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<p>DWP are responsible for the allocation of National Insurance Numbers to residents
living in England, Scotland and Wales. The Department for Communities is responsible
to the residents of Northern Ireland.</p><p>In order for a National Insurance Number
(NINo) to be allocated an individual’s identity needs to have been verified.</p><p>DWP
have continued to allocate NINos to those who require one for benefit purposes and
for those who are entitled to Student Finance. DWP have also continued to work with
the Home office to provide a NINo allocation services for Tier 2 visa holders and
Refugees and their adult dependants.</p><p>In England, Scotland and Wales, DWP are
offering a NINo allocation service to foreign nationals who have already had their
identity verified as part of their visa application before they entered the UK. This
is done through a data sharing agreement with the Home Office.</p><p>DWP started testing
a partial digital solution, on a small scale, in mid-October, to support the issuing
of National Insurance Numbers, which is still ongoing. This solution enables collection
of the applicant’s data, but not the online verification of their identity. Alternative
identity verification solutions to reduce the need for a face to face identity check
for some customer groups is under development as part of this test.</p>
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