only one ISA in a tax year.
However, the NI number is not used universally as a tax identification number. Taxpayers who need to file a tax return are given a different number, a Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR), which i…

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