You may have wondered why we need a National Insurance number in the UK and why it is so important. Our National Insurance numbers are extremely important for many things and you should always keep yours safe; you could be the victim of identity fraud if you do not keep it safe. Here are three reasons why having a National Insurance number really is essential.
Students
Even if you haven’t worked yet and you are going straight from sixth form or college to university you still need a National Insurance number. When going to university, you will more than likely need to apply for your student loan to pay your university fees and to manage with rent etc whilst you are living at university or even if you are living at home.
Without a National Insurance number, you cannot apply for a student loan with the Student Loan Company therefore it is essential as a university student unless you can afford to pay your tuition loans and living costs too. Life financially as a student can be hard, therefore you should take every opportunity to get money help. You do not have to pay your student loan back until you are employed and you are earning a certain amount of money. For more information check out this BBC article.
Working
Without a National Insurance number, you cannot work in the UK, unless you are being paid cash in hand which is illegal and could get your employer and you in a lot of trouble. An employer needs a National Insurance number before you can start working for them, this is to ensure you are who you are saying you are. This also makes sure that you are only working where you are saying so. This is to prevent tax fraud which is unfair on those who pay taxes and work hard for their money.
The Department for State and Pensions also need this information to pay into your pension when you are working. Due to how essential this number is, especially if you are wanting to work, visiting the Lost National Insurance Number website is really important if you’ve misplaced your number.
To Vote
If you want a say about who runs your local council and your government, you need a National Insurance number. This is to ensure you can vote and be part of the Electoral Register. When you apply to vote, you need to show your National Insurance number so that your identity can be checked. Being able to vote and have a say in who runs your country and expressing your views is extremely important. Not enough young people are voting, and having your say in things like Brexit is a must, as you are the future of the UK and you should have a say in what happens.
Having a National Insurance number is a form of identification, just as a Passport or Driving License. It should never be given to anyone else. You need your National Insurance number for many things including the ones listed above. Therefore, keep it safe.