ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

National Insurance number

A national insurance number is a special number that the government gives to people living and working in certain countries. It's like a special code that helps the government keep track of things like how much money you earn and how much tax you should pay.

When you turn 16 years old, the government will send you a letter telling you that you need to get a national insurance number. The letter will tell you where to go and what to do to get your number.

To get your number, you might need to answer some questions about yourself and your family. Don't worry, it's not too hard! Once you have your number, you should keep it safe and remember it because you'll need it for things like getting a job or paying taxes.

If you move to a different country or start working in a different job, you might need to get a new national insurance number. So always keep your number safe and make sure to tell the government if anything changes.

So, think of your national insurance number as a special code that helps the government keep track of important information about you.