How to Replace a Lost SSS ID in the Philippines
A comprehensive legal guide for employees, self-employed persons, voluntary members, and OFWs
Introduction
The Social Security System (SSS) issues a permanent identification card to every registered member. Since 2011 this card has been the Unified Multi-Purpose ID (UMID), which also serves PhilHealth, GSIS and Pag-IBIG. Losing it can be stressful—without it you may be unable to claim benefits, transact with government agencies or open salary-linked bank accounts.
This article explains everything you need to know, step by step, about replacing a lost SSS ID or UMID card as of May 2025, including the legal basis, documentary requirements, fees, timelines and practical tips. It is written for a Philippine audience and reflects current SSS circulars and the Social Security Act of 2018 (Republic Act No. 11199). It is informational only and does not replace professional legal advice.
I. Legal Framework
| Law / issuance | Key points relevant to ID replacement |
|---|---|
| Republic Act 11199 (SS Act of 2018) | §4(c)(2) authorises SSS to issue identification; §28 penalises false statements, tampering or misuse of SSS IDs. |
| SSS Circular 2019-011 (as amended) | Sets the ₱200 card-replacement fee and standardises the reasons for re-issuance (lost, stolen, damaged, data change). |
| SSS Office Order 2022-022 | Requires all UMID replacement transactions to be processed by appointment booked through My.SSS. |
| Data Privacy Act of 2012 | Personal data in the UMID chip/fingerprint database enjoy “sensitive personal information” status; members must report loss “without delay.” |
II. Understanding the Card You Will Replace
| Card type | Years issued | Distinctive features | Relevant note on replacement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old blue SSS ID | 1998-2010 | No chip; 2-D barcode only | Replaced only by UMID—SSS no longer reprints this design. |
| Standard UMID | 2011-2023 | Gold contact chip, magnetic stripe | Still valid; replacement yields same design unless you opt for an ATM-enabled version through a partner bank. |
| Next-Gen polycarbonate UMID | July 2023 → present | Laser-engraved data on harder plastic; contactless chip added | Replacement is already on this format; earlier UMIDs are upgraded on your first re-issuance. |
| Digital UMID (SSS Mobile App) | 2024 → | QR code + animated security seal | Not a substitute for physical card in banks but acceptable for almost all SSS branch transactions. |
III. When Do You Need to Replace Your Card?
- Lost or stolen – most common; includes loss while in transit from the card-printer.
- Damaged/defective – card is cracked, unreadable or chip fails.
- Change in personal data – marital status, name, birth date, gender or biometrics corrections.
- Upgrade to ATM-UMID – optional but treated as “replacement.”
Frequency rule: Only one replacement for loss/damage is allowed every six (6) months unless justified (e.g., fire, flood). Multiple name-change replacements are permitted upon presentation of civil registry documents.
IV. Documentary Requirements
| Requirement | Details & tips |
|---|---|
| 1. Affidavit of Loss | Must state when, where and how the ID was lost. It must be notarised and bear your SSS number. For minors, the parent/guardian executes it. |
| 2. UMID Card Application Form | Current revision (01-2024) downloadable from My.SSS or branch lobby. Check the box “Card Replacement” and the sub-reason “Lost.” |
| 3. Valid supporting ID(s) | One (1) primary ID with photo & signature (e.g., Philippine Passport, Driver’s License) OR two (2) secondary IDs (e.g., company ID + TIN card). Photocopy them for the evaluator. |
| 4. Proof of payment | Official Receipt for the ₱200 replacement fee; pay before biometrics capture. |
| 5. Online Appointment Print-out / SMS | SSS will not entertain walk-ins for replacements. Show the QR code or screenshot at the guard’s desk. |
| 6. Old card (if damaged) | Surrender it; you avoid executing an Affidavit of Loss. |
Foreign nationals add a valid ACR I-Card or passport with valid visa, plus proof of Philippine residence.
V. Step-by-Step Procedure
Prepare the Affidavit of Loss. Tip: Keep the original and two photocopies.
Book an appointment on My.SSS (E-Services ▸ Branch Appointment).
- Select service “UMID Card Replacement.”
- Choose the branch and time slot.
- Download/print the confirmation.
Pay the replacement fee (₱200).
- Option A: GCash ▸ Bills Pay ▸ Government ▸ SSS – UMID Card (PRN required).
- Option B: BayadCenter / 7-Eleven CLiQQ.
- Option C: SSS branch cashier on appointment day (adds queue time).
Visit the SSS branch on schedule.
- Bring all requirements and your payment receipt.
- Your photo, fingerprints and signature will be recaptured even if on file.
- Verify your membership data on screen before you sign the enrollment stub.
Receive the Acknowledgment Stub.
- Contains your Card Reference Number (CRN) and expected release date.
- Typical production: 30 working days, longer if surge season (January-March).
Wait for delivery via PHLPost-contracted courier.
- Tracking number (starting “UMID”) becomes active 48 h after printing.
- Deliveries are Monday-Saturday, 8 am-6 pm. Two attempts before “Return to Sender.”
(Optional) Activate ATM functionality.
- If you opted for UMID-ATM (Land Bank, DBP, AUB, UnionBank), visit the bank within 60 days to enrol PIN and pick up welcome kit.
Enable the Digital UMID in the SSS Mobile App ▸ Digital ID ▸ Scan card QR.
VI. Timelines at a Glance
| Stage | Minimum | Typical | Legal/SSS max |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appointment lead time | Same day (if slots free) | 7 days | – |
| Card production | 15 working days | 30 working days | 60 working days |
| Courier delivery | 3 working days (Metro Manila) | 7 working days | 15 working days |
| Total | ~4 weeks | ~6-8 weeks | ≤ 3 months |
VII. Fees and Penalties
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Replacement (lost/damaged) | ₱200 | Cash, debit, e-wallet; non-refundable. |
| Expedited printing (pilot branches) | ₱350 | Cuts production to 5 days; rollout not nationwide. |
| False affidavits / misuse of ID | Fine ₱5 000-₱20 000 and/or prison 6-12 years (RA 11199 §28). |
VIII. Special Situations
- ID lost before delivery: You still pay the ₱200 fee because the original card had already been personalised.
- Members abroad: Replace at SSS Foreign Representative Offices (Hong Kong, Dubai, Riyadh, etc.) or by courier—mail notarised Affidavit of Loss and copies of passport/visa; biometrics are captured during your next Philippine visit.
- ID tied to bank salary loan channel: Notify the bank to block the card immediately; ATM-enabled UMIDs can be used for withdrawals.
- Multiple losses within 6 months: Submit police blotter in addition to the Affidavit; approval is discretionary.
- Change of name after marriage: Affidavit of Loss is not needed if you surrender the old card; fee remains ₱200.
IX. Data Privacy & Security Reminders
- Report the loss promptly to prevent identity theft; SSS flags the CRN as “inactive.”
- Do not post photos of your UMID on social media—the QR and chip hold your birth date and SSS number.
- Shred photocopies once the new card arrives.
X. Sample Affidavit of Loss (Template)
Republic of the Philippines) Province/City of __________) S.S.
AFFIDAVIT OF LOSS I, Juan Dela Cruz, of legal age, Filipino, married and a resident of __________, after having been duly sworn, depose and say:
- That I am the legitimate holder of SSS No. 34-1234567-8 and was issued a UMID card with CRN 1234-5678-9012-3456;
- That on 12 May 2025 while commuting from Makati to Quezon City, my wallet containing said UMID card was lost and has not been recovered despite diligent search;
- That I execute this affidavit to attest to the truth of the foregoing facts and to request the Social Security System to issue a replacement UMID card. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 15 May 2025 in Quezon City, Philippines.
(Signature) JUAN DELA CRUZ
SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me … (Notary Public)
XI. Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Short answer |
|---|---|
| Can I walk in without an appointment? | No. All replacement requests are strictly by online appointment. |
| Will SSS give me a temporary paper ID? | No, but the Acknowledgment Stub plus Digital UMID serves as interim ID for SSS purposes. |
| Is the digital UMID enough for bank transactions? | Most banks still require the physical card. Always check your bank’s policy. |
| What if I forgot my SSS number too? | Present any two secondary IDs and fill out SS Number Verification Slip at the branch before filing for replacement. |
XII. Practical Tips
- Photocopy or scan your UMID as soon as you receive it; store a copy securely.
- Keep the PRN and official receipt—you will need them if the card is delayed.
- Choose a branch known for faster printing (Taguig-Bayani Road, Cebu-Gorordo, Davao-Lanang) if distance permits.
- Never pay “fixers.” SSS personnel will not ask for extra fees beyond the official ₱200.
- If your card is tied to a GSIS eCard (for dual GSIS-SSS members), request both agencies to deactivate the lost card.
Conclusion
Replacing a lost SSS ID or UMID card is straightforward once you have the correct documents, pay the ₱200 fee and follow the appointment system. The key is early reporting and complete compliance to avoid delays and protect your identity. Keep digital backups, guard the new card carefully, and stay informed of any future SSS circulars that may adjust fees or procedures.
This guide is current as of 30 May 2025. For personalised advice on unusual cases—such as multiple citizenships, pending disability claims, or disputed identity—consult an SSS lawyer or your private counsel.