National Insurance Number

Rob1973

Hi,

My wife is a foreign national that moved to the UK in 2009 from the United States, and cared for me as I have muscular dystrophy.

In December 2018 she was granted Indefinite Leave to Remain (Settlement) which should give full access to benefits.

Unfortunately her health has declined more recently and she is now disabled and housebound.

We've tried applying for benefits for her but she doesn't have a national insurance number.

I've tried contacting HMRC and they say the process needs to be started by the DWP or Jobcentre plus, but both of these say they can't do it either and we need to speak with HMRC.  I've been going round in circles for about 2 years now with no success.

Any ideas what we can do?

calcotti

If you are making no progress between the two departments I suggest contacting your MP to see if they can assist.

I think HMRC are likely to be correct, for most benefits a claim can be made without an NI number and should be treated as a request for an NI number. See DWP guidance
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1049010/adma2.pdf

A2147 The provision of sufficient information or evidence to establish the NINO is a specific requirement for 1. PIP 2. UC 3. ESA 4. JSA

A2148 There is no entitlement to benefits unless the claim is accompanied by sufficient information or evidence

1. to confirm the NINO quoted belongs to the claimant and any adult affected by the provisions 

2. to enable the NINO to be traced where the NINO is unknown

3. to enable a NINO to be allocated where the claimant or adult does not have a NINO and they apply for one.

If the claimant does not have a NINO (for example as a person who has recently migrated to the UK), then an application for a NINO will be initiated from within the DWP if entitlement to benefit is established. The claimant should provide sufficient information and evidence to enable a NINO to be traced or allocated.

See also HMRC guidance
https://www.gov.uk/apply-national-insurance-number

If you’re applying for benefits or a student loan

You do not need a National Insurance number to apply for benefits or a student loan. You will receive one if your application for benefits or a student loan is successful.