National Insurance number (NINO)

A National Insurance Number is the unique reference number used by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to identify an individual's National Insurance contribution record. It ensures that contributions paid by, and credited to, an individual are correctly recorded so that whenever a claim to benefit is made, the correct amount can be paid.

Your employees are required by law to give their National Insurance Number to you. If the National Insurance Number recorded by HMRC for an employee differs from the one you already hold, ask HMRC National Insurance Contributions Office or DWP to check the number for you. You can do this by using form CA6855, which is available from the Employer Orderline and any DWP or HMRC office.