Applying for a National Insurance number

What is a National Insurance number and why you should have it?
In UK, it is mandatory to have National Insurance number (NI number) which is a unique personal
account number. The number ensures that the National Insurance contributions and tax an individual
pays are properly recorded on your NI account. It also acts as a reference number for the whole social
security system allocated to individual to use in all dealings with Inland Revenue and the Department for
Work and Pensions (DWP). It looks something like this: AB123456C. You must keep your number safe
and not disclose it to anyone who does not need it.

Please follow the below steps to apply for your National Insurance Number:

1. Once you have sorted your rented accommodation after arriving in the UK on Work permit and you
have your complete address, you need to contact:

Job centre Plus on 0845 600 0643.

(Lines are open 8.00 am to 6.00 pm, Monday to Friday).
2. Job Centre Plus will send you a postal application to apply for a national insurance number or if they
require, will arrange an Evidence of Identity (EOI) interview with you.

3. If an EOI interview is required they will confirm the date, time and location of your interview. They will
also tell you what information and documentation is required to support your application.

4. Once you have received the application form from Job Centre Plus, please - complete your details in
the form and return it to the address appearing on the documents sent by the Job Centre Plus along with
other required documents they have requested.

5. As soon as you receive the NI number please update the same accurately on Geo Joining Console
(GJC) for Final Submission. Geo EHS team will access your NI number from Geo Joining Console so that
it can be updated in the payroll system and NI number can be reflecting in your upcoming payslip.

6. Also an exemption is granted from HMRC Where deduction of NI is not applicable for first 52 weeks
for employees transferred to UK either on Gross or Net Pay Model.
7. It is important to have an NI number to deal later with any Tax return or refund .Without an NI number it
will be difficult to track your records

Please Note:

1. You will need to apply for National Insurance number as soon as you reach UK since
this is a mandatory field in Geo Joining Console without which you will not be able to
submit your Geo Joining Form for your GB payroll to be processed.

2. The process might take 3 to 4 weeks and if you dont hear anything please call the
Jobcentre Plus Office and check the status of your application with the help of your
application reference number appearing on top of your application form.

3. You may use HCL Great Britain Ltd office address, if you dont have an address in UK
yet, (HCL Great Britain Ltd, Axon Centre, Church Road, Egham, Surrey, TW20 9QB) as
correspondence address for Jobcentre Plus to send your National Insurance number
letter and card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my NI number impact my taxes such as the national insurance contribution?
No, the National Insurance number doesnt have any impact on tax codes.

Do I have to apply for the NI number as soon as I arrive?
For your smooth payroll processing as well as to make sure HMRC and other UK authorities have your
proper details, please apply as soon as you reach UK to avoid any issues while dealing with the
authorities.

I already have an NI number which was issued when I was previously in the UK, do I have to
apply again?
No, if you already have a number please update that on Geo Joining Console. The NI number is issued
once only to an individual irrespective of his stay in the UK.

I have received my NI number recently, what do I do now?
Please update it in the Geo Joining console portal (www.myhcl.com-> My Transactions -> Geo Joining
console) as well as ESS section (www.myhcl.com-> My Career -> My Profile (ESS) -> My Information -
Personal -> Personal Data where one can update NI number).

Is the NI number required for enrollment with a GP (medical insurance)?
No, you just need to contact the GP nearest to your home / office and set up an appointment. There is no
need to have an NI number for such appointments or registration.

Do members of my family who have joined me in the UK require an NI number?
No, this is related to employment and if your spouse is working then he/she would also need to contact
the nearest Job centre Plus.

I have lost or can't remember my National Insurance number?
If you think you already have a number but can't remember it, you might be able to find it on the following
official paperwork:

your P60 (end of year tax statement, given to you by your employer)
your payslip
a copy of your annual tax return
other official correspondence
If you still can't find your number, you can ask HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) to confirm it by
contacting the National Insurance Registrations Helpline on 0845 915 7006 (lines open 8.00 am to 5.00
pm, Monday to Friday)

I have not received the National Insurance number Card or have lost my Card.
You do not have to have a card as long as you know your National Insurance number. You are only
allowed 1 replacement card. Incase for any further queries, you can telephone the National Insurance
Registrations Helpline on 0845 915 7006 (lines open from 8.00 am to 5.00 pm, Monday to Friday)