How Do I Get a United Kingdom National Insurance Number?

A National Insurance number is a nine-digit number used in the United Kingdom to apply for benefits, including health care benefits, pensions and unemployment benefits. You need to apply for a National Insurance number if you can legally work in the UK or you need to claim benefits. Once you get a number, you'll have access to health care at emergency rooms, general practitioners, hospitals, clinics and any other government-run health care facility.

Instructions

• 1

  Call Jobcentre Plus at 0845 600 0643 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Jobcentre Plus will determine if you are eligible for a postal application or if you must attend an in-person Evidence of Identity (EOI) interview. If you are asked to attend an EOI interview, bring as much documentation as you can to prove your identity (for example: passport, driver's license, birth certificate).

• 2

  Complete the application for a National Insurance number and send it back to the address indicated on the form. If you have attended an EOI interview, you won't need to fill out a paper application; the application will be taken at your interview.

• 3

  Wait for your National Insurance number to arrive in the mail. The process may take up to 12 weeks.