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Social Security

What do I need a National Insurance number for?

You need the National Insurance number (NI#) for your social security benefits, i.e. in case you become unemployed, disabled, pregnant or widowed. This number will be used in your employment details, your salary payslips, by your bank and may be required by other official or non-official organisations.

How do I apply for the NI number?

The administration issuing those NI numbers is the Department of Social Security (DSS). To find your local DSS office go to www.dss.gov.uk, click on "Your local office" and enter the postcode of your flat/house. Call them to apply for an interview and ask for the documents you need to bring. You will need your passport, your employment contract, your tenant's agreement and potentially utility bills, bank statements etc.

It can take up to three months after the interview to get your new NI number. Your employer will issue an interim number till then.

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