Child's National Insurance Number

I thought I would post this as it's bound to happen to someone else.

My son is 16 and is now in full-time employment via a modern apprenticeship.  He will be earning more than enough to be required to pay National Insurance contributions, but has no NI number.

I called the local Job Centre to schedule an appointment for him to get a NI number (as an adult would do), but they told me that because my husband had claimed Child Benefit for him that he most likely already had an NI number.  The Job Centre gave me the number to National Insurance Young People's Registration Line (0191 22 55 670) to see if he does indeed have a number.

I called them and after taking information regarding our address, his birth date, parent names and details of the parent claiming Child Benefit, they lady said that Josh does have an NI number.  They will be sending me a form to fill out and return, then we will be issued with his National Insurance card.

No interview, no proof of residency, etc.

Caitlin, you're a star!

It should have automatically been sent to him when he turned 16, unless it has changed since I was that age. I remember getting mine and all my classmates got them the same year.  Someone must have slipped up, glad you've got it sorted out now.

It should have automatically been sent to him when he turned 16, unless it has changed since I was that age. I remember getting mine and all my classmates got them the same year. Someone must have slipped up, glad you've got it sorted out now.

But I'm guessing that Josh wasn't born here in the UK; right, Caitlin? 

No, he wasn't born here.  Another issue:  he left UK schools at age 15 to return to the States for a year.  I'm not sure if NI numbers are kicked out when you reach a certain age at school, if they are kicked out based upon birth date -- or even where they take that birth date.  School records, birth cert, child benefit registration?  Who knows.

One way or the other, he fell through the cracks.  It will be interesting to see how if your boys get their NI number, especially if they are still at school after 16.

Here's some more info to add to the mix:

http://www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk/nic/ynino.htm#6

I wasn't born here either - ah just looked at your link - have to be living here & getting child benefit.

True to their word, we've just received a form for his NI number.  The form says:

We are sending you this form because you told us that you have not received your National Insurance number card.  Because you are aged between 15 years and 9 months and 19 years, the normal rules of registering a number do not apply to you.

The form is pretty basic.  Name, address, DOB, previous address, and name and NI number of the person claiming child benefit for you.

Hello,

I am not in the UK, however, reaching out to you regarding child's NI number, based on your posting.

I look forward to hearing from you by private email message.

parent of 3