If you forgot your SSS number, do not apply for a new one. Your Social Security System number is a lifetime number, and having more than one can delay future benefits, loans, employment reporting, and contribution records. The fastest way to find it is usually through your My.SSS account, old SSS documents, your employer’s HR records, or an in-person verification at an SSS branch. This guide explains the safest, most practical ways to retrieve your SSS number in the Philippines, what documents to prepare, and what to do if you are abroad, a first-time jobseeker, a foreign worker, or someone with duplicate SSS numbers.

What Is an SSS Number?

An SSS number is the unique number assigned to a person for transactions with the Philippine Social Security System. It is used for employment reporting, contribution posting, loans, benefit claims, pension records, and membership verification.

The SSS itself emphasizes that the SS number is a unique lifetime number and should always be used in all SSS transactions. If you registered before but cannot remember your number, the proper step is verification—not getting a new number. (Social Security System)

This is different from simply being “covered” by SSS. The SSS explains that securing an SS number does not automatically mean a person is already a covered member with benefit entitlement. For employees, coverage generally begins when the employer reports the employee and pays at least one contribution; for self-employed, OFW, or non-working spouse members, coverage begins after at least one contribution is paid. (Social Security System)

Legal Basis: Why You Should Not Get a Second SSS Number

The main law is Republic Act No. 11199, also known as the Social Security Act of 2018. It governs SSS membership, coverage, employer duties, contributions, benefits, and penalties. SSS applies this law to employees, employers, self-employed persons, household employees, OFWs, and other covered members. (Lawphil)

Under SSS rules, a lost or forgotten SSS number should be verified with SSS. The agency specifically warns that a member should never secure another SS number because having more than one can delay benefit or loan processing. If a member already has multiple numbers, the excess numbers must be cancelled and the records consolidated under the retained number. (Social Security System)

For employed workers, the employer has a legal duty to require employees to register with SSS and present their SS numbers for reporting within 30 days from hiring. Employers must also deduct and remit contributions, keep accurate employment and payroll records, and report employees properly. (Social Security System)

For kasambahays, non-reporting can create liability under both Republic Act No. 10361, the Batas Kasambahay, and Republic Act No. 11199. SSS states that an employer or household employer who fails to report employees may be liable for unpaid contributions, penalties, benefits, and possible criminal consequences. (Social Security System)

Quick Answer: Best Ways to Find Your SSS Number

Situation	Best option	What you need
You can still log in to My.SSS	Check your member profile or membership details	My.SSS user ID, password, OTP/TOTP access
You applied online before	Search your email for the SSS confirmation	Email used during application
You have old documents	Check E-1/E-6, SS Number Slip, UMID/SS ID, PRN, contribution receipts, loan or benefit papers	Old files, printed forms, saved PDFs
You are currently employed	Ask HR or payroll	Valid ID; employer may verify internally
You cannot access online records	Visit an SSS branch or E-Center	Valid IDs and possibly Request/Verification Form
You are abroad	Use My.SSS, SSS Mobile App, OFW Contact Services, or nearest SSS foreign office	Valid ID, email, registered mobile, OFW details if applicable
You may have two SSS numbers	Request cancellation/consolidation of duplicate numbers	IDs, supporting documents, branch verification

Method 1: Check Your My.SSS Account Online

If you already have a My.SSS account and can still log in, this is usually the fastest method.

Go to the official My.SSS portal.
Log in using your User ID and password.
Complete the multi-factor authentication step.
Look for your profile, member information, membership details, or personal record.
Save a copy in a secure folder or write the number down somewhere private.

The SSS Mobile App also allows members to create a My.SSS account and view membership details, monthly contributions, UMID/SS ID details, benefit claim information, and other records. (Social Security System)

A common bottleneck is OTP access. SSS now uses multi-factor authentication, and by default the SMS one-time password is sent to the mobile number registered in SSS records. If your registered number is old, inactive, or missing, you may have trouble logging in. SSS says members with outdated mobile numbers may update online if they still have access, while those without a mobile number in SSS records must submit a Member Data Change Request to an SSS branch. (Social Security System)

If You Forgot Your My.SSS Password Too

The online password reset process may still ask for your CRN or SS number, so it may not solve the problem if you lost both your portal access and your SSS number. In that case, use old records, employer records, or branch verification.

If you still have your registered email or mobile number, try the reset process first. If the OTP goes to an old number, your practical next step is usually to update your contact information through My.SSS if possible, or file the update at an SSS branch using the required form.

Method 2: Search Your Email for the SSS Online Application Confirmation

If you applied for your SSS number online, SSS sends an email confirmation after the number is generated. That email may include attachments such as:

SS Number Slip
Transaction Number Slip
E-1/E-6 Form

SSS states that after online SS number generation, the system displays the generated SS number and gives the option to print or download the Personal Record/UMID Application form, SS Transaction Number Slip, and SS Number Slip; the same confirmation is also sent by email. (Social Security System)

Try searching your inbox, spam, and old email accounts for terms like:

“SS Number”
“SSS Number Online Application”
“E-1”
“E-6”
“SS Number Slip”
“SSS Web Registration”
“Transaction Number”
“member.sss.gov.ph”

If you find only the transaction number but not the SSS number, keep it. SSS may use it to help verify your record, especially if your online application was recent.

Method 3: Check Old SSS Documents and IDs

Many people already have their SSS number somewhere but do not recognize it.

Check these records:

Document or record	Why it helps
E-1 Personal Record	Usually contains your SS number and registration details
E-6 / UMID application records	May show your SSS information
SS Number Slip	The clearest document if you applied online
UMID or old SSS ID	May show SSS/CRN-related information
MySSS Card records	Useful if you recently applied through SSS partner bank process
Payslips or HR onboarding forms	Employers often keep SSS number for payroll reporting
Contribution receipts or PRNs	May include the member number or linked account details
Loan, maternity, sickness, disability, retirement, or unemployment benefit documents	Usually tied to your SSS record
Old emails from HR, payroll, or your agency	Often used during onboarding or deployment

The MySSS Card has replaced the old UMID card as the new official SSS functional ID, but previously issued SSS cards, including UMID, remain valid for SSS transactions. (Social Security System)

Be careful with the CRN, or Common Reference Number. It may appear on UMID-related records, but it is not always what your employer needs for payroll reporting. When an employer asks for your SSS number, give the actual SS number if available.

Method 4: Ask Your Employer or Previous Employer

If you are currently employed, your HR or payroll department may already have your SSS number because employers are required to report employees for SSS coverage and remit contributions.

For new hires, SSS states that employees must register, secure an SS number, and submit it with required identifying ID cards or supporting documents. Employee coverage takes effect on the first day of employment. (Social Security System)

When asking HR, prepare:

One valid government ID
Your full name used during hiring
Date of birth
Former employee number, if any
Dates of employment
A signed request, if the company requires it for data privacy

Because an SSS number is personal information, a careful HR department may refuse to release it casually by chat or phone. That is normal. They may ask you to appear personally, send a signed request, or verify through company email.

Method 5: Visit an SSS Branch or E-Center for Verification

If you cannot access My.SSS, cannot find old records, and your employer cannot help, go to an SSS branch for verification.

SSS says verification of a previously issued SS number may be requested at the nearest SSS office. (Social Security System)

Bring the following:

Requirement	Notes
Valid government ID	Passport, driver’s license, PhilID, UMID, ACR, PRC ID, or other accepted ID
Two IDs if no primary ID	SSS commonly requires both to have signatures and at least one with photo
Birth certificate, if identity details are disputed	Especially for name, date of birth, or spelling issues
Marriage certificate, if your surname changed	Useful for women who registered under maiden name
Authorization letter or SPA, if representative will file	SSS may require LOA or SPA depending on the transaction
Request/Verification Form, if required by branch	Available from the SSS forms page

The official SSS forms page lists the Request/Verification Form, Personal Data Record, Member Data Change Request, and other registration and membership forms. (Social Security System)

Are Walk-Ins Allowed?

SSS issued Circular No. 2025-003 suspending the Number Coding System for walk-in transactions in all SSS branches nationwide. The circular states that members, employers, and stakeholders may visit branches on their preferred day during Monday-to-Friday business hours.

In practice, branch experience can still vary. Some branches are crowded, systems may go down, and certain transactions may be routed to an E-Center or online facility. The same circular says that in case of system downtime, the branch may schedule appointments for those already waiting, or members may use online channels, wait for the system to return, or come back another day.

Method 6: Retrieve Your SSS Number If You Are Abroad

For OFWs and Filipinos abroad, start with online options:

Try My.SSS or the SSS Mobile App.
Search old email confirmations and scanned SSS forms.
Check old POEA/DMW, manning agency, employment, or remittance records.
Contact SSS OFW channels if online access fails.

SSS states that OFW SS number issuance is done online through the SS Number Online Issuance Facility. It also reminds OFWs that if they registered before and cannot remember their number, they should not apply for a new one and should coordinate with SSS through official service channels. (Social Security System)

SSS lists foreign offices in Asia, the Americas, the Middle East, and Europe, and provides OFW Contact Services through ofw.relations@sss.gov.ph and dedicated phone numbers. (Social Security System)

If you are authorizing someone in the Philippines to help you, prepare proper authorization. SSS notes that a Letter of Authority or Special Power of Attorney may be required for transactions filed by a representative, with stated validity periods depending on whether the document was issued in the Philippines or abroad. (Social Security System)

What If You Never Had an SSS Number?

If you are sure you never registered before, you may apply for an SS number online or through an SSS branch E-Center.

SSS has enforced mandatory online registration for prospective employees, self-employed persons, non-working spouses, and OFWs since July 15, 2020, as part of faster digital registration and in compliance with Republic Act No. 11032, the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018. (Social Security System)

The online process generally involves:

Going to the official SSS online SS number application facility.
Encoding your personal, contact, address, civil status, and beneficiary details.
Reviewing your information carefully before generating the SS number.
Uploading a readable colored image of supporting documents in JPEG or PDF, if you want your number tagged with approved supporting documents.
Downloading or saving your SS Number Slip, Transaction Number Slip, and E-1/E-6 form.

Be extra careful before clicking “Generate SS Number.” SSS warns that once the SS number is generated, wrong information may require branch correction. (Social Security System)

Temporary vs. Permanent SSS Number

Some people have an SS number but it is tagged as temporary because supporting documents were not submitted or approved.

SSS explains that a temporary SS number may be used for contribution purposes only. To become eligible for benefits or loans, the member must have the SS number tagged as permanent, usually by submitting a PSA-issued birth certificate or other accepted primary documents. (Social Security System)

Primary documents listed by SSS include:

UMID card
PhilID card
Alien Certificate of Registration
Driver’s license
NBI clearance
Passport
Postal ID
Seaman’s Book
Voter’s ID

If you do not have a primary ID, SSS may accept two ID cards or documents, both with signature and at least one with photo. Foreign-language documents issued by foreign governments must have an official English translation by the Philippine Embassy or Consulate. (Social Security System)

What If You Have More Than One SSS Number?

Do not choose one randomly and ignore the others. Multiple SSS numbers can split your employment history, contributions, salary credits, loan records, and benefit records.

SSS says members with multiple SS numbers must request cancellation of the excess numbers so records can be consolidated and transferred to the retained number. The retained number is determined by SSS based on priority, such as the number with an issued or pending SSS ID/UMID, the greatest number of posted contributions, the most recent posted contributions, or the earliest issued number. (Social Security System)

Bring documents showing all known numbers, such as:

Old E-1 forms
UMID or SSS ID records
Contribution receipts
Employer certifications
Benefit or loan documents
Valid IDs
PSA birth certificate, if identity details differ

This is best handled directly with SSS because it affects future benefits and contribution records.

Important Privacy and Anti-Scam Reminders

Your SSS number is sensitive personal information in practical terms because it is used to access employment, contribution, benefit, and identity records. The Data Privacy Act of 2012, Republic Act No. 10173, protects personal information in government and private-sector information systems. (National Privacy Commission)

Avoid these risky practices:

Do not post your SSS number in Facebook comments or public groups.
Do not send a full photo of your ID and SSS number to strangers offering “assistance.”
Do not pay fixers to “retrieve” your SSS number.
Do not create a second SSS number because someone told you it is faster.
Do not share OTPs, passwords, or screenshots of your My.SSS account.

SSS has warned members against fixers and online groups charging fees for SSS transactions, noting that SSS services are generally free except for certain card replacement charges. (Social Security System)

Common Problems and Practical Solutions

Your registered mobile number is inactive

Try logging in through available authentication options. If you cannot receive OTPs, update your contact details through My.SSS if you still have access. If SSS has no mobile number on record, submit a Member Data Change Request at an SSS branch. (Social Security System)

Your name changed after marriage

Check whether your SSS record is under your maiden name. For civil status or name updates, SSS may require documents such as a marriage certificate, birth certificate, passport, or other supporting documents depending on the requested correction. (Social Security System)

You are a foreigner working in the Philippines

If you are under an employer-employee relationship in the Philippines, ask your employer how they are reporting you for SSS purposes. SSS defines an employer broadly as a domestic or foreign person or entity carrying on business or activity in the Philippines and using the services of another person under its orders, subject to legal exceptions. (Social Security System)

Foreigners may also use documents such as an Alien Certificate of Registration where accepted by SSS. If your documents are issued abroad and not in English, prepare an official English translation through the Philippine Embassy or Consulate when required. (Social Security System)

Your employer urgently needs your SSS number

Check My.SSS first, then old email, then old documents. If none works, tell HR you are verifying directly with SSS. Do not invent a number, use your TIN, or submit a second newly created SS number.

You only found your CRN

The CRN may help with some SSS portal processes, but for employer reporting, benefits, and contributions, confirm the actual SS number. If you are unsure, verify through My.SSS or an SSS branch before giving it to HR.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I find my SSS number online?

Yes, if you can log in to My.SSS or the SSS Mobile App. You can check your membership or profile details. If you applied online before, you may also find the SS Number Slip, Transaction Number Slip, or E-1/E-6 form in your email. (Social Security System)

Can I get a new SSS number if I forgot the old one?

No. SSS says the SS number is a lifetime number, and you should not secure another one. Request verification from SSS instead. (Social Security System)

Can my employer retrieve my SSS number for me?

Your current or former employer may have it in HR or payroll records, especially if they reported you for SSS coverage. Because the number is personal information, expect HR to ask for identity verification before releasing it.

Is my SSS number the same as my UMID CRN?

Not necessarily. The CRN is a Common Reference Number used on UMID-related records, while the SSS number is the number used for SSS membership, contributions, and benefits. If an employer asks for your SSS number, verify the actual SS number.

What form do I need to verify my SSS number at a branch?

Branches may require a valid ID and a Request/Verification Form, depending on the transaction. The SSS forms page includes the Request/Verification Form and Member Data Change Request Form. (Social Security System)

Is there a fee to retrieve my SSS number?

For ordinary verification, SSS services are generally free. SSS has warned the public against fixers and online groups charging fees for assistance. (Social Security System)

Can I retrieve my SSS number if I am abroad?

Yes. Try My.SSS, the SSS Mobile App, old email records, or old employment documents first. OFWs may also coordinate through SSS OFW Contact Services or foreign offices. (Social Security System)

What if my SSS number is temporary?

You may use a temporary number for contributions, but SSS says a member must have the number tagged as permanent to become eligible for benefits or loans. This usually requires submitting a PSA birth certificate or accepted primary documents. (Social Security System)

What if I accidentally created two SSS numbers?

Go to SSS and request cancellation of the excess number and consolidation of records. Do not continue using both numbers. SSS has rules for determining which number will be retained. (Social Security System)

Key Takeaways

Your SSS number is a lifetime number; do not apply for a new one just because you forgot it.
The fastest retrieval methods are My.SSS, the SSS Mobile App, old email confirmations, E-1/E-6 forms, SS Number Slip, employer records, and SSS branch verification.
If you cannot access your My.SSS account because of an old mobile number, you may need to update your contact details online or through an SSS branch.
A temporary SS number may be usable for contributions, but benefits and loans generally require the number to be tagged as permanent.
OFWs and Filipinos abroad should use official SSS online channels, OFW Contact Services, or SSS foreign offices rather than applying again.
If you have multiple SSS numbers, ask SSS to cancel the excess number and consolidate your records before it affects your loans, benefits, or pension.