§ Mr. WillettsTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the average time that people who apply for a national insurance number must wait before(a) being given an appointment with the Benefits Agency and (b) receiving a national insurance number. [158676]
§ Mr. RookerThe information on the average time that people who apply for a national insurance number (NINO) must wait before being given an appointment with the Benefits Agency is not held.
After a customer is interviewed by the Benefits Agency, the length of time he/she has to wait to receive their NINO depends on whether the application is for benefit or employment purposes.
With the introduction of the enhanced NINO process in April 2001 the Benefits Agency is responsible for notifying the customer of their NINO by letter after all inquiries have been completed.