Advice - National Insurance Number

Advice Getting a NINo (National Insurance Number) This information is accurate as of March 2016

1

Getting a National Insurance Number (NINo) This information is for International and EEA students The National Insurance Number (NINo) is a unique personal reference number for all your tax/employment affairs.

You won’t need an NI number to apply for a fee loan from Student Finance, however you are legally obliged to apply for one if you want to start to work.

You must have the right to work or study in the UK to get a NI Number.

How can I apply?

Applying for the NINo is free.

You can only apply once you have arrived in the UK. To get an NI number you will need to contact the National Insurance Number Application line on: 0345 600 0643 (open Monday – Friday, 8.00am – 6.00pm) Generally you will receive a letter inviting you for an interview which will be held at a local JobCentre Plus (a one stop shop for all work and benefits issues). The letter will also tell you which documents to bring to prove your identity, eg: • • • •

• •

passport or identity card (if dual nationality, both passports) Biometric residence permit birth or adoption certificate confirmation of your address – bank statement, rental agreement, utility bill, etc. marriage or civil partnership certificate driving licence

http://www.goldsmithssu.org/advice

This information is accurate as of March 2016

2 Can I start working without a NINo?

You can start work before your National Insurance number arrives if you can prove you have the right to work in the UK. You should tell your employer that you’ve applied for one, and give it to them when you receive it.

It takes on average 2-6 weeks to receive a NI number.

Where can I find further information?

GOV.UK https://www.gov.uk/apply-national-insurance-number Citizens Advice https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/benefits-introduction/national-insurance-contributions-and-benefits/

How the SU Advice Service can support you: For help and advice at all stages of the process, email advice@goldsmithsu.org

Contact Us

Visit us on the Goldsmiths Students’ Union website and click on Advice or contact us via e-mail: advice@goldsmithssu.org. http://www.goldsmithssu.org/advice

This information is accurate as of March 2016