What is a National Insurance (NI) number?
Your National Insurance number is a unique personal number allocated to you that is used to identify you to HM Revenue & Customs and the Department of Work and Pensions. It ensures the Government correctly records any contributions you are entitled to, or which are paid into your NI account. Your National Insurance contributions go towards the UK social security and state pension system. Everyone who works in any capacity in the UK will need to register for an NI number.
How do I get my National Insurance number?
To apply for an NI number you will need to make an appointment at your local Jobcentre when you arrive in the UK. At the interview you will need to provide proof of your identity and account for all your past years, work and travel, and how and when you arrived in the UK. It can be a lengthy process so be prepared.
To book an appointment for an NI number interview you should phone JobCentre Plus 0845 600 0643 (8am – 6pm Monday to Friday). Often this phone line is very busy so you should call when you have time to sit on hold for a while! They will book you an appointment at your nearest Jobcentre office (so it might be a good idea to have a London A-Z handy when you call so you can get your geographical bearings!).
The offers more specific information on National Insurance.
If you intend to work in the UK, you need to apply for an NI number as soon as possible. You will need to quote your NI number to your employer's accounts department for taxation purposes. In order to apply for the number you will need documentation to do with employment (such as a contract or letter from your employer), so it is easier to apply once you have secured employment. If you have not yet secured employment, you can still apply, however certain documents will be required (such as job rejection letters, letters from your recruitment agent etc).
The Revenue and Customs Department (the HMRC) no longer accept 'temporary' National Insurance numbers. After applying for your NI number, you will receive your NI number and NI card in the post a while later, and you should ensure your employer is aware of this number.
Can I get my National Insurance contributions back when I leave the UK?
Most working travellers are in the UK for a good time and not necessarily a long time so many won’t be around to claim their NI contributions in the UK when they reach retirement age. The UK government will not refund you your contributions when you go home (unless you are a Kiwi – see
The only way to get something back from your NI contributions is to opt to ‘contract out’ your NI contributions and put them in an approved private pension that you can transfer back home. You will not be able to get the full amount back, but it can still be enough of a rebate to make the effort. Visit the for more information.
Getting your NI contributions back: New Zealand residents only
The way UK NI laws are interpreted in New Zealand means that Kiwis who pay National Insurance in the UK are able to transfer their payments home and get them back in a lump cash sum (under certain conditions). Considering your NI contributions generally make up about 10% of your salary, this could be quite a lot of money!
To claim your NI contributions once you return to New Zealand, you must start paying your contributions into a private pension. To find out more you should contact a tax specialist
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