If you have an SSS ID but a form is asking for your CRN number, the first thing to know is this: your SSS number and CRN are not always the same thing. Your 10-digit SSS number identifies your SSS membership, while the CRN, or Common Reference Number, is the number connected with the old UMID system and related government ID records. The fastest way to find it is usually by checking the front of your UMID card or logging in to your My.SSS account, but the correct method depends on what kind of “SSS ID” you actually have.

What Is the CRN Number in SSS?

The CRN means Common Reference Number. Under the government’s Unified Multi-Purpose Identification system, the CRN is the unique number assigned to a person after successful enrollment in the CRN Registry. The NEDA Implementing Rules of Executive Order No. 420 define the CRN as a unique number assigned to an individual and used as that person’s unique identifier during his or her lifetime. (Supreme Court E-Library)

In everyday SSS transactions, people often call it:

CRN
CRN number
UMID number
UMID CRN
Common Reference Number
SSS CRN

These terms usually refer to the same number if the context is an SSS-issued UMID card.

The CRN is commonly shown in this format:

0000-0000000-0

That is different from the usual SSS number format, which is commonly shown as:

00-0000000-0

The CRN is usually linked to your UMID card, while your SSS number is linked to your SSS membership record.

SSS Number vs CRN vs UMID Number

Many people get stuck because websites, employers, banks, HR staff, or online forms use these terms loosely. Here is the practical difference.

Term	What it means	Usual format	Where you may find it
SSS Number	Your permanent Social Security System membership number	Usually 10 digits, often shown as `00-0000000-0`	Old SSS ID, E-1 form, SS Number Slip, My.SSS account, contribution records
CRN	Common Reference Number under the unified ID system	Usually 12 digits, often shown as `0000-0000000-0`	UMID card, My.SSS dashboard or UMID/SS ID details, SSS records
UMID Number	Usually refers to the CRN printed on the UMID card	Same as CRN	Front of UMID card
MySSS Card	New official functional SSS ID that replaced the old UMID card for new issuance	Depends on card design and bank process	My.SSS Card application and partner bank process

SSS now describes the MySSS Card as the new official functional ID issued by SSS, equipped with an EMV chip, and states that it replaces the old UMID card. SSS also says previously issued SSS cards, including UMID, remain valid. (Social Security System)

Legal Basis: Why SSS Has These Numbers

The SSS is not just an ordinary membership database. It is a government social insurance institution governed by Republic Act No. 11199, also known as the Social Security Act of 2018. RA 11199 recognizes SSS as the government institution that administers social security protection for covered workers, including Filipino workers locally and overseas.

The CRN itself comes from the government’s older effort to harmonize government identification systems. Executive Order No. 420, series of 2005, and its implementing rules created the framework for the Unified Multi-Purpose Identification system, including the CRN Registry. (Supreme Court E-Library)

For privacy, your SSS number and CRN should be treated as sensitive personal information. Republic Act No. 10173, or the Data Privacy Act of 2012, protects personal information in government and private information systems. SSS itself has denied public FOI requests for CRN or SS number details because those requests would disclose member information, and SSS directed members to use official verified channels instead. (Lawphil)

Can You Find Your CRN If You Only Have an SSS ID?

Yes, but it depends on the type of SSS ID you have.

If your card is a UMID card

Look at the front of the card. The CRN is usually printed on the face of the UMID card. It may be labeled as CRN or may appear as the longer number in the 0000-0000000-0 format.

This is the easiest case. If you have the physical UMID card, you usually do not need to request the CRN separately.

If your card is the old SSS ID

Older SSS IDs may show only your SSS number, not your CRN. If the card only shows a 10-digit SSS number, you generally cannot “convert” or calculate the CRN from it.

In that situation, you should check your My.SSS account, the MySSS mobile app, or ask SSS through an official verified channel.

If your card is a newer MySSS Card

The MySSS Card is different from the old UMID card. It is issued through SSS partner banks after identity verification using the National ID eVerify system and bank account opening. SSS says the MySSS Card application starts in the My.SSS Member Portal under the “MySSS Card” option in the Services menu. (Social Security System)

If the specific form you are filling out asks for a “UMID number” or “CRN,” do not assume your MySSS Card number is automatically the same. Check your My.SSS account or ask the requesting institution what exact number they need.

Step-by-Step: How to Find Your CRN Number Using Your SSS ID or SSS Number

1. Check the Front of Your SSS ID or UMID Card

Start with the physical card.

Look for:

“CRN”
“Common Reference Number”
a 12-digit number
a number formatted like 0000-0000000-0

If the card says Unified Multi-Purpose ID or UMID, the CRN is usually on the card face.

If the card only says SSS and shows only your SS number, then you probably have an old SSS ID. In that case, proceed to the online methods below.

2. Log In to Your My.SSS Account

Go to the official My.SSS Member Portal.

After logging in, check the dashboard or member information area. In SSS’s own My.SSS registration guide, the sample successful login page shows both the SS Number and the CRN Number on the member account screen. (Social Security System)

Depending on the current portal layout, look under sections such as:

Home or dashboard
Member Info
Inquiry
Member Details
UMID/SS ID details
Services

SSS portal layouts change from time to time, so do not panic if the label is not exactly where an old guide says it is. The important point is to look for either CRN Number or UMID/SS ID details.

3. Use the MySSS Mobile App

If the website is slow or unavailable, use the official MySSS mobile app. SSS states that the app allows members to create a My.SSS account, view membership details, view monthly contributions, and view UMID/SS ID details. (Social Security System)

Practical steps:

Install the official MySSS app from the legitimate app store.
Log in using your My.SSS user ID and password.
Go to your profile, membership details, or UMID/SS ID details.
Look for “CRN Number,” “CRN,” or “UMID.”

Use only the official app. Avoid third-party “SSS checker” websites that ask for your SSS number, birthday, and mobile number.

4. If You Cannot Log In, Recover or Register Your My.SSS Account

If you only have your SSS ID and cannot access My.SSS, try account recovery or registration first.

SSS allows members to register for My.SSS online. For new SS number applicants, SSS says the online application process generates an SS Number Slip, Transaction Number Slip, and E-1/E-6 form, and that the email activation link for My.SSS is valid for a limited period. If it expires, the member may register using the transaction number shown in the E-1 as the registration preference. (Social Security System)

For practical purposes, prepare any of these before registering or recovering access:

SSS number
CRN, if already known
registered email address
registered mobile number
UMID card details, if available
old contribution payment receipts
employer ID number, if you are employed and the system asks for it
transaction number from your E-1/E-6 or SS Number Slip

If the registered email or mobile number is outdated, online recovery may fail. You may need to update your contact information through SSS.

5. Use the uSSSap Tayo Portal for Verified Assistance

If you cannot retrieve the CRN through the portal or mobile app, use the official uSSSap Tayo Customer Relationship Management System.

SSS has specifically directed members with CRN or SS number concerns to use the uSSSap Tayo CRMS Portal instead of asking for member details through a public FOI request. (www.foi.gov.ph)

When submitting a concern, include only what is needed to verify your identity. Do not post your full SSS number, CRN, birthday, address, or ID photos in public comments or social media posts.

6. Visit an SSS Branch If Online Retrieval Fails

If the issue involves mismatched records, old email addresses, locked accounts, lost cards, or incorrect birth details, a branch visit may be the cleanest solution.

Use the official SSS Branch Locator to find the nearest SSS branch. SSS also publishes branch and service office information on its website. (SSS Member Portal)

Bring:

your SSS ID, UMID, or MySSS Card, if available
one primary valid ID, or two secondary IDs if no primary ID is available
your SSS number
your registered email and mobile number
PSA birth certificate or passport if there is a name or date-of-birth issue
marriage certificate, court order, or other civil registry document if your name or civil status changed

SSS lists primary IDs such as UMID, Philippine Identification Card, Alien Certificate of Registration, driver’s license, NBI clearance, passport, postal ID, seafarer’s book, and voter’s ID. SSS also states that if there is no primary ID, the filer should present two IDs, both with signature and at least one with photo. (Social Security System)

Required Documents, Fees, and Timelines

Situation	What to prepare	Fee	Practical timeline
You have a UMID card	Physical UMID card	None	Immediate; check the card face
You have My.SSS access	User ID, password, registered email/mobile	None	Usually immediate if the portal/app is working
You forgot My.SSS login	SSS number, email/mobile, registration information	None	Minutes to days, depending on whether your contact details match
Your email/mobile is outdated	Valid ID, SSS number, updated contact details	Usually none	Same day to several working days, depending on branch or online processing
Your name or birth date does not match	PSA birth certificate or passport; other supporting documents if needed	Usually none for record correction, unless related to replacement card or document requests	Several days to weeks if verification is needed
Lost UMID or card replacement	Valid ID, SSS number, replacement application requirements	SSS previously stated a ₱200 replacement fee for lost UMID or updates under old UMID guidelines	Varies; card production may take longer
Representative will transact for you	Valid IDs of member and representative, LOA or SPA	Notarization or consular/apostille costs may apply	Depends on document preparation and branch handling

SSS previously stated that first-time UMID applications were free for qualified members with at least one posted contribution, while lost-card replacement or card update required a ₱200 replacement fee. It also warned members not to transact with fixers. (Social Security System)

Because the MySSS Card has replaced the old UMID for new issuance, card-related fees may now depend on the SSS partner bank’s policies. SSS says partner banks may charge a card fee and will disclose applicable fees in their own terms and conditions. (Social Security System)

Common Problems When Looking for Your SSS CRN

“My SSS ID only has 10 digits.”

That is probably your SSS number, not your CRN. You cannot reliably derive the CRN from the SSS number. Check My.SSS, the mobile app, or SSS directly.

“The website asks for CRN/SS number. Which one should I enter?”

Some SSS forms and online screens accept either your CRN or your SS number. If the field says CRN / SS Number, try your SSS number if you do not know the CRN. SSS’s My.SSS registration guide refers to entering the last six digits of the CRN or SS number used during registration. (Social Security System)

“My CRN is not showing in My.SSS.”

Possible reasons include:

you never had a UMID card issued
your UMID application was not completed
your biometrics were not captured
your records are not fully updated
your SS number is still tagged as temporary
the portal layout changed
your online account is not fully activated

SSS states that a temporary SS number can be used for contribution purposes only, and that to become eligible for benefits or loans, the member must have the SS number tagged as permanent by submitting a PSA birth certificate or other primary documents. (Social Security System)

“My employer is asking for my CRN but I only know my SSS number.”

Give your employer your SSS number first and ask whether the CRN is truly required. For most employment-related SSS reporting, the SSS number is the critical identifier. The CRN is more commonly requested for UMID-related identification, online registration, or identity verification.

“I lost my UMID card and need the CRN.”

Check My.SSS or the MySSS mobile app first. If it does not appear, contact SSS through uSSSap Tayo or visit a branch with valid IDs. Avoid posting a photo of your lost ID or your personal details online.

“My name changed after marriage, annulment, divorce abroad, or naturalization.”

Update your SSS record before relying on the CRN for identity verification. SSS lists different supporting documents depending on the correction: birth certificate or passport for name/date-of-birth correction, marriage certificate for change from single to married, certificate of finality or annotated marriage record for annulment/nullity situations, and naturalization or immigration documents for citizenship-related name changes. (Social Security System)

Special Notes for OFWs, Filipinos Abroad, and Foreigners

OFWs and Filipinos abroad

If you are abroad, try online retrieval first through My.SSS or the MySSS app. If you need someone in the Philippines to transact for you, SSS may require a Letter of Authority (LOA) or Special Power of Attorney (SPA).

SSS states that an LOA or SPA is required for transactions filed by a representative on behalf of an individual or employer. It also states that an LOA or SPA is valid for six months if issued in the Philippines, or one year if issued abroad, unless a different validity period is stated or the authority is revoked. (Social Security System)

For documents executed abroad, practical handling depends on the country. A Philippine consulate acknowledgment is commonly accepted. For countries that are parties to the Apostille Convention, an apostille may be used for certain public documents, but SSS branch practice may still require the document to clearly authorize the representative for the specific transaction.

Foreigners who worked in the Philippines

Foreign nationals who were covered by SSS because of Philippine employment may have an SSS number. That does not always mean they have a UMID or CRN readily available. If you never applied for or received a UMID, SSS may only show your SSS membership number.

Bring or prepare:

passport
Alien Certificate of Registration, if applicable
old Philippine employment documents
SSS number, if known
proof of previous contributions, if available
registered email or mobile number previously used with SSS

Foreign government-issued IDs in a foreign language may need an official English translation by the Philippine Embassy or Consulate for SSS purposes. (Social Security System)

Privacy and Security: Do Not Share Your CRN Publicly

Treat your CRN and SSS number like bank-level personal information.

Do not post them in:

Facebook comments
public SSS help groups
job application comment threads
screenshots sent to strangers
unverified “SSS assistance” pages
online forms that are not official SSS or a legitimate employer/government channel

A person with your name, birth date, SSS number, CRN, and ID photo may attempt account recovery, benefits fraud, loan fraud, SIM-related fraud, or identity theft.

Use official channels:

My.SSS Member Portal
SSS official website
uSSSap Tayo Portal
SSS Hotline: 1455
SSS official email listed on the SSS website
official SSS branches and foreign offices

SSS has reminded members to avoid fixers in UMID-related transactions. (Social Security System)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the CRN the same as the SSS number?

No. The SSS number is your SSS membership number, usually 10 digits. The CRN is the Common Reference Number connected with the UMID or unified ID system, usually 12 digits.

Where is the CRN located on my SSS ID?

If your card is a UMID card, the CRN is usually printed on the front. If your card is an older SSS ID, it may show only your SSS number and not your CRN.

Can I find my CRN online?

Yes. Log in to your My.SSS account or use the MySSS mobile app, then check your dashboard, member information, or UMID/SS ID details. SSS’s own My.SSS guide shows the CRN displayed in the member account after successful setup.

Can I use my SSS number instead of my CRN?

Sometimes. If the field says CRN / SS Number, it may accept either. If a bank, employer, or government form specifically asks for UMID CRN, ask whether your SSS number is acceptable.

Can I calculate my CRN from my SSS number?

No. Do not rely on online “CRN generators” or formulas. The CRN is assigned through official records and should be retrieved from your card, My.SSS account, app, or SSS directly.

What if I never had a UMID card?

You may not have a CRN readily available in the way UMID cardholders do. Use your SSS number for SSS membership transactions, and ask SSS whether a CRN exists in your record.

Is the UMID still valid even if SSS now has the MySSS Card?

Yes. SSS states that previously issued SSS cards, including UMID, are still valid, even though the MySSS Card is now the new official functional ID issued by SSS. (Social Security System)

What should I do if my CRN or SSS record has the wrong name or birth date?

Update your SSS membership record first. For name or date-of-birth correction, SSS commonly requires a birth certificate or passport, with additional documents depending on the correction needed. (Social Security System)

Can someone else request my CRN for me?

Yes, but SSS may require a properly executed LOA or SPA, valid IDs, and supporting documents. SSS states that an LOA or SPA for individual or employer transactions is generally valid for six months if issued in the Philippines or one year if issued abroad, unless otherwise stated or revoked. (Social Security System)

Is it safe to send my CRN to my employer?

It may be necessary for legitimate HR, payroll, benefits, or identity verification purposes. Send it only through the employer’s official HR channel. Do not send it through random social media accounts or unofficial recruiters.

Key Takeaways

Your SSS number and CRN are different numbers.
If you have a UMID card, check the front of the card for the CRN.
If you only have an old SSS ID, the card may show only your SSS number, not your CRN.
You can usually check your CRN through the My.SSS Member Portal or MySSS mobile app.
You cannot calculate your CRN from your SSS number.
If online retrieval fails, use uSSSap Tayo or visit an official SSS branch with valid IDs.
Treat your CRN and SSS number as sensitive personal information and never post them publicly.