Is Social Security number same as National Insurance number UK?

Your National Insurance Number (also known as your NI number or “NIN”) is the UK version of a social security number. It is used to give tax and benefits. It is a requirement for anyone who intends to get a job and work in the UK. It is made up of a combination of numbers and letters such as ‘AA-12-34-56-A’.

What do I do if someone has my National Insurance number?

If you have provided personal details to someone over the phone and you now believe this to be a scam, contact your bank, building society and credit card company immediately and report it to Action Fraud at or by calling 0300 123 2040.

What can someone see with your National Insurance number?

The more details they have, the more damage they can do. If they access your national insurance number, bank account details or passwords, they can steal your entire identity, take loans out in your name and turn your life upside down.

What do the letters in your NI number mean?

The suffix letter is either A, B, C, or D. Until 1975, the suffixes A, B, C and D at the end of the NI number signified the period of validity of the National Insurance cards originally used to collect National Insurance contributions (NICs).

What does a UK social security number look like?

NIM39110 – National Insurance Numbers (NINOs): Format and Security: What a NINO looks like. A NINO is made up of 2 letters, 6 numbers and a final letter, which is always A, B, C, or D. This is an example only and should not be used as an actual number.

How long does it take to get a NI number?

It can take up to 16 weeks for you to get your National Insurance number after you have proven your identity.

Can I change my NI number?

No, you cannot change your National Insurance number, but you should notify the HMRC of your change of name, and ask them to update their records, and especially in relation to your NI number.