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

This guide explains, in practical and legal terms, how to (1) retrieve a forgotten SSS number and (2) regain access to your My.SSS account. It also covers special cases (multiple SSS numbers, name changes, authorization through a representative), data-privacy rules, and common pitfalls. It’s written for employees, employers/HR, self-employed, OFWs, and household employers in the Philippines.

Key terms (know the difference)

SSS Number – Your permanent, lifetime identifier with the Social Security System. You should have only one.
UMID/CRN – The Unified Multi-Purpose ID card has a Common Reference Number (CRN). The CRN is not your SSS number.
PRN – Payment Reference Number used for contributions; changes each time.
ERN – Employer’s SSS number.

Legal framework (why the steps below look the way they do)

Social Security Act of 2018 (RA 11199). Establishes membership, coverage, benefits, and penalizes fraud/misrepresentation (e.g., using more than one SSS number).
Data Privacy Act of 2012 (RA 10173). Your SSS data is personal information; SSS can only disclose after verifying your identity or that of your authorized representative.
Civil Registry laws and evidence rules. Corrections to name/birth date/civil status must be supported by PSA-issued records and valid IDs.

Practical takeaway: expect identity checks, documentary requirements, and refusal of requests by phone or email if identity can’t be verified.

PART I — Recovering a forgotten SSS Number

A. Quick, no-branch checks (often fastest)

Look for past records you already have: old UMID/SSS ID, E-1 (Personal Record), contribution/loan receipts, salary payslips, prior R-5/RS-5 receipts, employer onboarding forms, or emails from SSS.
Ask your employer/HR (current or former). Employers keep your SSS number for reporting and can confirm it back to you after verifying your identity.
If you can still access My.SSS or the SSS Mobile App (even on an old device/browser), your number appears in your profile—note it down securely.

B. If you still can’t find it: verification at an SSS Branch

Bring at least one strong, government-issued photo ID (passport, UMID, driver’s license, PhilID, etc.). The teller will do a member identity verification (usually using name, birth date, mother’s maiden name, and other markers) and provide your SSS number.

If your records are sparse (e.g., mismatched name/birth date), be ready with supporting proof (PSA birth/marriage certificate, court/LCRO corrections, prior IDs).
Document copies/printouts may require nominal fees in some cases.

C. Important cautions

Do not apply for a new SSS number. You’re only allowed one. If you inadvertently obtained more than one, see “Duplicate SSS numbers” below.
Never post or send your SSS number over unsecured channels or to unknown parties. Treat it like a bank account number.

PART II — Regaining access to your My.SSS account

A. What you’ll typically need

Your SSS number (or CRN if prompted in some flows),
An active email address you control, and
Access to your registered mobile number (for OTP, if prompted).

B. If you forgot your User ID or password

Use the “Forgot User ID/Password” link on the My.SSS login page.
Provide the requested identifier (User ID or email).
Open the reset email and complete the steps promptly (reset links are time-limited).
Set a new, strong password you haven’t used before.

Tips

Check spam/junk. Some corporate or school mailboxes block automated messages; use a personal email you control.
If you’re repeatedly locked out, wait before trying again to avoid temporary account blocks.

C. If you no longer have access to your registered email or mobile

You’ll need SSS to update your contact details or manually reset your web account. You can do this by visiting a branch (bring IDs) or, if you are abroad/immobile, by following SSS’s remote identity-verification process (typically involves valid IDs and an authorization/attestation—requirements can change).

Be prepared to present: valid ID(s), proof of identity, and any previous SSS documents.
If someone else will handle this for you, see “Authorizing a representative,” below.

D. First-time registration (you never created My.SSS before)

Go to the My.SSS registration page and choose the member option.
Supply your SSS number, name, birth date, and a unique email.
You may be asked to provide information from a recent SSS transaction (e.g., receipt/validation details from a contribution or loan) to prove you’re the right person. Keep old receipts handy.
Confirm via the email sent to you and set your User ID and password.

Good practice

Use an email you will keep long-term.
After you log in, update mobile number, address, and beneficiaries, and enroll a disbursement account (for benefits/loans) if you plan to transact online.

Special situations & edge cases

1) Duplicate SSS numbers (multiple records)

Problem: You registered twice (common after name changes, migration, or long gaps).
Why it matters: Contributions/loans/benefits can get split or delayed.
Fix: Request record consolidation (SSS may cancel the secondary number and merge contributions into the surviving number). Bring IDs and supporting civil registry documents (e.g., marriage certificate for name change). Avoid using the canceled number in any future forms.

2) Name/birth date/civil status updates

Use SSS’s Member Data Change facility (commonly via an E-4-type process).
Support your request with PSA documents and valid IDs (e.g., marriage certificate for surname change).
Update early—mismatched data is the #1 cause of login failures, delayed benefit claims, and PRN issues.

3) OFWs / members abroad

If you can’t appear at a branch, check the remote verification route. Prepare clear scans of valid IDs and, if needed, proof of residence abroad. In some cases, Philippine embassies/consulates or SSS foreign posts accept/forward documents; requirements vary.

4) Authorizing a representative

If you can’t go in person:

Prepare a signed authorization letter (or SPA if SSS requires it for the specific transaction).
Attach valid IDs of both the member and representative (originals for inspection; photocopies for file).
The representative presents these at the branch and follows identity-verification steps. Tip: For sensitive actions (email reset, number disclosure), SSS may insist on stricter proof or a SPA.

Sample authorization letter (short form)

Authorization Letter Date: ___ I, [Full Name, SSS No.], authorize [Rep’s Full Name] to request and receive on my behalf my SSS number confirmation/printout and to process the update/reset of my My.SSS contact details. I enclose copies of our valid IDs. Signature over printed name

(Attach photocopies of both IDs; the representative brings originals for verification.)

Employer/HR corner

You may verify an employee’s SSS number with SSS in the ordinary course of onboarding/reporting after confirming the employee’s identity (Data Privacy Act).
Encourage employees not to re-register when they forget their number—help them retrieve it instead to avoid duplicate records.
Keep PRNs, R-3 reports, and onboarding forms secure; these often contain SSS numbers and are personal data.

Security, privacy, and anti-fraud reminders

Never share your password or one-time codes (OTP). SSS staff should not ask for your password.
Only provide your SSS number to legitimate counterparties (employer, bank, government agencies) for lawful purposes.
Beware of phishing sites, pages offering “instant retrieval,” or people asking for payment to “unlock” accounts.
Keep printed copies of key documents (E-1, UMID, receipts) in a safe place; store digital copies in encrypted storage.

Quick checklists

To retrieve a forgotten SSS number

Government-issued ID(s)
Any prior SSS document (E-1, UMID, receipts/payslips)
If records don’t match, PSA certificates supporting correct name/birth date

To regain My.SSS access

SSS number
Working email (one you can open now)
Registered mobile (if OTP is sent)
Recent SSS transaction details (for first-time registration or extra verification)
If represented: authorization letter/SPA + valid IDs

Frequently asked questions

Is the CRN on my UMID the same as my SSS number? No. The CRN is a UMID system identifier. Your SSS number is separate and is what SSS uses for contributions/benefits.

Can I get a new SSS number instead of finding the old one? No. SSS numbers are lifetime. If you mistakenly got more than one, SSS will consolidate and cancel duplicates.

I changed my name/civil status. Should I re-register? No. Update your member data instead; bring PSA documents and valid IDs.

My account keeps locking. Limit login attempts, use the official Forgot Password flow, and ensure your email/mobile on file is current. For persistent issues, request a contact-detail update or manual web-account reset with ID verification.

Final notes

Branch procedures and specific documentary lists can change. If something here doesn’t match what a branch asks for, follow the branch’s updated checklist.
Keep your SSS number and My.SSS credentials private and secure. Small mistakes (duplicate registrations, mismatched names) cause big delays—fix data issues early.

If you want, I can turn this into a printable one-page checklist or draft a SPA/authorization letter tailored to your situation.