Hello to my fellow expats, and welcome to the United Kingdom! Moving to the UK can mean a new address, and new phone number,and – more often than not – a new job. But before you start working (and getting paid) at your new job, you’ll need a National Insurance Number, also known as an NIN. But what is a National Insurance Number, how can you get one, and what does having one mean for you? Are you even eligible to get one? Let’s have a look, and help get you to work ASAP:
What is a NIN?
Your NIN, or National Insurance Number, is in many ways similar to a United States Social Security number. However, the two are not the same, not least because – unlike a Social Security number – your NIN will include letters as well as digits. All National Insurance Numbers begin with two letters, followed by six numbers, and then one final letter. Beyond that, a NIN can help you handle your UK government financial obligations and benefits, in particular your taxes.
Like a Social Security number, an NIN is a unique combination for every individual working in the United Kingdom, which is used by the government to track tax payments and contributions to National Insurance, the British equivalent to Social Security.
If you’re an employee of a company or organization, they will need your NIN before you start working for them. If you’re self-employed, you’ll also need an NIN, to set up your tax account, and to start paying UK taxes and National Insurance contributions. You may also need to provide your NIN in order to open certain types of bank accounts, particularly business or investment accounts.
Applying for your NIN and starting work with one
To apply for your NIN, you’ll need to go online to fill out an application, including proof of your identity. You’ll need your passport, as well as some means of photographing yourself (a smartphone is fine). The online application process will include making an account and submitting your email address. Once you’ve filled out and submitted your application, you’ll get an email from Gov.uk confirming that they’ve received it. If there’s any issue with proving your identity, you’ll get another email letting you know, and advising you on the next steps.
As is the case with many government forms and procedures, once you’ve applied for your National Insurance Number, you’ll have to wait for a bit. Generally, it takes about four weeks to receive an NIN after you’ve applied. In the meantime, though, many employers will allow you to begin working for them as long as you can provide proof that you have the legal right to work in the United Kingdom. This will usually be visible through a share code for your evisa, which can be accessed online for as long as your visa is valid.
Beyond that, some employers may also want proof that you have submitted an application for an NIN before you begin working; check with your company before you begin working to find out their specific policy.
What National Insurance means for you
While you already know that an NIN is used to pay National Insurance contributions, how does being part of the National Insurance program impact you? Well, by paying National Insurance contributions, you are building your eligibility for certain benefits, much like how paying into Social Security for a certain period of time entitles you to collect once you reach retirement age.
In particular, paying National Insurance Contributions makes you eligible to receive a state pension from the British government, as well as a jobseeker’s allowance if between jobs, maternity benefits if relevant, and more. Similar to American Social Security, you’ll need to have been working (and paying National Insurance contributions) for at least 10 years to be eligible for a pension when you reach retirement age. However, if there are gaps in your employment history, you can make voluntary National Insurance contributions to ensure you’ve been contributing for a long enough time period.
While many of these benefits may not be immediately relevant to you, no one can predict what the future holds, so it’s a good thing to start contributing to National Insurance.
After all, it’s like any other form of insurance – something good to have when people need it!
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See more about the United Kingdom here in Dispatches’ archives.
Ellery Weil
Dr. Ellery Weil is a writer and historian based in London. She was born in Washington, DC, raised in Maryland, and attended undergrad in Ann Arbor, Michigan, before moving to the UK to attend grad school at University College London, where she earned her PhD in History. She lives in London with her husband, where you can find her writing, reading, petting dogs in Regent's Park, and exploring the city's antique markets.
