Under the Social Security Act of 2018 (Republic Act No. 11199), every worker in the private sector, whether formal or informal, is required to be covered by the Social Security System (SSS). Your SSS number is a permanent, lifetime identifier. However, it is common for members to misplace their records or forget their assigned numbers, especially if they have been out of the workforce for an extended period.

Retrieving your SSS number is a straightforward legal and administrative process. Below are the primary methods available to members within the Philippine jurisdiction.

1. Online Retrieval via the My.SSS Portal

The most efficient way to retrieve your number is through the official SSS website. This assumes you have previously registered an account.

Step 1: Visit the SSS Website.
Step 2: Click on the "Member" portal.
Step 3: If you remember your user ID but not your SSS number, log in. Your SSS number is prominently displayed on the member dashboard.
Step 4: If you cannot log in, use the "Forgot Member ID/Password" feature. This often requires your registered email address to recover account details, which includes your SSS number.

2. The SSS Mobile App

For members with smartphones, the SSS Mobile App provides a portable version of the member portal.

Download the official SSS Mobile App from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
Log in using your My.SSS credentials.
Upon successful login, your Common Reference Number (CRN) or SSS Number will be visible under your profile information.

3. Verification via SSS Hotline and IVRS

If you do not have internet access, the SSS maintains a 24/7 Interactive Voice Response System (IVRS) and a dedicated hotline.

Hotline: Call 1455.
Toll-Free: 1-800-10-2255777.
Requirement: You must be ready to provide personal details for identity verification, such as your full name, date of birth, and the address you used during registration.

4. Email Inquiry (Member Relations)

Members may send a formal request to the SSS Member Relations Department.

Email: member_relations@sss.gov.ph or onlineserviceassistance@sss.gov.ph.
Subject Line: Request for SSS Number Recovery - [Your Full Name].
Attachments: To comply with data privacy laws and verify your identity, you must attach a scanned copy of at least one (1) primary ID (e.g., UMID, Passport, Driver’s License) or two (2) secondary IDs.

5. In-Person Verification (Walk-in)

For those who prefer face-to-face assistance or have issues with their digital records, visiting an SSS branch is the most definitive method.

Procedure: Visit the "Information Terminal" or the "Member Assessment" counter at any SSS branch.
Requirement: Present a valid government-issued ID.
Note: Many SSS branches currently implement a Number Coding System based on the last digit of your SSS number (if you remember it) or a specific appointment system via the My.SSS portal. It is advisable to check the current branch schedule before visiting.

Important Legal Reminders

Double Registration Warning: Under no circumstances should you apply for a new SSS number if you have forgotten your old one. Having multiple SSS numbers can lead to significant delays in benefit claims (such as sickness, maternity, or retirement) and requires a tedious "Manual Consolidation of Records" process.

Required Identification for Verification: To protect your data under the Data Privacy Act of 2012, SSS personnel will only release your number if you present:

Primary IDs: UMID Card, Passport, Driver's License, PRC ID, or Seaman's Book.
Secondary IDs: Voter's ID, PhilHealth ID, TIN Card, or Senior Citizen Card.

Would you like me to draft a formal email template you can use to request your SSS number from their support team?