How to Recover Your SSS Number and Access Your My.SSS Account (Philippine Context)

This guide is written for members of the Philippine Social Security System (SSS). It covers the law, practical steps, documents you’ll need, common pitfalls, and special cases—so you can retrieve your SSS number and (re)gain access to your My.SSS online account securely.

1) What your SSS number is—and why it matters

Your SSS number is a permanent, lifetime identifier issued once to every member. You should never hold more than one.
It’s used to post your contributions, loans, and benefit claims (sickness, maternity, disability, unemployment, retirement, death, funeral).
Legal basis: The Social Security Act (as amended, e.g., R.A. 11199) mandates compulsory coverage and registration of employees, self-employed, kasambahay, and OFWs. The Data Privacy Act (R.A. 10173) protects the personal data you provide to SSS.

2) When you might need to recover your SSS number

You forgot or misplaced it and cannot proceed with job onboarding, PRN payments, or My.SSS registration.
You have a UMID (Unified Multi-Purpose ID) but don’t remember the SSS number tied to it.
Records got split because you were issued (or used) more than one SSS number in the past.
You’re an heir/representative handling a member’s benefits and need to confirm the number.

3) Quick ways to find your SSS number (before contacting SSS)

Try these low-effort routes first:

Old employer records
- Payslips, HR 201 file, employment certificate, loan amortization schedules, or SSS-related onboarding forms often show your SSS number.
Contribution or PRN receipts
- Official receipts or emails/SMS confirming SSS contribution or loan payments may display the number.
UMID card
- If you have a UMID, its CRN (Common Reference Number) is printed on the card. The CRN isn’t the SSS number, but SSS can use it to locate your record.
Past SSS forms
- E-1 Personal Record (for initial registration) or E-4 Member Data Change copies you may have kept.

If these don’t work, proceed to the official recovery channels below.

4) Official channels to recover your SSS number

Tip: Because your SSS number is sensitive personal data, SSS will require you to prove your identity. Prepare at least one primary or two secondary valid government IDs, plus your personal details (full name, date of birth, mother’s maiden name, address, and—if available—CRN).

A. At an SSS Branch (in person)

Bring valid IDs (UMID, PhilID, passport, driver’s license, etc.).
Fill out any form the counter staff may provide and answer verification questions.
You can also request consolidation if you suspect duplicate numbers (see §7).

B. By Phone / Member Assistance

You’ll be asked to verify your identity by answering security questions.
If you are abroad, you can call during Philippine office hours or coordinate through SSS desks in select Philippine embassies/consulates.

C. By Written/Email Request

Some members prefer writing to SSS (or a designated member relations address) when unable to visit.
Include a clear photo/scan of your valid ID and the purpose (e.g., “recover my SSS number”).
For representatives, include the Authorization Letter and valid IDs of both the member and the representative (see §11 for a simple template).
Never post your SSS number on social media; use official channels only.

Data Privacy Note: SSS may redact or withhold sensitive details until identity is fully verified—this protects you under the Data Privacy Act.

5) What to bring: documents & identification

Primary: UMID, ePassport, Philippine National ID (PhilSys), driver’s license, PRC ID. Secondary (two or more): PSA birth certificate, marriage certificate, company ID, school ID (with signature), NBI/Police clearance, barangay/Postal ID, etc. Supporting (as applicable):

CRN from UMID
Old E-1/E-4 copies
Payslips/receipts showing SSS number
Affidavit (if there are discrepancies in name/birth date)

6) Accessing or registering your My.SSS account (member portal)

Prerequisites

Your SSS number (or CRN that SSS can use to locate your record)
A working email address and mobile number
Your personal details must match what SSS has on file (name spelling, birth date, mother’s maiden name). If not, file an E-4 Member Data Change first.

Registration (typical flow)

Go to the SSS Member online portal or mobile app and choose Register (Member).
Provide the requested info (SSS number, full name, birth date, email, mobile).
Review the Terms & Conditions.
Submit and activate via the confirmation link sent to your email.
Set your User ID and password. Some flows now require OTP verification via email or SMS.

Good password hygiene

Use a long passphrase with a mix of characters.
Don’t reuse passwords from other sites.
Store it with a reputable password manager.

7) If you have two or more SSS numbers (duplicates)

Holding multiple numbers is not allowed and can delay benefits because contributions may be scattered across records.

What to do:

Visit an SSS branch and request to consolidate your records into one correct, active number.
Bring valid IDs and any evidence of both numbers (old forms, payslips, receipts).
You may be asked to file E-4 (Member Data Change) and/or sign a consolidation request or affidavit if there are identity discrepancies.
After consolidation, ask for a printed verification (or check later via My.SSS) to ensure contributions and loans reflect under the single surviving number.

8) Recovering My.SSS login (when you know your SSS number)

If you know your SSS number but forgot your User ID/password:

Use the “Forgot User ID/Password” option in the portal or app.
Provide the requested details (usually SSS number and email).
Check your inbox/spam for the reset link or temporary credentials.
If your registered email is no longer active, coordinate with SSS to update your email first (they’ll verify identity).

Heads-up: Many reset flows require your SSS number or CRN to locate your account. If you don’t know your SSS number yet, complete the recovery steps in §4 first.

9) Locked accounts, mismatched data, and other snags

Account locked after multiple failed logins: Wait for the lockout period to lapse, then reset the password—or contact SSS for assistance.
Email changed, SIM lost, or typos in your name/birth date: File E-4 to update your member data. Bring documentary proof (PSA certificates, marriage certificate for name changes, etc.).
No access to registered email or phone: SSS can update your contact info after identity verification; then you can reset credentials.
“Record not found” errors: Check spelling and format (e.g., maiden vs married name). If still unresolved, visit a branch with IDs; your record might be under a duplicate or legacy entry.

10) Special situations

A. Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW)

You can handle most matters online or by phone. For in-person needs, reach out to consular posts with SSS counters or partner remittance centers for guidance. Prepare passports and any old SSS/UMID documents.

B. Heirs/Beneficiaries

Present proof of death and proof of relationship (PSA certificates).
If you need to confirm the deceased member’s SSS number or status, SSS will require IDs and documents before releasing information.

C. Representatives / Attorneys-in-fact

Bring Authorization Letter (or SPA if SSS requires it for the transaction), plus valid IDs of both the member and representative.

D. Kasambahay and minors who registered young

Ensure the employer or guardian keeps a copy of the member’s SSS number and assists with My.SSS setup when eligible.

11) Simple authorization letter (for routine inquiries)

Authorization Letter I, [Member’s Full Name], with SSS No. [if known], hereby authorize [Representative’s Full Name] to inquire about and retrieve my SSS number and/or update my contact information as needed. I am enclosing photocopies of my valid ID and the representative’s valid ID. Signed this [date] at [city/province]. [Member’s Signature] / [Representative’s Signature]

*Note: Some transactions require a Special Power of Attorney (SPA). When in doubt, ask SSS which authority they require for your specific request.*

12) Employer duties and member rights (at a glance)

Employers must register employees and remit contributions on time under R.A. 11199.
Failure or refusal to register/remit can lead to penalties, surcharges, and possible criminal liability (fines and/or imprisonment).
Employees have the right to know and use their correct SSS number and to demand that contributions deducted from their pay are properly remitted and posted.

13) Security & privacy best practices

Share your SSS number only through official SSS channels or with trusted employers who require it for lawful purposes.
Do not post your SSS number on social media or send it to unknown email addresses.
Be wary of phishing: SSS will not ask for your password.
Keep scanned IDs in secure storage; delete unneeded copies afterward.

14) Practical checklists

A. Recovering your SSS number

Gather valid IDs (primary or two secondary)
Collect old documents (payslips, receipts, E-1/E-4, UMID/CRN)
Contact SSS via branch/phone/email with IDs ready
If duplicates exist: request consolidation
Ask for confirmation of your single, active SSS number

B. Registering for My.SSS

Ensure SSS has your correct name, birth date, and email (use E-4 if needed)
Register via the Member portal/app
Activate through the email link
Set a strong password; enroll OTP if prompted

C. Resetting a locked or forgotten login

Use Forgot User ID/Password (SSS number usually required)
If email/phone changed, update contact info with SSS first
Retain the confirmation email or screenshot as proof

15) FAQs (fast answers)

Can SSS tell me my number over the phone? Yes—after strict identity verification.
I have a UMID but can’t remember my SSS number. Use your CRN and valid ID; SSS can locate and confirm the SSS number.
I accidentally used two numbers in the past. Request consolidation so all contributions/loans post to a single number.
I’m an OFW; can I do this abroad? Yes—use online/phone channels and, when needed, coordinate with consular SSS desks.
My name is misspelled in SSS records; will that block My.SSS registration? Often yes. File E-4 first to correct the data.

Final reminders

Procedures and form labels evolve. If something in this guide doesn’t match what you see on the portal or at a branch, follow the latest on the official SSS channels.
Keep digital and printed copies of your SSS number in secure places, and consider a password manager for your My.SSS credentials.
When in doubt, visit a branch with IDs—it’s the most definitive way to verify your identity and fix records.