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National Insurance numbers

Study note

Everyone who lives and works in the UK has a National Insurance number. This is a personal number that is unique to each person and is used to keep a record of the National Insurance contributions and tax that they pay over their working life. You need it for things like starting a job or claiming certain benefits.

Young people do not have to apply for this number themselves. They are sent their National Insurance number automatically shortly before their 16th birthday, so it is ready for when they start work. It is not given at birth, at 18 or at 21. For the test, remember that everyone has a National Insurance number and that it arrives just before a person turns 16.

Memory tip: You get your National Insurance number just before you turn 16.

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Question 1 of 1

At around what age are young people in the UK sent their National Insurance number?

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Show all questions and answers for National Insurance numbers(1 question with explanations)

National Insurance numbers: questions, answers and explanations

  1. 1. At around what age are young people in the UK sent their National Insurance number?

    • At 21
    • At birth
    • Just before they turn 16
    • At 18

    Correct answer: Just before they turn 16

    Young people receive their National Insurance number shortly before their 16th birthday.

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