What is a National Insurance number?
A National Insurance (NI) number is a specific number allocated to you by the Department for Work and Pensions. It is similar to Tax File and Medicare numbers in Australia, or your IRD number and ACC levy in New Zealand.
Your National Insurance Number (NIN)
- enables you to work
- makes paying the right amount of tax easier
- is used in all correspondence with HM Revenue & Customs and the Department for Work and Pensions
- gives you access to public services such as the NHS
Without a NI number you could be liable to pay up to 40 per cent Emergency Tax on your earnings - considerably more than you may need to. If you apply for your NI number when you are in the UK it could take months to process.
How can FastrackUK help ?
Apply for your NI number via FastrackUK before you depart and we can save you time and cut through red tape. We process your application and liaise with the correct government departments on your behalf. Every applicant must attend an NI interview and FastrackUK can set this up for you for soon after your arrival in the UK.
To start your NI application from Australia, New Zealand - Aus 1300 78 44 79 , NZ 0800 665 838, UK 0208 547 4160
Email an Aus/NZ Consultant by clicking here, a UK Consultant by clicking here
We can still help you if you have already arrived in the UK. Just call the UK number and talk to one of our consultants.