Applying for a national insurance number National Information - 11:10 02/09/22
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You can apply for a National Insurance number if you:
- live in the UK
- have the right to work in the UK
- are working, looking for work or have an offer to start work
You can start work before you receive your National Insurance number if you can prove you have the right to work in the UK.
If you already have a National Insurance number, you do not need to apply for a new one, even if your personal details change. Your National Insurance number remains the same for life.
You do not need a National Insurance number to start an application for benefits or a student loan. If you need a National Insurance number to get your benefit or student loan paid, you’ll be contacted and told how to get one.
You do not need a National Insurance number to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme.