Ex wanting son's NI number

Grumpy_chap

fancible said:

Hi. My son is 17 and shares his time between me and my ex wife. My ex has just messaged me asking for my son's NI number, but she won't tell me why she needs it.
My son doesn't know anything about it and doesn't know his number off by heart, hence her asking me for it (he is currently with her)
Normally we are very open with communication which makes it even stranger for me.
Am I being unreasonable for being a bit suspicious and hesitant to give it to her without her telling me why she wants it? I know it's her son and she is probably entitled to it, but something just feels off.

If he's old enough to have an NI number, he is old enough for anyone that requires his NI number to ask him directly and for him to decide whether to share that information.

Thinking back, I cannot imagine that my parents ever had or knew my NI number and I doubt my wife would know now.  I certainly don't know my wife's NI number.  It is not something that has many uses.

Loza2016

Just another thought he would have been born during the time of the child trust funds where the government gave out £250 to every child. Could it be something to do with this maturing if he’s nearly 18?. 

Emmia

Loza2016 said:

Just another thought he would have been born during the time of the child trust funds where the government gave out £250 to every child. Could it be something to do with this maturing if he’s nearly 18?. 

This still begs the question why she won't divulge why she wants it. 

sheramber

Loza2016 said:

My 17 year old daughter has just applied for her provisional driving licence. She was asked to provide her national insurance number during the application. Could it be this? 

Surely the son would know why it was needed if it was for that.

elsien

If your son is happy for her to have it then surely  that is his decision to make? 

sheramber

Give son  the number and it is up to him if he passes it on.

fancible

Thanks all. My son managed to find his number and apparently has now given it to here.  He says he doesn't know why she wanted it (which is a bit silly as he should have asked) 
It's just surprising that she wouldn't share the reason with me. I'm hoping it's something inconsequential and not something that we should have discussed collectively. It's not for his driving licence as he already has that.

Kim_13

Flugelhorn said:

Marvel1 said:

I wouldn't give it to her, if she wants it then she can give it off your son directly.

agree - she can ask him. 

not sure what it could be used for other than her opening a savings account?

Attempting to claim benefits in his name? If it was for a provisional licence, he would surely know why it was needed / apply for it himself even if his mum chose to let him pay on her card.

Most savings accounts don’t need it (ISAs always do) and at 17, he should be opening his own accounts (albeit some providers/accounts will not accept him until he is 18.)

The son’s NI number is nobody’s business except his own, an employer and DWP/HMRC.

fancible

I was wondering about the benefits or student loan angle but she has a good job and wouldn't qualify for anything and I am not sure what benefits he could claim? He is doing A levels and is only going to university next September so couldn't apply for a student loan now. The only thing I can think of is that she has maybe applied for a part time job on his behalf that he was reluctant to do himself. I totally agree that it is no-ones business. I don't know it, but I know it's in his room somewhere.