How to Apply for a Nation Insurance Number in the UK
- 1). Assess if you have a need for a national insurance (NI) number because you are thinking of filing a claim against the social security office. If you foresee claiming national insurance benefits for yourself or your marriage/domestic partner, it is important to get the process started early. You must contact the general Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), Job Centre to proceed.
- 2). Call the Job Centre claim benefit hotline at 0800-055-6688 from within the U.K. between the hours of 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. While in the past applicants were allowed to visit their local Job Centre for the application process, at this time the national insurance number application is rolled into the benefit claim process for adults who have not previously applied for--or received--a number.
- 3). Consider other reasons why you may need to apply for an NI card. If you are going to begin working or have already done so, if you are self-employed, if you are over the age of 20 or if you simply would like to contribute to the national insurance program, you will need to contact the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Basic National Insurance Application Department by dialing 0845-600-0643 within the U.K. If you are between the ages of 16 and 20 and have not received a national insurance number, you may call the National Insurance Registrations Helpline at 0845-915-7006. Agents will take your call between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
- 4). Discuss the specific application process you need to undergo with the agent on the telephone. After taking down your information, the agent will perform a systemwide search to make sure that you have not previously been issued a card and that you are truly in need of one. Once it is ascertained that you have never received a national insurance number in the U.K. before and that you have indeed a need-based reason for requesting one, you are required to come into your local Job Centre for a personal interview. This request is sent to you in writing and will specify the location, date and time when you are to report there.
- 5). Bring proof of identity, proof of employment eligibility and any other documents that are requested in the letter you received. Since the agency conducting the interview will not accept photocopies, you must bring originals of everything. Usually you need your passport, driving license, birth certificate, certificate of marriage or civil partnership, national identity card, work permit and pay slips.
- 6). Return to your home after the interview and wait for the DWP representative to contact you in writing. If your application is approved, you are issued a national insurance number, which is contained in the letter. The actual card is sent to you later on. If your application is denied, the letter will state the reasons for the denial of your application.
Source...