Hi Chan,
You have not said why your mother needs a NI number.
I assume you have tried to use this link to apply –
Apply for a National Insurance number and because you have presumably stated ‘not working or looking for work’
The response states you cannot use this service to apply. It does not say you cannot apply -
https://www.apply-national-insurance-number.service.gov.uk/apply/may-not-need-nin.
It goes onto say –
If you were told to apply for a National Insurance number to get benefits or a student loan paid, you should not use this service. We will contact you and tell you how to apply for a National Insurance number.
If you entered your mobile number as part of your application for benefits or a student loan, we will send you a text telling you what to do. If you did not provide your mobile number, we will send you a letter.
You cannot apply for a National Insurance number for any other reason. For example, you cannot apply for a National Insurance number only because you need to open a bank account, open an Individual Savings Account (ISA) or pay into a pension.
If you have been told you need a National Insurance number for any other reason, contact the organisation that told you this. They should have an alternative process for people who do not have a National Insurance number.
Thank you.