National insurance

In order to qualify for certain benefits in the UK you are required to pay National Insurance contributions.

The exact amount you pay will depend on how much you earn.

Your National Insurance number makes sure that your contributions and tax are only recorded against your name.

You must have the right to work or study in the UK to get a National Insurance number. Job Centre plus may ask you to attend an interview to confirm your identity.

In order to apply for a National Insurance number please contact the Job Centre Plus application line on 0345 600 0643, Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm

If you are required to attend an interview you will be asked to provide documents to prove your identity. These may include:

• Passport/identity card
• Residence permit
• Full birth/adoption certificate
• Marriage/civil partnership certificate