In the Philippines, the Social Security System (SSS) serves as the primary social insurance program for workers in the private, professional, and informal sectors. Under Republic Act No. 11199, or the Social Security Act of 2018, the SSS is mandated to provide protection against the hazards of disability, sickness, maternity, old age, death, and other contingencies.

Central to exercising these rights is the SSS Common Reference Number (CRN) or SS Number. Loss of this number or loss of access to the My.SSS online portal can effectively bar a member from claiming benefits or verifying contributions. This guide outlines the legal and administrative procedures for recovery.

I. Recovery of a Forgotten or Lost SSS Number

An SSS number is permanent. Statutory regulations prohibit the issuance of multiple SSS numbers to a single individual. If you have lost your number, you must retrieve the original rather than applying for a new one.

1. Via the My.SSS Portal (If Registered)

If you previously registered for an online account but forgot your number:

Navigate to the SSS Website.
Check your registered email address for the initial "Registration Successful" email, which usually contains your SS number.

2. Via SSS Mobile App

If you have the app installed and biometric login (fingerprint/FaceID) enabled, your SS number is displayed on the home dashboard upon successful authentication.

3. Via SSS Hotline or USSD Code

SSS Hotline: Call 1455 (SSS Toll-Free). You will be required to undergo a security verification process, providing personal details such as full name, date of birth, and mother’s maiden name.
USSD Code: Dial *143# on your mobile phone (available for certain networks), select "SSS," and follow the prompts for "SS Number Inquiry."

4. In-Person Verification (The "Manual" Route)

If digital methods fail, you may visit any SSS branch.

Requirement: Present at least one (1) valid government-issued photo ID (e.g., UMID, Passport, Driver’s License, PRC ID).
Procedure: Request an "SS Number Verification" at the Member Services counter.

II. Resetting My.SSS Account Credentials

The My.SSS portal is the mandatory platform for filing maternity notifications, salary loans, and retirement claims. Regaining access involves resetting either your User ID or Password.

1. Automated Password Reset

On the My.SSS login page, click "Forgot User ID or Password?" You will be given two primary options for verification:

Registered Email Address: The SSS will send a password reset link to the email on file.
Security Questions: If you cannot access your email, you may answer the security questions set during your initial registration.

2. If the Registered Email is No Longer Accessible

This is a common legal hurdle. If you cannot access your old email, you must perform a Member Data Change Request (Form E-4) to update your electronic contact information.

Submit Form E-4: Check the box for "Email Address" update.
Submission: This usually requires an over-the-counter visit or submission via the SSS e-mail request system (specifically for OFWs).
Timeline: Once the SSS updates your profile (usually 3–5 working days), you can proceed with the "Forgot Password" process using your new email.

III. Important Legal Warnings and Best Practices

Identity Theft & Data Privacy: Under the Data Privacy Act of 2012 (R.A. 10173), your SSS data is sensitive personal information. Never share your My.SSS password or SS number with "fixers" on social media.

One Member, One Number: Purposefully securing a second SS number is considered a violation of SSS policy and can lead to the freezing of your contributions and benefits until the accounts are manually consolidated—a process that can take months.
Account Deactivation: If you suspect your account has been compromised, you must immediately report it to the SSS Identity Management Department to prevent unauthorized salary loan applications.

IV. Summary of Required Documents for Recovery

Scenario	Required Document/Action
Lost SS Number (In-person)	1 Valid Photo ID (UMID preferred)
Lost Password (Email active)	Access to registered email
Lost Password (Email inactive)	Form E-4 + Valid ID
Forgotten User ID	Check "Registration" email or visit branch

Would you like me to draft a formal letter of request to the SSS for an email update or provide a list of valid IDs accepted for the Form E-4 submission?