How to Retrieve a Lost SSS Number in the Philippines
A comprehensive legal and procedural guide (updated as of 18 June 2025)
1. Introduction
Your Social Security System (SSS) number is a permanent, lifetime identifier under Republic Act No. 8282 (“Social Security Act of 1997,” as amended by R.A. 11199 in 2019). Losing it does not mean you can apply for a new one; the law treats each member’s initial number as unique and immutable. Creating or using a second number constitutes fraud and can expose you (and any employer who assists) to administrative penalties and criminal prosecution (R.A. 8282, §28-a).
Retrieval is therefore about locating the original record—not obtaining a replacement number.
2. Legal Basis & Privacy Considerations
| Source of law / regulation | Key takeaway |
|---|---|
| R.A. 8282 and R.A. 11199 | Establish SSS membership, benefits, penalties for false statements, and the mandate that each member have only one SS number. |
| SSS Circular Nos. 2017-010 & 2019-012 | Implement My.SSS online services and require employers to encode correct SSNs; provide bar-code scanning to prevent duplicate registration. |
| Data Privacy Act of 2012 (R.A. 10173) | SSS must verify your identity before releasing personal data; you must in turn submit sufficient proof to access or amend your own record. |
3. Core Principles Before You Start
- No “replacement” numbers – only retrieval.
- Establish identity – be ready with government-issued IDs.
- Match personal data – discrepancies in name, birth date, or mother’s maiden name will delay retrieval.
- Authenticated channels only – SSS will never release a number via unsecured social media DMs.
4. Retrieval Options
| Option | Where/How | Best for | Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| A. My.SSS Portal (Desktop Web) | https://member.sss.gov.ph → Forgot User ID / Password → Use your registered email or mobile to recover credentials, then view SSN on dashboard header. | Members who had already created an online account. | Access to the email or mobile originally verified with SSS. |
| B. SSS Mobile App / eGov PH Super App | Install or update app → Forgot User ID → proceed as with portal. As of April 2025, both apps are federated: one recovery works for both. | Smartphone users, OFWs abroad. | Same as above; stable internet. |
| C. TextSSS (SMS) | Send SSS |
Users with no data connection and pre-enrolled mobile. | Pre-enrollment of mobile under your record. |
| D. Employer Records | HR or Payroll office must keep signed SSS E-1/E-4 forms. Request a certified true copy. | Active employees or recently resigned. | Company ID or clearance to access HR file. |
| E. Branch Visit | Any SSS servicing branch. Fill out Member Data Change Request (SS Form E-4, box “SS Number Confirmation” only) or present valid ID and accomplish the quick SS Number Verification Slip. | Members without online access or with data mismatches. | At least one primary (UMID, Philippine Passport, Driver’s License) or two secondary IDs. |
| F. SSS Hotline / Video Conference Kiosk | Dial 1455 (local) or +632 7917 7777 (international) OR schedule a virtual appointment via Branch Appointment Scheduler (BAS) on the portal. | OFWs / members in remote areas. | ID verification via live camera or uploaded ID scan. |
| G. Email Request | Write to onlineserviceassistance@sss.gov.ph (for digital accounts) or member_relations@sss.gov.ph (general). | Complex cases (e.g., name change, double registration). | Scanned valid IDs + selfie holding ID + filled-out SSS Static Info Request Form. |
5. Step-by-Step: Typical Scenarios
5.1 You had a My.SSS account but forgot everything
- Go to the portal or mobile app.
- Click Forgot User ID/Password.
- Choose By Registered Email → get a reset link.
- Log in, and your SSN appears on the upper-left of the main page and on the downloadable Member Record.
- If you no longer control the email: use By Registered Mobile or proceed to Option G (email help desk) with identity documents.
5.2 You never enrolled online
Enroll first. Click Register on the portal.
Because you do not know your SSN, select Information Found in Your SSS Records → choose any of the following that you do know:
- Employer ID of your current/past employer
- Payment Reference Number (PRN) from a previous contribution
- UMID card application number (if any)
Provide a valid email and mobile.
After SSS matches your details, they will send you a temporary login. The email itself will state your SSN.
5.3 Data mismatch (e.g., married surname, typo in birthday)
- Book a physical or virtual Data Correction appointment (Option F).
- Bring supporting civil registry documents (PSA marriage certificate, birth certificate, notarized affidavit of discrepancy).
- File SS Form E-4 (Member Data Change Request) first; once records are corrected, request number confirmation.
6. Documents Commonly Accepted for Verification
Primary IDs (any one):
- UMID Card
- Philippine Passport
- Driver’s License
- PhilSys National ID
Secondary IDs (need two):
- TIN ID
- Postal ID (PhlPost 2017-series)
- Voter’s ID/Voter’s Certificate
- Company ID (duly signed)
- Student ID with current registration form
Supporting Civil Registry Docs: PSA Birth/Marriage Certificate, CENOMAR, Court Order for change of name/sex, etc.
Tip: If you have an existing UMID card but lost your SSN, the card’s magnetic stripe or QR code still embeds your full SSN. Most SSS branches and some LGU kiosks have QR scanners that can decode it in seconds.
7. Authorized Representative Procedure
Under SSS Memorandum Circular 2020-009, a relative up to the 2nd degree of consanguinity/affinity (spouse, parent, sibling, child, grandparent, grandchild, in-laws) may retrieve your SSN on your behalf if:
- They present an original signed authorization letter bearing your signature, date, and purpose;
- They present your and their valid IDs (original & photocopy);
- They submit Member Data Verification Form (SS Form F-137) in person.
Beyond 2nd degree or for attorneys-in-fact, a notarized Special Power of Attorney (SPA) is mandatory.
8. Fees, Processing Times & Penalties
| Service | Fee | Turn-around Time |
|---|---|---|
| SSN verification at branch | ₱0 | Same day (15–30 min) |
| Printing Member’s Static Information sheet | ₱0 | Same day |
| UMID QR scan retrieval | ₱0 | Same day |
| Replacement UMID (if also lost) | ₱200 | 30–60 days |
| Court-adjudicated data correction | Filing fees per RTC | Varies |
Penalties: Filing a new member application to replace a forgotten SSN is double registration. SSS may impose a fine of ₱5,000–₱20,000 or imprisonment of 6 years and 1 day to 12 years (R.A. 8282, §28-a), plus forfeiture of contributions under the illegal number.
9. Preventive Measures After Retrieval
- Enroll in My.SSS and SSS Mobile immediately and update your contact details.
- Download Member’s Static Information PDF and store it in an encrypted drive or secure email folder.
- Update your employer’s HRIS profile (or freelancer portals) with the correct SSN.
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your online account.
- Consider applying for a replacement UMID if your old ID—containing the SSN—is lost or damaged.
10. Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Short Answer |
|---|---|
| Can I retrieve my SSN via Facebook Messenger? | No. SSS only uses Messenger for answering general queries, never for releasing personal data. |
| I have multiple numbers—what now? | File an SS Number Reconciliation at any branch. SSS will retain the first-issued and cancel the rest. |
| I worked abroad and never registered; my agency gave me an SSN I forgot. | Check pay slips for “SSS Contributions” line; agency HR must have your E-1 form on file. |
| Is the PhilSys (National ID) number the same? | No. PhilSys Number (PSN) is issued by PSA. SSS still uses your SSN internally. |
| Can I retrieve someone else’s SSN if they owe me money? | No. Data Privacy Act prohibits disclosure without the member’s consent or a lawful court order. |
| What if I forgot both SSN and my legal name changed? | Retrieve first under old name, then file Member Data Change Request with supporting civil registry documents. |
11. Conclusion
Retrieving a lost SSS number is administrative rather than judicial—no court appearance is needed unless data disputes arise. With the digitization of SSS services (My.SSS, SSS Mobile, eGov PH), most members can resolve the issue in under an hour, provided their identity can be verified. Always remember:
- Never re-register; you already have a permanent SSN.
- Safeguard your credentials; online access is the fastest retrieval method.
- Act promptly; contribution postings, benefit claims, and loan applications all depend on the accurate SSN.
For unresolved or complex cases, escalate through the SSS Member Relations Office or file a complaint with the Commission on Audit Resident Auditor assigned to SSS, or with the National Privacy Commission for data-privacy concerns.
(This article is for general information only and should not be taken as formal legal advice. For case-specific guidance, consult a licensed Philippine lawyer or the SSS directly.)