Having an SSS number is your first step to enjoying the benefits of being a member of the Social Security System (SSS)—the government-run social insurance program in the Philippines. You’ll probably get an SSS number to fulfill your requirements for your first job, but this number is more than just a requirement for employment. Find out what an SSS number is used for and how to get one quickly through this guide. READ: How to Compute and Check Your SSS Contribution Online: An Ultimate Guide
The Social Security Number or SSS number is a 10-digit number assigned to Filipinos who apply for membership with the SSS. It’s used in all transactions with the SSS, such as availing of benefits and loans.
When you get a new job, your employer will ask for your SSS number. Under the Social Security Law 1 , employers cannot hire a person without an SSS number, so you must provide this number to get employed.
Employers use the SSS number to report new employees and remit contribution payments (part of salary deductions) to the SSS. Employers in the Philippines who don’t comply with this requirement face penalties under the law.
Filipinos aged 60 and below who belong to any member categories listed here and have not been issued a social security number are required to get an SSS number.
Employees include workers who are on regular, contractual, or probationary status, such as the following:
Self-employed individuals are those earning at least PHP 1,000 monthly from their own business or profession, such as the following:
The Social Security Act of 2018 makes SSS coverage mandatory for all OFWs, which means all Filipinos working abroad are now protected under the SSS.
To enjoy such protection, the following overseas Filipinos need to get an SSS number first:
If you’re a legal spouse of an SSS member, you’re qualified to get an SSS number as long as you pay your SSS contributions, manage the household full-time, and have not registered as an SSS member.
Submit copies of the documents listed below. As of September 7, 2021efn_note]Baron, G. (2021). SSS enhances online application of Social Security number. Retrieved 20 December 2021, from https://mb.com.ph/2021/09/07/sss-enhances-online-application-of-social-security-number/[/efn_note], the improved online application system of the SSS now enables new registrants to upload the required documents directly to the SSS portal. As a result, applicants no longer have to submit them via the Dropbox system at SSS offices personally.
If you don’t have any birth records with the PSA, you can file for late birth certificate registration at the local civil registrar in the city or municipality where you were born.
Without a birth certificate, you can submit any of the following valid IDs instead:
If you don’t have any of those primary IDs, you may submit any two of the following IDs with your correct name and birthdate:
You may also be required to submit any of these additional documents, depending on your civil status:
Tick the checkbox that says “I’m not a robot” and click the Submit button to continue.
You will be directed to the screen as shown below. Click the hyperlink here to continue.
Enter your name, birth date, and email address. Afterward, complete the captcha and tick the checkbox. Click the Submit button to continue.
You’re now done with the first phase of registration and ready for the second phase.
Check your SPAM or Trash folder if you can’t find the email in your inbox.
Once you find the email notification, please open it and click the link provided.
Clicking the link will redirect you to the SSS website. You have five days to finish your registration before the link expires. Once this link expires, you have to do the previous steps again.
Click the Next button at the bottom of the page to proceed to the next page of the registration form.
Note that in this step, you must also provide your preferred user ID for your My.SSS account. This user ID works like a username you use every time you log in.
Once you have submitted your registration, you can no longer change any of the encoded information unless you go to the nearest SSS branch.
Once you have successfully uploaded your valid ID, you’ll receive a confirmation email.
Enter the last six digits of your SS number and then your preferred password. Afterward, click Submit.
Your SSS number is meant for lifetime use.
Once you’re issued this number, you should never apply for a new one—even if you lose it, change your civil status, or get a new job.
Multiple SSS numbers will cause a mix-up in your records, as your contributions have been paid using your different numbers. This will lead to delays in processing your SSS benefits and loans in the future.
If you have two or more SSS numbers, go to the nearest SSS branch to request the cancellation of the other numbers and consolidate all your contributions under just one SSS number.
You’re not automatically covered as an SSS member when you secure an SSS number.
You’ll become a member who can qualify for SSS benefits only when your employer has reported you for SSS coverage and you’ve paid at least one-month contribution.
If you’re an OFW, self-employed person, or non-working spouse, your SSS membership starts after you’ve paid at least a one-month contribution.
Avoid dealing with online scammers who offer assistance for a fee for SSS number applications and other related services.
An SSS number is issued free of charge. To be safe, apply using the official SSS website or any SSS branch.
Also, never disclose your personal information to strangers you meet online to avoid identity theft.
The SSS regularly posts updates on SSS membership and benefits on its Facebook page .
Its Facebook admins respond to inquiries, so it’s good to follow this page should you need help with your SSS number application and other SSS-related concerns.
Due to poor internet connection or other technical issues, some users cannot complete online registration. However, when they try to click the registration link sent to their email addresses, the system often shows they have already completed the registration process. This is not the case, as they have failed to obtain an SSS number.
If this happens to you, bring all the supporting documents and proceed to the nearest SSS office. Explain your concern to the security guard, and you’ll be pointed to the appropriate queue to handle this type of concern. Wait for your turn; once your number is called, explain your issue again and present the requirements. The entire process should be done in less than an hour.
No, they’re different. The Common Reference Number (CRN) is issued to SSS members who apply for a Unified Multi-Purpose ID (UMID). It links the ID numbers of SSS, GSIS, Pag-IBIG Fund, and PhilHealth. It’s printed on the upper right of UMID cards issued since 2011.
These numbers also differ in format. The CRN consists of 12 digits in this format: ####-#######-#. Meanwhile, the SSS number has ten digits in this format: ##-#######-#.
The temporary and permanent numbers are just the same 10-digit number you’ll use in your lifetime.
The SSS recently issued temporary numbers to applicants who don’t submit their birth certificates. If this is your case, it means your membership status is temporary.
A temporary SSS number can be used only for contribution payments and employee reporting by your employer. You can’t get a salary loan, UMID card, or SSS benefit granted to permanent members.
To change your SSS number from temporary to permanent, fill out two copies of the Member Data Change Request form (Put a checkmark in the box next to “UPDATING OF MEMBER RECORD STATUS from “Temporary” to “Permanent”).
Submit the accomplished forms with a copy of your birth certificate or valid ID. The SSS needs these documents to verify your identity, mainly your name, and birthdate.
Yes, if the purpose is for employment, like a summer job or part-time job for working students. Present your birth certificate or school ID when applying for an SSS number.
The SSS doesn’t issue an SSS number to anyone above 60 years old and not a surviving spouse or guardian of a pensioner.
Practicality-wise, getting an SSS number at your retirement age is too late, as you must have paid at least 120 monthly contributions to qualify for retirement benefits.
The SSS currently has no rules regarding SSS number applications for unemployed people. The only unemployed in the SSS membership categories is the non-working spouse, so if you’re one, then you can get an SSS number.
Yes. The Kasambahay Law requires SSS coverage for maids, cooks, gardeners, and other household service workers in the Philippines.
This means all kasambahays need to get an SSS number.
Under the Kasambahay Unified Registration System, kasambahays can choose any SSS, Pag-IBIG, or PhilHealth branch where they’ll register and get membership numbers from all three government agencies.
To apply for SSS, Pag-IBIG, and PhilHealth numbers, fill out a Kasambahay Unified Registration Form available in any branch of the three agencies. The form may be downloaded online and filled out in advance.
Submit the accomplished form to the nearest SSS, Pag-IBIG, or PhilHealth branch.
Venus Zoleta is an experienced writer and editor for over 10 years, covering topics on personal finance, travel, government services, and digital marketing. Her background is in journalism and corporate communications. In her early 20s, she started investing and purchased a home. Now, she advocates financial literacy for Filipinos and shares her knowledge online. When she's not working, Venus bonds with her pet cats and binges on Korean dramas and Pinoy rom-coms.
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