How to Recover Your Lost SSS Number in the Philippines

A comprehensive legal guide

1. Why Your SSS Number Matters

Your Social Security System (SSS) number is a lifetime, permanent identifier issued under Republic Act No. 11199 (the “Social Security Act of 2018”). It links every contribution, loan, and benefit you will ever claim—retirement, sickness, maternity, disability, unemployment, funeral, and death—for as long as you live. Losing or forgetting it does not void your membership, but you must retrieve the original number; re-registration to obtain a new one is prohibited and may be penalized.

2. How SSS Numbers Are Structured

##-#######-#     (e.g., 34-1234567-9)

First two digits – registration center code
Next seven digits – unique member sequence
Last digit – computer-generated check digit

The format is fixed and never recycled. Each member is legally entitled to one and only one SSS number (see SSS Circular 2019-013).

3. Typical Reasons Members Lose Track of Their Number

Scenario	Common Examples
Record loss	Old E-1 forms discarded, phone reset, email deleted
Employment gaps	Long break between jobs or overseas migration
Multiple IDs	Switching from SSS ID to UMID or PhilID and misplacing the older card
Duplicate registration	Erroneous second enrolment by employer or branch

4. Retrieval Options (Fastest to Slowest)

Retrieval Channel	Who Can Use It	Lead Time	Cost
My.SSS Portal (online)	Anyone with a verified My.SSS account	Instant	Free
SSS Mobile App	Smartphone users	Instant	Free
Text-SSS (2682)	Globe & Smart subscribers (PH only)	~5 min	₱2.50/msg
SSS Chatbot “Benny” (Facebook Messenger)	FB users with valid email/phone OTP	≤10 min	Free
Employer/HR	Current employees	Same day	Free
SSS Hotline 1455 / (02) 8-1455	Local calls	1 day (callback)	Free (landline)
E-mail to member_relations@sss.gov.ph	OFWs / remote	3–5 working days	Free
Walk-in Branch Visit	Anyone with valid ID	Same day (depends on queue)	Free

4.1 My.SSS Member Portal

Go to https://member.sss.gov.ph
Click “Forgot User ID / Password”
Retrieve or reset your credentials via registered email
Log in; your SSS number appears at the top-right of the dashboard

Tip: If you never enrolled in My.SSS, choose “Register” and enter your CRN (from a UMID) or any static contribution reference. Your SSS number will be displayed during verification.

4.2 SSS Mobile App

Download “SSS Mobile” in Google Play or Apple App Store
Log in with My.SSS credentials → Profile
Your number shows under Member Details

4.3 Text-SSS

Format:

SSS <space> SSSNO <space> <PIN>

One-time enrolment:

SSS REG <SSS Number> <DOB (YYYYMMDD)>

A four-digit PIN will be sent. Reply using the SSSNO command above. Your number is returned via SMS.

4.4 Chatbot “Benny”

Open @SSSPhOfficial on Facebook Messenger
Type “Get SSS Number”
Provide OTP sent to your registered mobile/email
Benny replies with your number

4.5 Through Your Employer

Payroll or HR departments keep R-3 (Contributions Collection List) and ER-2 forms; simply request a copy or screenshot. This is valid evidence if you later need to correct multiple numbers.

4.6 Hotline 1455 / (02) 8-1455

Prepare:

Full name (as registered)
Birthdate
Mother’s maiden name
One valid ID number

For data privacy, the agent may schedule a callback after validating your identity.

4.7 E-mail Request

Send a signed request with:

Subject: Lost SSS Number – [Your Full Name]
Scanned valid ID (front & back)
Birthdate & birthplace
Mother’s maiden name
Latest employer or self-employed registration info

Email to member_relations@sss.gov.ph (local) or ofw.relations@sss.gov.ph (OFW).

4.8 Walk-in at Any SSS Branch

Bring ONE primary ID (UMID, Philippine Passport, Driver’s License, PhilID) or TWO secondary IDs (e.g., PSA Birth Certificate + Company ID). Accomplish an SS Form R-6 (Verification Slip); the Counter Clerk will print your number.

5. Required Identification & Documents

Primary IDs (any 1)	Secondary IDs (any 2, if no primary)
UMID Card	PSA Birth Certificate
Philippine Passport	Company ID (current)
PhilID / ePhilID	Barangay Certificate w/ photo
Driver’s License	School ID w/ current term’s COE
PRC ID	Voter’s ID / Voter’s Certificate

For minors or incapacitated members, a parent or legal guardian may execute an Authorization Letter + Valid IDs of both parties.

6. If You Discover You Have Multiple SSS Numbers

Stop using the duplicate immediately.
File an SS Form MER-1 (Member Data Merger) at any branch.
Submit evidence of contributions and IDs for all numbers.
SSS will consolidate records under the earliest-issued number.

Penalty: Willful misrepresentation may be prosecuted under Section 28(h) of RA 11199 (₱5 000 – ₱20 000 fine and/or 6-12 years imprisonment).

7. Data Privacy & Security Obligations

Under the Data Privacy Act of 2012 (RA 10173), your SSS number is “personal information.” Never post it publicly or share screenshots that expose it. Always log out of shared devices and shred printed records when no longer needed.

8. Frequently Asked Questions

Question	Short Answer
*Can I apply for a new* number instead?**	No. SSS will reject duplicate registration and may penalize you.
Is retrieval free?	All SSS offices and digital channels render this service free of charge. Only SMS (Text-SSS) incurs network fees.
Does my UMID CRN equal my SSS number?	No. The CRN begins with “0” and is for inter-agency links. Your SSS number appears on the card’s bottom-right.
I’m an OFW with no Philippine SIM—how can I retrieve?	Use the My.SSS portal, e-mail Member Relations, or visit a Foreign Representative Office (HK, SG, UAE, etc.).
I lost my UMID too. What do I do first?	Retrieve your SSS number through any method above; then file SS Form UMID-6 for card replacement.

9. Best Practices to Avoid Future Loss

Photograph and encrypt your SSS ID or UMID.
Enroll in My.SSS and update your e-mail/phone promptly.
Save your number in at least two secure places (password manager + printed copy in a safe).
Check contributions quarterly; active monitoring reminds you of your number.

10. Sample Authorization Letter (Annex)

*I, [Name of Member], SSS No. __________, hereby authorize [Name of Representative], whose signature appears below, to request and receive information regarding my SSS number on my behalf. I am unable to appear personally due to [Reason]. Attached are copies of our valid identification cards.*

[Date & place]

Member’s Signature

Representative’s Signature

Key Takeaways

Never re-register—retrieve the original number instead.
Free, instant options exist online (My.SSS, App, Chatbot).
Always bring valid IDs for in-person or hotline requests.
Consolidate duplicates immediately to preserve contributions.
Protect your SSS number as personal data under RA 10173.

By following this guide, you can quickly and legally recover your lost SSS number and keep your social-security rights intact.