Forgetting your SSS number is common, especially if you registered years ago, changed jobs, worked abroad, lost your E-1 form, or never created a My.SSS account. The important thing to know is this: your SSS number is meant to be a permanent lifetime number, so you should retrieve the old number instead of applying for a new one. This guide explains the online ways to recover a forgotten SSS number, what to do when the online options fail, what documents SSS usually asks for, and how to avoid delays caused by privacy checks, name mismatches, inactive mobile numbers, or duplicate SSS records.
Can You Retrieve a Forgotten SSS Number Online?
Yes, but only in certain situations.
You can usually retrieve your SSS number online if you can access at least one of these:
- Your My.SSS account
- The MySSS mobile app
- Your old SSS registration email
- Your downloaded SS Number Slip
- Your E-1/E-6 form
- Your old employer or payroll records
- Your registered mobile number or email used for My.SSS verification
But if you do not know your SSS number, cannot access your My.SSS account, no longer have your registered mobile number, and cannot find your old SSS documents, SSS may require identity verification through its official channels, branch offices, foreign offices, or customer service system.
This is not just bureaucracy. Your SSS number is personal government-held information. Under the Data Privacy Act of 2012, Republic Act No. 10173, government agencies must protect sensitive personal information and control who can access it. That is why SSS generally will not simply display or release an SSS number to anyone who enters a name and birthday online.
What Is an SSS Number?
An SSS number is the permanent identifying number assigned to a member of the Philippine Social Security System. It is used for contributions, employment reporting, benefit claims, loan applications, maternity benefits, sickness benefits, disability, retirement, death, funeral, unemployment benefits, and other SSS transactions.
It is different from a CRN, or Common Reference Number. The CRN appears on some government-issued cards such as the UMID. The SSS number is the number normally required by employers, SSS forms, contribution records, and benefit claims.
SSS itself reminds members that an SS number is a unique lifetime number and must be used in all SSS transactions. The SSS OFW page specifically warns that if you registered before and cannot remember your SS number, you should not apply for a new one; instead, coordinate with SSS through its official information and service channels. See the official SSS OFW Member reminders.
Legal Basis: Why SSS Numbers Are Protected
The main law governing SSS is the Social Security Act of 2018, Republic Act No. 11199. It created and strengthened the Social Security System as a government social insurance institution for covered workers and their beneficiaries.
For ordinary members, the key points are:
- SSS coverage is compulsory for covered private-sector employees, self-employed persons, and OFWs under the law and SSS rules.
- Employers are required to report covered employees and remit contributions.
- SSS records are used to determine membership, coverage, contributions, and benefit entitlement.
- Your SS number connects your identity to your contribution and benefit record.
The privacy side is governed by the Data Privacy Act of 2012 and its implementing rules. SSS cannot treat your SS number like a public directory listing. Before releasing or verifying it, SSS must be reasonably sure that the person requesting the information is the member or a properly authorized representative.
This is also why public FOI requests are not the proper way to retrieve an SSS number. In an SSS response on the government FOI portal, SSS denied a request involving member information and explained that FOI does not cover inquiries that disclose member information and details. SSS instead directed the requester to My.SSS and official concern channels.
Fastest Ways to Retrieve Your Forgotten SSS Number Online
1. Log in to Your My.SSS Account
If you can still log in, this is usually the fastest method.
- Go to the official SSS website.
- Click Login to My.SSS.
- Choose Member.
- Enter your User ID and password.
- Complete the multi-factor authentication step if prompted.
- Once inside your account, check your member profile, dashboard, personal information, or account details.
Your SSS number is usually visible in your My.SSS account information. Take a screenshot only for your personal records and store it securely. Do not send it casually through chat apps or post it online.
2. Use the MySSS Mobile App
If you previously installed or can access the official mobile app, you may retrieve your member details there.
SSS states that the MySSS mobile app allows members to view membership details, monthly contributions, UMID/SS ID details, benefit information, and other records. The app also supports password reset using the registered email address.
Basic steps:
- Open the official MySSS app.
- Log in using your My.SSS credentials.
- Complete the OTP or authentication process.
- Go to your profile, membership details, or account information.
- Copy your SSS number exactly as shown.
Be careful with unofficial apps or websites. Use only the official SSS website or official app store listing connected to SSS.
3. Reset Your My.SSS Password If You Know Your CRN or SSS Number
This option helps if you forgot your My.SSS password but still have your CRN or old SSS number somewhere, such as on a UMID card, old file, old employer record, or previous screenshot.
According to the SSS Citizen’s Charter, the Resetting of My.SSS Account and Password – Member service is available through the SSS website 24/7 and is classified as a simple online transaction with no fee. The reset process requires the member to enter the CRN/SS Number and complete authentication.
Steps:
- Go to the SSS website.
- Click Login to My.SSS.
- Click Forgot Password or Forgot User ID / Password.
- Choose Member.
- Select the available authentication option, such as OTP or TOTP.
- Enter the required CRN/SS Number.
- Complete verification.
- Nominate a new password.
- Log in and view your SSS number in your account.
Important: this is not a “search by name” tool. If you have neither the SSS number nor the CRN, the password reset page may not solve the problem by itself.
4. Search Your Email for the SSS Online Application Confirmation
If you applied for an SSS number online, your email may still contain the answer.
SSS states in its online registration instructions that after generating an SS number, the system displays the generated number and sends an email confirmation with attachments such as:
- SS Number Slip
- Transaction Number Slip
- E-1/E-6 Form
Search your email inbox, spam, archive, and old email accounts using terms like:
- “SS Number Slip”
- “SS Number Online Application Confirmation”
- “E-1/E-6”
- “Transaction Number Slip”
- “SSS Web Registration”
- “Social Security System”
- “member.sss.gov.ph”
If you find the email, download the attachments and keep copies in a secure folder. Your E-1/E-6 and SS Number Slip are useful not only for retrieving the number but also for fixing future membership issues.
5. Check Old Digital Files, Payslips, and HR Records
Many members already have their SSS number in old files without realizing it.
Check:
- Old employment forms
- Pre-employment requirements submitted to HR
- Old payslips
- Certificate of employment attachments
- SSS salary loan documents
- Maternity or sickness benefit forms
- Old contribution printouts
- Scanned copies of your E-1 form
- Old UMID or SS card records
- Cloud storage folders
- Phone screenshots
- Email attachments sent to employers
If you are currently employed, your HR or payroll department may have your SSS number because employers use it for SSS reporting and contribution remittance. Expect HR to verify your identity before releasing it.
What If You Cannot Retrieve Your SSS Number Online?
If the online options do not work, use official SSS channels. This is common for members who registered before digital records were widely used, OFWs who changed mobile numbers, members with married-name mismatches, or people whose old email accounts are no longer accessible.
Use the uSSSap Tayo / CRMS Portal
SSS directs members with concerns to its customer relationship management system, commonly referred to as uSSSap Tayo or the CRMS portal. You may be asked to provide identifying details and attach proof of identity.
Prepare clear scanned copies or photos of:
- One valid government-issued ID
- Selfie holding the ID, if requested
- Old SSS documents, if available
- Proof of previous employment, if relevant
- Marriage certificate, if your surname changed
- PSA birth certificate, if your birth details need verification
Avoid sending your full SSS number, birth date, address, and ID images through random social media pages or private messages unless you are sure you are dealing with the official SSS channel.
Call the SSS Hotline
SSS lists 1455 as its hotline on its official website and service pages. Phone verification may help you determine the next step, but do not be surprised if the representative cannot simply dictate the full SSS number without sufficient identity verification.
Before calling, prepare:
- Full name used when you registered
- Date of birth
- Place of birth
- Mother’s maiden name
- Previous employer names
- Approximate year of registration
- Old address and current address
- Registered mobile number or email, if remembered
- Valid ID details
Visit an SSS Branch or Foreign Office
For many difficult cases, a branch visit is still the most reliable route. The official SSS Citizen’s Charter includes a Membership/Coverage Verification Request for verifying a member’s SS Number, date of coverage, and employer number. It is available to all members, requires a Request/Verification Form, Data Privacy Notice/Consent, and valid identification, and has no standard processing fee.
Use the official SSS Branch Locator to find a branch or foreign office.
For OFWs and Filipinos abroad, SSS lists foreign offices and service channels in areas such as Asia, the Americas, the Middle East, and Europe. Check the SSS page for Filipinos abroad and the OFW Member page for official guidance.
Requirements, Fees, and Timelines
| Method | Best for | Requirements | Fee | Typical timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| My.SSS login | Members who know their login credentials | User ID, password, OTP/TOTP access | None | A few minutes |
| MySSS mobile app | Members with app access | My.SSS credentials, mobile/email authentication | None | A few minutes |
| Password reset | Members who know their CRN or SS number but forgot password | CRN/SS number, OTP/TOTP or registered contact details | None | SSS Citizen’s Charter lists around 10 minutes for online reset steps |
| Old email search | Members who applied online before | Access to old email account | None | Immediate if email is found |
| Employer or HR records | Current or former employees | Valid ID; proof of employment may be requested | None | Same day to a few days, depending on HR |
| SSS CRMS / uSSSap Tayo | Members who cannot access My.SSS | Valid ID, personal details, supporting documents | None | Varies depending on verification |
| SSS branch / foreign office | Members with no online access, mismatched records, or old accounts | Request/Verification Form, Data Privacy Notice/Consent, valid ID | None for standard verification | SSS Citizen’s Charter lists membership/coverage verification processing time as about 1 hour and 39 minutes, but queues and document issues can extend this |
You can download official forms from the SSS Download forms and electronic applications page, including the Request/Verification Form, Personal Data Record, and Member’s Data Change Request form.
Common Problems and How to Handle Them
You forgot both your SSS number and My.SSS login
Start with your email search and old employment records. If nothing appears, use SSS CRMS or visit a branch for membership/coverage verification.
Do not apply for a new SS number just because you cannot remember the old one. A duplicate number can cause problems later when you claim benefits or consolidate contributions.
Your registered mobile number is no longer active
SSS has implemented multi-factor authentication for My.SSS logins. If your registered mobile number is outdated, you may not receive the OTP.
If you still have access to My.SSS through another authentication method, update your contact details online. If you do not have a mobile number in SSS records or cannot access your account, SSS may require you to submit a Member Data Change Request at a branch.
You changed your surname after marriage
If your SSS records still show your maiden name, bring or prepare your PSA marriage certificate and valid ID. Surname mismatches can delay verification because SSS must confirm that the old record and the current requester are the same person.
Use the Member’s Data Change Request form when updating civil status, name, or other membership details.
You are an OFW or former Filipino abroad
Your SSS membership may continue even if you are abroad. If you forgot your number, first check old emails, remittance records, PRN payments, or employment documents. If those fail, use SSS foreign offices, official email channels, or the SSS CRMS portal.
If you authorize someone in the Philippines to transact for you, SSS may require a Letter of Authority or Special Power of Attorney. SSS guidance states that an LOA or SPA may be required for transactions filed by a representative, with validity rules depending on whether it was issued in the Philippines or abroad. For documents signed abroad, check with the relevant SSS office whether consularization, apostille, or other authentication is required for the specific transaction.
You accidentally created or discovered more than one SSS number
This must be fixed. SSS has a specific process for Request for Cancellation of Multiple SS Number/s. The Citizen’s Charter describes it as a process for members with multiple SS numbers, and it may involve retrieving old E-1 or E-4 records from SSS archives.
Prepare:
- Request/Verification Form
- Data Privacy Notice/Consent
- Valid ID
- Copies of any E-1/E-4 forms
- Old contribution records
- Employment records showing which number was used
Do not choose randomly which number to use. Let SSS verify and consolidate the records properly.
Your SSS number is “temporary”
A temporary SS number can be used for contribution purposes, but SSS states that to become eligible for benefits or loans, the member must have the SS number tagged as permanent. To change temporary to permanent, SSS generally requires a PSA-issued birth certificate or other accepted primary documents.
This is common among people who applied online but did not upload or submit complete supporting documents.
Practical Safety Tips When Recovering Your SSS Number
Treat your SSS number like a sensitive government ID number.
- Do not post it in Facebook comments, public forums, or public FOI requests.
- Do not send your ID and selfie to unofficial pages.
- Use only the official SSS website, official MySSS app, branch, hotline, or recognized SSS service channels.
- Save a copy of your SS Number Slip and E-1/E-6 in a secure folder.
- Keep your My.SSS email and mobile number updated.
- If your employer asks for your SSS number, provide it through official HR channels, not group chats.
- If you suspect someone used your SSS number, report it to SSS and check your contribution and employment history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I retrieve my SSS number online using only my name and birthday?
Usually, no. SSS does not provide a simple public “search by name and birthday” tool for SSS numbers because the number is tied to personal government records. You need access to My.SSS, the MySSS app, old registration documents, employer records, or official SSS verification channels.
Can I use my CRN instead of my SSS number?
Sometimes, but not always. The CRN may help with certain My.SSS or UMID-related verification steps, but employers and SSS forms usually ask for the actual SSS number. Once you regain access to My.SSS, check and record your actual SSS number.
What should I do if I forgot my My.SSS password?
Use the official Forgot Password option on the SSS website. For members, the SSS process requires your CRN/SS number and authentication through available methods such as OTP or TOTP. If your registered mobile number or email is no longer active, you may need to update your contact information through SSS.
Can I apply for a new SSS number if I forgot my old one?
No. If you already had an SSS number, retrieve the old one. SSS expressly reminds members that the SS number is a unique lifetime number and should always be used in SSS transactions. Creating another number may lead to duplicate records and future benefit delays.
Can my employer retrieve my SSS number for me?
A current or former employer may have your SSS number in HR or payroll records. They should verify your identity before releasing it. This is often one of the fastest practical options for employees who urgently need the number for a new job.
Can an OFW retrieve a forgotten SSS number without returning to the Philippines?
Yes, in many cases. OFWs should first check My.SSS, the MySSS app, old emails, PRN records, and employment files. If those do not work, they may coordinate with SSS through official online channels, foreign offices, or scheduled overseas service activities.
What ID do I need to verify my SSS number at a branch?
For membership/coverage verification, SSS lists a Request/Verification Form, Data Privacy Notice/Consent, and valid identification cards. Common primary IDs include UMID, SS card, Alien Certificate of Registration, driver’s license, passport, NBI clearance, and other IDs accepted by SSS rules.
Is there a fee to retrieve or verify my SSS number?
For standard membership/coverage verification, the SSS Citizen’s Charter lists no standard processing fee. However, you may spend on photocopying, transportation, courier, printing, notarization, or document authentication if a representative or overseas document is involved.
What if my name or birth date in SSS is wrong?
You may need to file a Member Data Change Request and submit supporting documents such as a PSA birth certificate, PSA marriage certificate, valid ID, or other documents depending on the correction. Fixing the record is important because mismatched personal information can affect My.SSS access, loans, benefits, and retirement claims.
Can someone else retrieve my SSS number for me?
Possibly, but SSS will usually require proper authorization and identity documents. A representative may need a Letter of Authority or Special Power of Attorney, valid IDs of both parties, and other documents required by SSS for the specific transaction.
Key Takeaways
- Your SSS number is a permanent lifetime number; do not apply for a new one just because you forgot it.
- The fastest recovery method is logging in to My.SSS or the MySSS mobile app.
- If you applied online before, search your email for your SS Number Slip, Transaction Number Slip, or E-1/E-6 form.
- Password reset helps only if you know your CRN or SS number and can complete authentication.
- If online retrieval fails, use SSS CRMS, the hotline, a branch, or an SSS foreign office.
- Bring or prepare valid ID, the Request/Verification Form, and supporting documents if SSS must verify your identity.
- Keep your registered mobile number and email updated because My.SSS uses multi-factor authentication.
- Fix duplicate, temporary, or mismatched SSS records early to avoid delays in loans, benefits, and retirement claims.