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National Insurance Number

You will need a National Insurance (NI) number to contribute towards paying social security, and other benefits, such as free hospital and doctor services.

You will need a National Insurance(NI) number to contribute towards social security and other benefits, such as free hospital and doctor services.

Your NI number is used by the Inland Revenue for identification and does not dictate the rate of NI deductions made from your salary. Your NI number also registers your eligibility for free hospital and GP services and enables a smooth process when claiming a tax rebate.

Call Jobcentre Plus on 0845 600 0643 (lines open 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday) for an appointment. They will send you the required paperwork and arrange a date and time for you to attend a brief interview.

If you don't have an NI number when you commence work, your date of birth is sufficient until you obtain your NI number. As you will need your NI number in order to register with a doctor we highly recommend making your appointment with the Jobcentre Plus as soon as you have arrived in the UK.

There is no charge to apply for an NI number.

For more information on taxation or National Insurance matters, please contact HM Revenue & Customs.

National Insurance Rebate

A National Insurance Refund is an opportunity to rebate some of your NI contributions into your own pension plan.

As a UK taxpayer, you and your employer have to pay NI contributions. By signing up for an NI Rebate and contracting out of the State Second Pension Scheme you are choosing where your contributions are being directed. You don't have to contribute anything extra to contract out; you are simply choosing to direct your funds to your own personal pension fund which will be set up as part of this NI refund process. Anyone who is residing in the UK and has a National Insurance number is eligible.

If you are young (below 43) or a foreigner not intending to retire in the UK, you could benefit from this refund. Older people intending to retire in the UK should think carefully before opting for a refund. Make sure you read the full website carefully and if you are still unsure contact a financial adviser. The government will not allow you to take this as cash as they would like you to save for your retirement, but they will allow you to divert the money into a pension of your own.

For more information please visit NI Rebate Online