Claiming benefits - lost NI number

Stoodles

A relative has been widowed and is not being allowed to apply for benefits as he has lost his NI number. He applied to the NI helpline to trace his number nearly 3 months ago, but nothing has been forthcoming.

Surely there must be a process to allow some sort of claim while waiting? Is there a regulation we can quote to move things on?

Background - born and always resident in UK, ten years on PAYE, since then dependent for over 20 years on partner who has now died. Has never claimed anything before.

Thanks for your help

NYM

Did he only speak with them or did he complete this form...?

https://public-online.hmrc.gov.uk/lc/content/xfaforms/profiles/forms.html?contentRoot=repository:///Applications/NICs_iForms/1.0/CA5403&template=CA5403.xdp

Stoodles

I believe he only spoke with them, but his sister has been phoning them - HMRC - weekly.

NYM

Stoodles wrote: »

I believe he only spoke with them, but his sister has been phoning them - HMRC - weekly.

Sorry I can't be any help, but it might be best to complete the form online, print off a copy and post it to them.

I don't know how long the process takes.

Stoodles

It's not so much the NI number, as something to live on and pay the rent in the interim, until it is traced. All I've found so far is that there used to be a way to assign an interim NI no. for the purpose of claiming, but no-one seems aware of this now.

[Deleted User]

can they find an old pay slip?that would show NI

Stoodles

No, it's over 20 years, and no paperwork kept.

[Deleted User]

Maybe his bank would have his NI number on their records? Or a pension provider that he's paid into?

Failing that, phone the National Insurance numbers helpline (0300 200 3500) and answer some questions (you’ll need to fill in form CA5403 if you can’t answer the questions)
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) won’t tell you your National Insurance number over the phone - they’ll post it to you.

midnight_express

He needs to complete the claim forms ASAP otherwise he could lose money. He shouldn't wait until he has number.

Stoodles

billbennett wrote: »

Maybe his bank would have his NI number on their records? Or a pension provider that he's paid into?

Failing that, phone the National Insurance numbers helpline (0300 200 3500) and answer some questions (you’ll need to fill in form CA5403 if you can’t answer the questions)
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) won’t tell you your National Insurance number over the phone - they’ll post it to you.

This is what he did 11 weeks ago, but sadly they haven't yet sent him his NI no. THe problem is how he can claim JSA/ESA and Housing Benefit with no NI number. It doesn't seem likely that it's not possible to access any interim benefits at all.

On the HB form, it does say "You must tell us the National Insurance numbers of you and your partner.
If you do not, we cannot deal with your claim."

poppasmurf_bewdley

How has someone gone through the last 20 years without using his NI number? I find it difficult to believe.