In the Philippines, the Social Security System (SSS) serves as a vital pillar of social protection for private-sector employees, self-employed individuals, and Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). Your SSS Common Reference Number (CRN) or SSS Number is a permanent identifier; once issued, it remains yours for life.

Losing or forgetting this number can impede your ability to claim benefits (sickness, maternity, retirement), apply for loans, or satisfy employment requirements. Under the Social Security Act of 2018 (Republic Act No. 11199), members have a right to access their records.

Here is the comprehensive legal and procedural framework for retrieving your SSS number.

I. Digital Retrieval Methods (Fastest Options)

The SSS has digitized most of its services to comply with the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018.

1. The My.SSS Portal

If you previously registered an account on the SSS website, your number is readily available.

Action: Log in to the My.SSS Member Portal.
Result: Your SSS number and CRN are displayed prominently on the member homepage/dashboard.

2. The SSS Mobile App

Action: Download the official SSS Mobile App on your smartphone.
Verification: Log in using your My.SSS credentials. Your digital membership card within the app will display your number.

3. Email Inquiry

Action: Send a formal request to member_relations@sss.gov.ph.
Requirements: You must attach clear scanned copies of at least two (2) valid government-issued IDs to prove your identity and prevent identity theft.

II. Physical and Direct Inquiry Methods

If digital access is unavailable—often due to a forgotten password or an unlinked email address—you must proceed via direct communication.

1. SSS Hotline and IVRS

The SSS maintains an Interactive Voice Response System (IVRS).

Action: Call the SSS Hotline at 1455.
Verification: Be prepared to provide personal details for identity verification, including:
Full Name (including middle name)
Date of Birth
Address registered in SSS records
Last Employer (if applicable)

2. Over-the-Counter (Walk-in)

You may visit any SSS branch. To comply with current administrative standards, most branches follow a Number Coding System based on the last digit of your SSS number (though if you've forgotten it, security or the information desk will usually guide you to a verification kiosk).

Requirement: Bring at least two valid IDs (e.g., Driver’s License, Passport, PRC ID, or Voter’s ID).
Procedure: Request for "Member Data Verification."

III. Verification via Employer Records

Under RA 11199, employers are mandated to maintain accurate records of their employees' SSS contributions.

For Current/Former Employees: You may contact the Human Resources (HR) department of your current or previous employer. They are legally required to have your SSS number on file for contribution remittances.
Evidence: Check your old payslips or your copy of the SSS Form E-1 (Member Data Record) if you kept a file from your initial employment.

IV. Important Legal Considerations

Permanent Identification: It is a violation of SSS policy to have multiple SSS numbers. If you discover you have more than one, you must request a Cancellation of Erroneous Number and Consolidation of Records at an SSS branch to ensure all contributions are credited to one account.
Data Privacy: Pursuant to the Data Privacy Act of 2012 (RA 10173), SSS officers are prohibited from disclosing your SSS number to third parties without your written consent. Always present authorization letters if you are sending a representative.
Fees: There is no legal fee for the simple retrieval or verification of your SSS number. Be wary of "fixers" offering retrieval services for a fee, as this is illegal under the Anti-Red Tape Act.

Summary of Required Documents for Retrieval

To ensure a successful retrieval, keep the following identification ready:

Primary IDs (at least one): UMID Card, Passport, Driver’s License, PRC Card, Seaman’s Book.
Secondary IDs (if primary is unavailable): Voter’s ID, NBI Clearance, Postal ID, Senior Citizen Card, or TIN Card.

Note: If you have never been issued an SSS number, you must apply for one through the SSS E-1 process, which can now be initiated online via the SSS website "No SS Number yet?" link.

Would you like me to draft a formal authorization letter you can use if you need to send a representative to the SSS office on your behalf?