National Insurance (NI) Number

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NI Number

You should get a NI card showing your NI number just before you become 16. Only one number is given to you and you keep that same number all your life. It is unique to you and allows your NI contributions or credits to your NI account to be recorded by the Inland Revenue. You will need these contributions and credits when you come to claim benefit, whether it is for a short while, like Employment and Support Allowance or long term, such as your Retirement Pension.

Your NI number is not proof of your identity. It looks something like this: AB123456C.

If you haven’t been sent a NI card, or you’ve lost it, call the National Insurance Registrations Helpline on 0845 91 57006.

Last updated: 06-Oct-2009