HMRC has issued a warning about National Insurance numbers and what information you should keep private
Brits holding a National Insurance number have received an important warning from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). The Government department has urged people to “only share it when you need to” in a recent update.
This unique identifier could be misused for identity theft and fraudulent purposes, including unlawfully claiming benefits or obtaining loans. HMRC posted on social media platform X: “Download the HMRC app to view your National Insurance number.
“Remember, only share it when you need to – like when you start a new job.” Your National Insurance number is issued shortly before your 16th birthday and remains with you for life.
It guarantees that your National Insurance contributions and tax records are correctly assigned to you alone. The number comprises two letters, six digits and a final letter – for example, QQ123456B.
Your National Insurance number can be found on tax documents such as your payslip or P60. You can also request a letter containing the information and find your National Insurance number online.
Those who have never had one can apply for a National Insurance number. The Government website suggests using the HMRC smartphone app to confirm your National Insurance number.
GOV.UK explains: “The HMRC app is a quick and easy way to get information about your tax, National Insurance and benefits.” You can also use it to check your:
- Tax code
- Income and benefits
- Employment and income history from the past five years
- Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) for Self Assessment
- Self Assessment tax and how much you owe
- Child Benefit
- State Pension forecast
- Gaps in National Insurance contributions
How to use the app
You can download the app from either the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Once downloaded, launch the app and enter your Government Gateway user ID and password to log in for the first time. If you don’t have a user ID, you can create one through the app.
After that, you’ll be able to access the app quickly and easily by logging in using either:
- A six-digit PIN
- Your fingerprint
- Facial recognition
If you don’t have a UK address and don’t know your National Insurance number, follow the instructions to find a lost National Insurance number here.
Keeping your NI number safe
GOV.UK advises: “To prevent identity fraud, do not share your National Insurance number with anyone who does not need it.” These organisations may need to know your number:
- HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC)
- Your employer
- The Department for Work and Pensions (which includes Jobcentre Plus and the Pension, Disability and Carers Service), if you claim state benefits, or in Northern Ireland the Department for Social Development
- Your local council, if you claim Housing Benefit, or the Northern Ireland Housing Executive
- Electoral Registration Officers (to verify your identity when you register to vote)
- The Student Loans Company, if you apply for a student loan
- Your pension provider if you have a personal or stakeholder pension
- Your Individual Savings Account (ISA) provider, if you open an ISA
- Authorised financial service providers who assist you in buying and selling investments like shares, bonds and derivatives – you can check if your provider is authorised
- Veterans UK