How to Retrieve Your SSS UMID CRN Number in the Philippines

This guide is written for the Philippine context. It’s practical, policy-aware, and designed to help you recover—or confirm—the UMID Common Reference Number (CRN) safely. It is general information, not legal advice.

Quick primer

What is the UMID CRN? The Common Reference Number (CRN) is the unique identifier used under the government’s Unified Multi-Purpose ID (UMID) system. It links your records across agencies that adopted UMID—primarily SSS, GSIS, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG. The CRN stays with you for life.

Is the CRN the same as my SSS number? No.

SSS Number = your membership/account number for SSS contributions and benefits.
UMID CRN = the UMID system identifier printed on your UMID card and used for cross-agency interoperability.

Is the CRN the same as the PhilSys (national ID) number? No. PhilSys uses the PSN/PCN (different identifiers). Do not confuse or interchange them.

Where you might already find your CRN

On your physical UMID card It’s printed prominently on the front of the card and labeled “CRN.” (It’s a unique numeric identifier; formats on cards vary by issuance batch.)
On earlier UMID paperwork Old UMID application stubs or branch printouts can sometimes show the CRN. Be careful not to confuse application/transaction reference numbers with the CRN.

Tip: If you still have your old SSS ID (blue plastic), that card shows only the SSS number, not a UMID CRN.

If you don’t have the card on hand: legitimate ways to retrieve the CRN

Because the CRN is sensitive personal information, agencies will only release it after identity verification. Expect to show ID and answer knowledge-based questions (e.g., mother’s maiden name, birth date, recent contributions, address).

A) Request it from an SSS Branch (most reliable)

What to bring

Your SSS number
At least two valid government-issued photo IDs (originals)
If your name changed: supporting civil registry documents (e.g., PSA marriage certificate, court order)

What to do

Queue for Member Services/Records Verification.
Inform the officer you need your UMID CRN.
Complete any verification/acknowledgment slip they provide.
The officer can disclose or print the CRN after verifying your identity.
- If you need a certified printout, ask if a certification fee applies.

If you’re overseas (OFW)

You may authorize a representative to visit an SSS branch on your behalf (see Representatives below). Some SSS foreign posts or consulates also offer limited services—confirm directly with them.

B) Through SSS remote support channels

SSS may confirm your CRN after full identity verification through its officially published contact points (call center, help portal, or email forms). For privacy, front-line staff often avoid giving the CRN over ordinary phone or social media chat; they may instead:

Ask you to visit a branch, or
Provide a secure, documented way to receive it (e.g., branch pickup or a redacted certification).

Expect stricter controls if the request is purely remote. Never share your full CRN or images of your ID with unverified pages.

C) Via your My.SSS online account (what to realistically expect)

The My.SSS portal is excellent for checking contributions, benefits, and UMID application status, but the CRN itself is not always displayed online. Treat any CRN shown on-screen as sensitive and avoid screenshots. If you can’t see it in your account, revert to Branch retrieval.

You don’t have a CRN yet if…

You never applied for a UMID card or
Your UMID application never completed biometric capture/encoding.

Solution: Apply for UMID (see UMID application basics below). The CRN is created/associated during enrollment and is then printed on your card.

Lost, stolen, or damaged UMID card (and you need the CRN)

Report the loss to SSS and apply for replacement.
Prepare typical requirements:
- UMID Card Application/Reissue form (commonly referred to as UMID E-6 or its current version)
- Valid IDs (2)
- Affidavit of Loss (if card is lost)
- Supporting civil registry documents for any data change (name/birthdate corrections, etc.)
Pay the replacement fee (per SSS’ current schedule).
Biometric capture if required.
Claim your new card; your CRN remains the same (the card is replaced, not the identity).

While your replacement is in process, you can still ask the branch to disclose your CRN (after verifying your identity) if you urgently need it for transactions.

Using a representative (family member or agent)

If you cannot appear personally:

Provide a signed Authorization Letter that clearly states:
- You authorize [Representative’s Full Name] to request and receive your UMID CRN from SSS.
- Your full name, SSS number, and date of birth.
- Acknowledgment that the CRN is sensitive and may be disclosed to the representative for the limited purpose of the transaction.
Attach photocopies of your valid IDs and the representative’s valid IDs (bring originals for verification).
For non-immediate family or higher-risk transactions, SSS may ask for a Special Power of Attorney (SPA). Use a Philippine-notarized SPA or, if executed abroad, have it consularized/apostilled as applicable.

SSS has discretion to require personal appearance for sensitive requests. Representatives should be prepared for follow-up or limited disclosure.

Special scenarios

Dual-covered members (SSS + GSIS): You should have only one UMID CRN. If both institutions issued cards, the CRN should be the same. If you suspect duplication, escalate at the branch for record consolidation.
Name or civil status change: Your CRN does not change; file a member data amendment and, if needed, request a card reprint reflecting the correct details.
Deceased members: Next-of-kin or legal representatives retrieving the CRN to process benefits must present proof of death, relationship, and authority (e.g., death certificate, birth/marriage proof, SPA/letters of administration, and valid IDs). SSS may release the CRN only as part of the benefits claims workflow.
Minors: Parent/guardian must show proof of filiation/guardianship and valid IDs.

Data privacy & security (why release is strict)

The CRN is sensitive personal information under the Data Privacy Act of 2012 (R.A. 10173).
Agencies limit disclosure to protect you against identity theft and fraudulent claims.
Do not post your CRN publicly or share it through unverified channels.
When requesting your CRN, prefer in-person or official, secure channels. Keep copies offline and redact when not necessary.

Legal & policy backdrop (plain-English)

Executive Order No. 420 (2005) established the UMID system to streamline government ID processes.
Executive Order No. 700 (2008) directed wider adoption of UMID across agencies.
Social Security Act of 2018 (R.A. 11199) governs SSS membership, records, and benefits administration.
Data Privacy Act of 2012 (R.A. 10173) and its IRR regulate the collection and disclosure of personal data like the CRN.
PhilSys Act (R.A. 11055) created the national ID with separate identifiers (PSN/PCN), distinct from the UMID CRN.

(These citations are for orientation; agencies issue circulars and FAQs that refine day-to-day procedure.)

UMID application or reissue (nutshell)

Eligibility: SSS members in good standing with posted contributions (minimums/conditions apply by circular).
Form: Use the current UMID application/reissue form (commonly referred to as UMID E-6 or successor).
Book/Walk in: Follow the active appointment/queuing rules of the branch/service office.
Biometrics: Photo, signature, fingerprints.
Fee: First issue is typically free; reprints/replacements carry a fee per latest schedule.
Release: Card is delivered or claimed per branch instruction; CRN is printed on the card.

Frequently asked questions

Can SSS tell me my CRN over the phone? Not usually. Due to privacy controls, they often require in-person verification or a secure workflow.

I see a long number in my application receipt—Is that my CRN? Not necessarily. Receipts often carry transaction or reference numbers. Verify with SSS.

Can I use my SSS number wherever a CRN is asked? No. When a form specifically asks for UMID CRN, they want the UMID identifier.

Does my CRN expire? No. The card can be reissued; the CRN remains the same.

My details changed—do I get a new CRN? No. Update your member data; reissue the card if you need the change reflected on the face of the card.

Practical checklists

For a branch visit to retrieve CRN

SSS number
Two valid government IDs (originals)
Proof of name change (if applicable)
Authorization Letter + IDs (if sending a representative)
SPA (if SSS requires it for your case)

For an Affidavit of Loss (if replacing card) – basic contents

Your full name, date of birth, SSS number
Statement of loss (when/where/how)
Declaration the card has not been used for fraud
Request for replacement
Signature before a notary public

Do’s & Don’ts

Safekeep your CRN in a secure, private record.
Use official SSS channels for retrieval.
Bring more than one ID to the branch to avoid repeat trips.

Don’t

Post your CRN online or send it to unverified accounts.
Assume reference numbers are the CRN.
Authorize someone you don’t fully trust to retrieve your CRN.

Bottom line

If you have the card, your CRN is printed on it.
If you don’t have the card, the SSS branch is the most dependable way to retrieve the CRN after identity verification.
Remote disclosure is restricted; be ready for in-person confirmation or a secure, documented release.
If you’ve never applied for UMID, enroll first—your CRN is created/associated at enrollment and printed on the card.

If you want, I can draft a one-page authorization letter or an Affidavit of Loss template tailored to your specifics (name, representative, branch, etc.).