Your National Insurance Number (NIN) ensures that any National Insurance and tax you pay are recorded on your account, as well as acting as a reference number. Each one is different: Anyone sixteen and over and in work receives one (after applying for a National Insurance Card) and you keep the same one all your life - it doesn't change if you move abroad or change your name for example. You must make sure you don't give out your number to anyone who doesn't need it. This list (taken from www.hmrc.gov.uk/ni/intro/basics.htm 'Who uses your National Insurance Number?') shows who you will need to give your NIN to:
HM Revenue & Customs
Your employer
Department for Work and Pensions (which includes Jobcentre Plus and Pension, Disability and Carers Service), if you claim state benefits
Your local council, if you claim Housing Benefit
The Student Loan Company, if you apply for a student loan
Do not give your NIN to anyone that isn't on this list, otherwise you could become victim of identity fraud.
If you've lost your National Insurance number, you will not be able to find it out over the internet: It wouldn't be secure enough if you could. If you were issued a card and you have lost it, be aware that HM Revenue & Customs do not issue National Insurance cards anymore as it is the number which is important. If you cannot remember your National Insurance Number you will need to find out what it is as soon as possible. You can do this by looking through some paperwork such as a payslip, which may include your NIN somewhere. Alternatively, you can contact the National Insurance Registrations Helpline on 0845 915 7006 (this line is open 8:30am to 5:00pm Monday to Friday) and ask them to confirm your number for you - however, this can't be done by phone: Instead HM Revenue & Customs will write to you confirming your NIN. Your final option would be to complete the form here: search2.hmrc.gov.uk/kb5/hmrc/forms/view.page?formid=3643& and sending it to HM Revenue & Customs.
For more information on National Insurance and National Insurance Numbers, visit www.hmrc.gov.uk/ni/intro/index.htm
HM Revenue & Customs
Your employer
Department for Work and Pensions (which includes Jobcentre Plus and Pension, Disability and Carers Service), if you claim state benefits
Your local council, if you claim Housing Benefit
The Student Loan Company, if you apply for a student loan
Do not give your NIN to anyone that isn't on this list, otherwise you could become victim of identity fraud.
If you've lost your National Insurance number, you will not be able to find it out over the internet: It wouldn't be secure enough if you could. If you were issued a card and you have lost it, be aware that HM Revenue & Customs do not issue National Insurance cards anymore as it is the number which is important. If you cannot remember your National Insurance Number you will need to find out what it is as soon as possible. You can do this by looking through some paperwork such as a payslip, which may include your NIN somewhere. Alternatively, you can contact the National Insurance Registrations Helpline on 0845 915 7006 (this line is open 8:30am to 5:00pm Monday to Friday) and ask them to confirm your number for you - however, this can't be done by phone: Instead HM Revenue & Customs will write to you confirming your NIN. Your final option would be to complete the form here: search2.hmrc.gov.uk/kb5/hmrc/forms/view.page?formid=3643& and sending it to HM Revenue & Customs.
For more information on National Insurance and National Insurance Numbers, visit www.hmrc.gov.uk/ni/intro/index.htm
