Go to navigation

National Insurance numbers

When applying for benefits or applying to work in the United Kingdom, a National Insurance (NI) number is required.

This is a number allocated to a person that they keep for their whole life. It is unique to that person and ensures that HM Revenue and Customs records NI contributions or credits to their NI account correctly. These contributions and credits will be required when it comes to claiming benefits.

National Insurance number for working

Before an application can be taken, proof that a person has permission to work must be seen. This is normally stamped in a passport or on a work visa.

National Insurance number for claiming benefits

A benefit claim should be made even if a person has no National Insurance number. The relevant benefit department would contact the mobile National Insurance Allocation Team who will then arrange an appointment with the client.

Forms of identification

Clients will need to bring to the interview a selection of the following:

  • Home Office documents;
  • any identity cards they may have;
  • their birth certificate;
  • a driving licence;
  • any household bill showing their current address;
  • bank cards;
  • wage slips, if applicable;
  • proof of address; for example, a tenancy agreement.

    For more information contact us by telephone: 01634 306000 or by email: info@medway.gov.uk

    Write to: Medway Council, Gun Wharf, Dock Road, Chatham, Kent ME4 4TR

Send this page to a friend: Send

Send a link to the National Insurance numbers page to a friend

  1. Please answer the question below to ensure your form gets through safely to Medway Council. It is to verify that you are a real person and not an automated internet spam programme.