The National Insurance number card is a plastic card that is issued automatically when you first apply for a National Insurance number. It is meant to be a reminder of your number and nothing else. It does not provide proof of your identity.
Your National Insurance number (NINO) is your own personal account number. The number ensures that the National Insurance contributions and the tax you pay are properly recorded on your account. It also acts as a reference number for the whole social security system.
The only people you should ever give your NI number to are:
Entitlement to many benefits depends on your National Insurance contribution record so it's very important not to give your number to anyone else.
You should receive a NINO automatically just before your 16th birthday if :
If you don't already have a NINO you must apply for one:
To be able to apply you must be:
You apply through your local Jobcentre Plus, Jobcentre or social security office who will arrange an interview with you.
You pay National Insurance contributions (NICs) to build up your entitlement to a State Pension and other social security benefits.
The type and level of NIC you pay depends on how much you earn and whether you’re employed or self employed.
You stop paying NICs when you reach State Retirement age.
The amount that you pay is recorded by the Inland Revenue and is used to calculate the amount of pension that you will receive when you reach retirement age.
NICs will be taken automatically from your wages each month and this will be shown on your payslip.
Published on 08/07/2010
Last modified on 04/01/2012
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