Information - National Insurance Number

– What is a National insurance Number.

You’re national insurance number or NINO is unique. Everyone who has applied or have been given one is different. The format of the number is 2 letters followed by 6 numbers and 1 letter ( AB 12 34 56 E). It’s used to track you’re national insurance contributions and benefits which you are paid. You cannot let anyone else use you’re number.

– Why you need a national insurance number.

If you live in the UK you will be given one before you’re 16 birthday. If you are a UK resident and over the 16 years old you can use our replacement applications to get your national insurance number confirmed in writing. If you are a non-UK resident you will need a national insurance number to work, even if you are studying. Employers need the number in order to make tax deductions to you’re wages. You won’t be able to gain employment without a national insurance number. Once you have been issued a number you can not change it and you can not apply for a new one, instead you will need to get your old number confirmed to you in writing. National insurance numbers cannot be told over the telephone. You will need to apply for a replacement.

– National insurance number process.

All applicants will need to attend an identity interview at their local Job Centre in order to received a national insurance number. Applicants will generally get an appointment 1-2 weeks after applying. If you get accepted after your identity appointment it will take 3-6 weeks for your national insurance number to arrive in the post. We as an independent agency will check your information and book you into an identity interview. A travel route can be provided to your appointment location upon request. We can also advise on possible questions that could get asked and will explain to you the documents that would be acceptable to take.

– Lost Numbers

You do not have to worry if you have lost your National Insurance card. You are able to order a replacement online. Once you have applied, you will receive your National Insurance number on a letter headed paper from the HRMC, this is due to HMRC no longer distributing NIN cards. In order for us to process your application for a replacement National Insurance number, you will need to give us the following; Full name and any previous names, full address and previous addresses (if applicable), date of birthday and marriage details.

Once your application has been processed, you will receive forms to replace the lost NIN card via post, which you will need to sign and return in the stamped addressed envelope provided. It will take between 4-6 weeks to receive your NIN from date of sending.

Your National Insurance number is stated on either your pay slip from previous employment, P60 or on a tax return. If you are still unable to retrieve your NIN, you can apply for a replacement online. You cannot receive this information via telephone

– Name Change

If you have Officially changed your name you will need to let the HMRC know. Your documents will arrive via post. They will be pre-printed, checked for omissions and will contain a first class envelope so you can send them to the correct department at the HMRC.