UK National Insurance Number

What is a National Insurance Number and how do I get one?

A National Insurance (NI) number is an account number unique to you which is used to ensure that you pay the correct amount of tax, together with ensuring your entitlement to the benefits of the UK health system. Every National Insurance number is different and made up of two letters, six numbers and one letter. Your National Insurance number never changes even if you go abroad, marry, register as a civil partner, change your name, etc.

NI Number Assistance Myths

One of the greatest myths is the belief that you can't work without an NI number.

This is absolutely untrue. You can still work while waiting for your National Insurance number to be allocated. Some employers will charge emergency tax, which is a flat rate (usually 22%). Your employer may choose to do this so they don't have to guess what your tax amount would be. The good news is that if you are taxed over and above your correct tax amount this is recoverable at the end of the financial year by doing a Tax Refund.

Another great myth is that your NI appointment needs to be organised before you leave your home country.

The government agency Job Centre Plus (the organization that issues your NI number) has personally advised 1st Contact that you need to be in the UK with a stamped passport before they can send out forms or confirm bookings for NI appointments. 

Kickstart NI Number Assistance: What You Get

As a part of the Kickstart package, you are provided with a National Insurance help guide. The guide details what you need to do when you arrive in the UK and includes the contact details for Job Centre Plus. By applying for your NI number yourself it may take 6-8 weeks to arrive. If you would prefer 1st Contact to arrange your NI Number for you, for a small additional fee, we will sort out all the paperwork and fast track your NI application to arrive in just 2 to 4 weeks, if not sooner!
We've helped thousands of people like you to get their National Insurance number - without all the hassle. Let us help you too!
See our online Kickstart Package for more details about NI Number Assistance or call the Kickstart team.

Money Back - get your Easy NINO application for FREE! Simply get three of your friends or colleagues to use our service and we'll give you your money back (T&C’s apply).