.png)
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 National Insurance number if you can prove you have the right to work in the UK.
You do not need a National Insurance number to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme.
This guide and the service are also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).
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 an offer to start work in the UK. If you have already started working you can still apply.
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
If you’ve lost your National Insurance number
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 have a 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.
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.
If you’re applying for benefits or a student loan
You do not need a National Insurance number to apply for benefits or a student loan. You will receive one if your application for benefits or a student loan is successful.
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 apply online and prove your identity.
What you’ll need
If you have the following documents, use them when you apply:
a passport from any country
a BRP
You can also use a national identity card from:
a country in the EU
Norway
Liechtenstein
Switzerland
You can still apply if you do not have any of these documents but you may need to attend an appointment to prove your identity.
Prove your identity
You may be able to prove your identity online by submitting digital photos of your identity documents and yourself.
If you cannot prove your identity online then you may need to:
post photocopies of your documents
attend an appointment
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 identity.
It can take up to 16 weeks for you to get your National Insurance number after you have proven your identity.
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, 8am to 5pm
SOURCE: GOV.UK
© 2022 UPECO LTD
_
ATTENTION!
This article intends to give only a general informative picture and should not, in any case, be taken as a rule. It is strongly recommended to seek a full and professional guidance specifically for your circumstances before making any decisions.