HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) does not disclose the NI number of a person who has died unless it is certain that the request comes from someone who is entitled to the information. This is to prevent a dishonest person taking on the identity of the person who has died.

If you have a legitimate reason for requiring the number, you should contact by telephone the NI Registrations section of the National Insurance Contributions Office, on 08459 157006, open Monday to Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm. You should ask for the address to which you should write with your enquiry.

Your letter should give your relationship with the deceased and explain why you need the NI number. You should enclose a copy of the death certificate. Based on the information you provide, HMRC will perform its own security check on the validity of your request and, if approved, will send you the information you need.

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