New To UK:

Welcome to Botgaas. This site will answer all of your questions about living in UK and how to make the most of it.

• How to open a bank account?
• How to apply for National Insurance Number?
• How to register with a doctor?
• Mosque (Masjid) in UK.

How to open a bank account?

In UK there are many banks available. Each bank provides different levels of service and facilities. The question is, which one will provide a competitive service in order to meet your needs? You can go around each bank to collect information or ask other people on their opinions on which bank they would personally recommend.
However, whatever you may decide it is very important to consider the following aspects when choosing a bank:

• How easy is it for you to get in contact with the bank, either by visiting the branch or telephoning?
• What kind of service the bank will offer and its charges? (for example: internet banking, fast pay-in service etc)
• Are there any benefits for certain group members? (for example: students, under 16’s, graduates etc)
• Are there any personal benefits? (for example: personal loans, overdrafts, saving accounts)
• What documents are required by the bank in order to open an account? Most banks in the UK will ask to see your passport, a letter from the institutions (for example: a letter from the college/university for students or a letter from your employer for those here on work permits). And a document confirming your UK address.
• What arrangements there are for transferring money from your origin country and the costs involved.

The most difficult aspect of opening an account is proving your address. You are new in UK, but where would you get a letter so soon to prove that you reside at the property stated. The following documents may be acceptable:

• Tenancy agreement
• A letter from your employer in the UK confirming your UK address (and if you already have pay slips from that employer it may help to show those too)
• The bank may also want to see proof of your previous or permanent address in the country that you come from. Your national identity card or driving licence may be acceptable for this purpose. The bank may ask for your written permission to get a reference about you from a bank or financial institution if you have an account in the country that you come from.

Requirements for each bank may very; it is not possible to be absolutely definite about what documents they will accept. The documents that can be accepted may therefore differ from bank to bank. The best approach is to take with you as much information as you have available. And remember that banks will normally only accept original documents, not copies.

How to apply for National Insurance Number?

Think of National Insurance number (NI) and so many questions arise. The most frequently asked question by a newcomer or someone who has absolutely no idea what a National Insurance is, are:

• Why do I need a National Insurance Number?
• How do I get a National Insurance Number?
• How much National Insurance will I have to pay?
• How will National Insurance be deducted?

Why do I need a National Insurance Number?

By law, you must retain a National Insurance Number to work in the UK, even if the work you do is unpaid. Your National Insurance number is the reference number under which the Contributions Agency and HM Revenue and Customs file hold information on you. The file will contain information about how much you have contributed towards each working tax year and any benefit entitlement you may have built up. The reference number is usually made up of two letters, six numbers and another letter (e.g. AB 12 56 15 B).

An employer will ask you for your National Insurance number when you start work. They use the number to notify the Inland Revenue and the Contributions Agency of deductions they have made from your salary. Employers who have computerized payroll facilities cannot enter you onto their system without a number

How do I get a National Insurance Number?

Once you have a job you must apply for a National Insurance Number. This is the responsibility of the individual and not of their employer. You can also apply for a National Insurance Number if you can prove that you are looking for a job. The proof can be in the form of rejection letters, invitations to interviews, confirmations of received applications etc.

You should first telephone the Jobcentre Plus appointment line to book an appointment. Please note that your appointment will be with the Jobcentre Plus of a recommended area.

The appointment line number is 0845 600 0643 and is open 8am-6pm, Mon - Fri.

Documents that we would personally suggest that you take with you are; your passport, your student registration card, a letter from college/university (for students), proof of address where you live, proof of employment and the name and address of your employer. Once the forms have been completed and an interview undertaken you will be issued with a National Insurance Number. However it may take up to 6 weeks to come through.

How much National Insurance will I have to pay?

You will have to pay contributions, in each job you have, if your earnings exceed £97 per week (approx £420 per month). If you earn less than this amount you will pay nothing.

How will National Insurance be deducted?

Contributions are made up of two parts:

1) Primary contributions - which are deducted from your salary by your employer.
2) Secondary contributions - which the employer pays from its own funds.

Your employer will pay both parts directly to the Contributions Agency. Your pay slip should show what deductions your employer has made.

• http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/nic/ynino.htm
• http://www.dwp.gov.uk/localoffice/index.asp
• http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/local/index.htm

How to register with a doctor?

It is very important to register with a local doctor (GP) as soon as possible. Registering with a GP is absolutely free, there are no charges. Document’s that you may be required to produce when joining most GP includes, your passport and evidence of your address. Beware some doctor surgeries are already full so you may be asked to try a different place.

Once you have registered with your GP, you can start receiving free National Health Service (NHS) medical treatment, including free medical check-ups and hospital treatment like all other UK citizens. Currently prescriptions cost about £6.40 per item.

To find a Doctor in your area click the link below:

http://www.nhs.uk/England/Dentists/LocalSearch.aspx

To find a Hospital in your local area click the link below:

http://www.nhs.uk/England/Hospitals/NearestHospital.aspx

Mosque (Masjid) in UK:

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