National insurance number
Everyone who wants to work in the UK must have a national
insurance number. To obtain a national insurance number, you must
be 16 or over and resident in Great Britain or Northern
Ireland.
A national insurance number is unique to you and you
keep the same one throughout your life. It is used
to record the national insurance contributions and
tax you pay and as a reference number by the Department for
Work and Pensions and HM Revenue. You usually have
to provide it when making benefits claims.
It is made up of 2 letters, 6 numbers and a final letter for
example ZY 98 76 54 A.
See the Directgov website for
more information on applying for a national insurance number (link
opens in a new window)
Turn2us - to access benefits & grants.
