How old are you when you get your National Insurance Number?

Question

My son is 15 (will be 16 in December) and he is desperate for a Saturday job to up his pocket money and I told him he has to have his National Insurance Number first. Is it right?

Answer 1

If your son is only going to get a Saturday job, he will not earn enough to pay NI contributions.

If you Google National Insurance Card the DWP site comes up that tells you how to apply for it.

Answer 2

You get your NI card a couple of weeks before your 16th.

Your son doesn't need to wait for his NI number to get a saturday job.

Answer 3

Yes, your son will need an NI number. I got mine shortly after my 16th birthday (in November). Obviously as you are aware he needs this so that he can make any contributions or if he gets ill etc. In the meantime, why not get him to do odd jobs for neighbours and friends etc until his card is sent to him? You dont need an NI card for that!