Trying to start a job but don't have a National Insurance number?
One of the pieces of information an employer needs to set you up properly on their payroll system is a National Insurance number (NINO). This number is unique to each individual and allows tax and National Insurance contribution (NIC) information to be collected as well as giving access to the state benefit system. At the moment there are some delays in processing NINO applications as a result of the coronavirus.
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I haven’t got a National Insurance number. Can I start my job?
Yes, you can, as confirmed on GOV.UK. Your employer will have to perform the usual checks to ensure you have the right to work in the UK and so on. They may ask to see your passport, if you have one, to take some details from it.
It is important that you obtain a NINO as soon as possible so that your record can be correctly updated. In the meantime, your employer should pay you using their normal procedures – but leave the NINO field in their payroll software blank.
Which are the main categories of people who may not have a National Insurance number?
There are two main categories:
- People who were not born in the UK but have moved here to work; and
- Young people who were not issued with a NINO number when they became 16 years of age.
Migrants
You will need to call the relevant department, as explained on our page for migrants that also explains the interview process.
Young people who were not issued with a NINO
Normally NINOs are issued in the three months before your 16th birthday if your parent or carer claimed child benefit for you. If your parent or carer did not claim child benefit, then you will need to contact HMRC.
⚠️ In both of these situations you need to be aware that there will be a delay in issuing a NINO because staff from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), who would normally perform interviews to check your identity and so on, are prioritising other types of work during the coronavirus pandemic.
I have forgotten my National Insurance number. How do I find it out?
First look at any payslips you may have from a previous employer or any correspondence from HMRC as they are likely to contain your National Insurance number. If you still cannot find it, you can find it in your Personal Tax Account (PTA). You can print a letter from there that confirms your NINO.
You may be worried that you won't be able to get into your PTA if you don't have you NINO – however you can, and we tell you more in our news article How to find your National Insurance number.
Alternatively, you need to contact HMRC who can send you a letter confirming the number. Make sure they have your up to date address. In no circumstances will they provide a NINO over the phone.