What is National Insurance (NI) and do I need it?

You pay mandatory National Insurance if you’re 16 or over, and earning over the NI threshold.

To find out the threshold and figures for the current tax year, please refer to the official guidance for the UK and visit UK Gov: National Insurance.

If you need guidance through this information and how it will affect you, Money & Housing Advice can support you. 

To apply for a National Insurance number you must:

• be in England, Scotland or Wales
• have entered the UK on a visa
• have the right to work in the UK
• Call the National Insurance number application line to ask for an application form.

Find out more about applying and contact details visit GOV.UK Applying for National Insurance Number.

Important to know:

• You’ll need to return the form along with proof of your identity and your right to work or study in the UK.
• The letter that comes with your application form will tell you which documents you can use as proof.
• After you apply, it can take up to 8 weeks to get your National Insurance number.
• Beware of companies which offer information or support in gaining an NI number, they often charge very high rates for providing information which can be obtained for free. A good resource for further information can be found at UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA).

After you’ve submitted your application, you will receive a letter from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). You may be asked to come for a NI interview at a JobCentre Plus. The letter will also tell you which documents to bring with you for the interview.

You are allowed to work while you are waiting for your NI number to be issued using a temporary NI number.

Our colleagues at Blackbullion have developed a comprehensive online learning module on Taxes which will broader your understanding in just 21mins!

If you have not yet signed up for Blackbullion’s free financial learning tools you can do so with your King’s email address.

We also recommend reading this guide on tax, covering taxes when you're student and then when graduate and start working: Tax Guides: Students

You may also find these resources helpful:

• Tax Guide for Students
• 7 basic tax facts every student needs to know
• Claim a tax refund if you stop working during the year
• Money Saving Expert – Tax Rates | Breakdown what the tax authorities gets
• Gov.uk for up to date NI information

If you're still unsure and would like further guidance on this, feel free to contact the Student Money & Housing Advice team.