How to apply for a National Insurance number

A NATIONAL Insurance number is usually given out when a UK resident turns 16 and is essential to ensure you pay the right amount of tax.

Here’s what we know on how to apply for one, and who is eligible:

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How to apply for a National Insurance number

You can apply for a National Insurance number through the government website.

You only need to apply for one if you’re planning to work in the UK.

Although, you can start work without a one as long as you can prove you have the right to work in the UK.

To apply for a National Isurance number you need either a passport from any country, or a BRP (biometric residence permit).

You can also use a national identity card if you come from a country in the EU, Norway, Liechtenstein or Switzerland.

You can still apply if you do not have any of these documents but you may need to attend an appointment with a government body to prove your identity.

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What are the National Insurance eligibility criteria?

You can apply for a NI number if you live in the UK and are looking for work or have an offer to start work in the UK.

If you have already started working you can also apply for a NI number at any time.

Workers who move to the UK from any country can apply for the number, to ensure you are only taxed the amount that you should be when working in the UK.

Who cannot get a National Insurance number?

You’re not eligible to apply for a National Insurance number if you have lost yours, or if you are a UK resident aged under 19, as you will be issued one automatically.

You also don’t need to apply if you have a biometric residence permit (BRP) with a National Insurance number printed on it

Additionally, you don’t need to apply because you want or need to apply for benefits or a student loan

You also don’t need a National Insurance number to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme.

This post first appeared on thesun.co.uk