Applying for a Social Security Number
Not everyone needs one of these. Read on to find out whether you’re supposed to be paying Social Security contributions to the States.
Social security benefits provide exactly that – security in social situations where you can’t work, for example due to illness or injury.
If you’re paid by a Guernsey-based employer you will be entitled to claim social security benefits (in the unlikely event that you need them) because you will pay social security contributions out of your wages (check out the article on taxes to find out how and how much).
However, if you’re paid by a UK-based umbrella company you do not need to pay Social Security contributions as you’ll more than likely be paying National Insurance to HMRC.
To apply for a social security number, all you need to do is head to the gov.gg website, download the Registration Form, complete your details and deliver it either by post or in person to the States of Guernsey.
You will then be posted a Guernsey Health Benefit Card with your social security number printed on the front.
Give this number to your employer. When you are paid they will deduct compulsory employee social security contributions from your wages (usually about 6.6%), calculate the compulsory employer social security contribution payable by them (also usually about 6.6%), and send this off to the States. Your unique social security number ensures that your contributions are recorded against your name.
That’s it in a nutshell – short and sweet!