What is the primary function of a National Insurance number?

Okay, let's break down why a National Insurance number is essentially a unique personal account number. Think of it like this: the UK government uses National Insurance to track your contributions to the social security system. These contributions, deducted from your wages or paid if you're self-employed, go into a pot that funds things like state pensions, unemployment benefits, and other forms of social support. Your National Insurance number, which you're assigned when you turn 16, is how they keep track of your individual contributions. It ensures that when you become eligible for these benefits later in life, the government knows exactly how much you've paid in and what you're entitled to. While you do need your National Insurance number to access NHS services, it's not primarily a record for the NHS or your surgery. Its main purpose is to act as your unique identifier within the National Insurance system, linking you to your contributions and future benefits. It's your personal key to the UK's social security system.