NI number

Not sure if this is the right place for this one.

How long does it take to get a NI number?

Once you do the application & send it in it takes 2 weeks to get the number in a letter then it will take another 6ish weeks to get the card.

ETA: http://talk.uk-yankee.com/index.php?topic=60962.msg864668#msg864668.

Thanks!
So do you have to wait to work until you get the card or once you have the letter with the number, it's okay?

You can work before you get the number.  The number only affects the amount of taxes being withheld from your paycheck.  It's better to have the number at the start, so that the correct amount is being withheld straightaway, but it's not a requirement.

I have a NI number, and although the original card was issued in my maiden name I have been in contact to update my name and address details now that I have returned to the UK after a long absence.  I assumed that I would automatically be issued with a new card (same number, new name), but after waiting three months I called and was told that they don't issue a new card unless I formally request one.

My question is, does it actually matter what name is written on the card, as long as my name is correct in their records?  Is there ever going to be a time when I am asked to *show* my NI card as proof of identity, or proof that I have a NI number?  I know that in the US a person is often required to show a Social Security card when starting a new job, but I have the sense that here it's not necessary, they just trust you.  Is that correct?  And is there any other situation when I might be asked to show my card?

I've been told that I can request a replacement card with the correct name, but it seems that there is a lifetime issuance limit of two cards, so maybe I should save my request for a replacement card for something more severe, like if the original card is lost or destroyed in a fire, etc.

What do you think?  Am I ever going to have to show this NI card to anyone, or is it really just for my reference?  I would be grateful for your advice, as it has been so long since I lived in the UK that I don't remember what the situation is.

Although I've often been asked for my NI number I've never been asked to show my card.  I'm now 50 and have worked in various jobs since I was 22 - in fact I'm not even sure where it is - and I'm sure it will have my maiden name on it!

Thank you, that is exactly what I needed to hear!

Okay, I have what is probably a dumb question (but I know you guys will be kind) 

When we lived in the UK I did not work and I never applied for an NI number. However, I was seen by my local GP and had an Rx filled monthly. Somebody must track that somewhere. Does that mean I had an NI and didn't know it? Or am I too American-bureaucratic-red-tape-insurance-company in my thinking?

I ask because the ILE application asks me if I've ever had an NI number and I don't know how to answer that.

The number used by the surgery is an NHS number, which is totally different from the NI number.

The number used by the surgery is an NHS number, which is totally different from the NI number.

We just learned something new!

The number used by the surgery is an NHS number, which is totally different from the NI number.

NI (National Insurance Number) is used for taxation puroposes...if someone has ever received any sort of benefits you will have an NI number or if you have been working you'll have an NI number....similar to a Social Security Number in the US.

 If you're not sure you can contact HMRC and they will tell you if you've had a number.

This page explains what an NI number is and how it is used: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/Taxes/BeginnersGuideToTax/DG_4015904

Try and think of your:

NHS number as your medical record number for the hospital (although you don't really need to quote it all the time or fill it in on forms).

NIN (National Insurance Number) as your Social Security number, except it's really only used for jobs and tax purposes (ie applying for public funding) and not really used in credit checks in the UK.

In regards to working without an NI number, I worked in the UK for over 6 months without one, but when I did finally call to get one, they gave me a temporary number which would allow me to work for a certain amount of time.

In regards to working without an NI number, I worked in the UK for over 6 months without one, but when I did finally call to get one, they gave me a temporary number which would allow me to work for a certain amount of time.

If you have a temporary one, you will be charged at the highest tax rate. 

It isn't legislated that you must have an NI number to work.