Your National Insurance Number

During our lives we are required to carry passports, driving licences, National Health Cards and other documentation that is designed to prove our identity to those in positions of authority. But nothing quite characterises this trend more than your National Insurance Card.

What is the National Insurance Number?

The National Insurance number that each of us receives after our sixteenth birthday is designed to be used as a means of making National Insurance contributions to Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

Each of us when we start working are obliged to pay National Insurance and Tax in order to fund our state pensions when we reach retirement age and the use of a National Insurance number on all documentation and employer payrolls is the most efficient way of doing this.

When Do I Receive My National Insurance Number?

After you have turned sixteen the process of sending you your National Insurance number is automatic. The new style plastic cards are sent to you via the postal system and you should keep this card safe at all times. If possible memorise your National Insurance number for use on application forms, bank applications and so on.

Be aware that the National Insurance number is not a means of identification but if it falls into the wrong hands it can be used as a means of counting towards proof of identification. It can also be used if someone living in the country illegally wishes to work.

Most recruitment agencies will ask you to provide them with proof of your National Insurance number before they allow you to commence working for them.

What Happens if I Lose My National Insurance Card?

You may apply to Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) for a replacement card but you can only do this once. If you have lost your card and feel that your National Insurance number may be being used for purposes other than it was designed then you should contact them immediately and report your suspicions.

Should I Report Changes in My Circumstances.

Yes if you marry or divorce or change your current home address you must inform Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) of these changes. Failure to do so can result in problems paying your National Insurance and likewise claiming state pension as and when you are entitled to. You should keep them up to date with any change in circumstance or address so that they can keep their records up to date also – this also helps reduce the risk of identity theft.

Protecting Your National Insurance Number

As we have already mentioned if at all possible it is worth memorising your National Insurance number for use on important documentation. If you can do this then you should keep your National Insurance number in a safe place – preferably in a safe or fire proof filing cabinet. Do not carry the National Insurance card with you if there is no requirement to do so and never pass it to any organisation for proof of identification because – as we have already mentioned – the National Insurance card is not designed to be proof of identification on its own.

For more information you should contact Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) – your local office will be listed in Yellow Pages – or visit their website at www.hmrc.gov.uk.