The Social Security System (SSS) administers the mandatory social security program for private sector workers, self-employed individuals, voluntary members, and Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) under Republic Act No. 11199, the Social Security Act of 2018. This law rationalizes and expands the powers of the Social Security Commission to ensure the long-term viability of the SSS while providing protection against contingencies such as sickness, maternity, disability, old age, death, and unemployment.
Every member receives a unique 10-digit SSS number upon registration, which serves as the primary identifier for contributions, benefit claims, loans, and access to online services. The My.SSS online portal and mobile application enable members to view contribution records, file claims, apply for loans, and update information remotely. Forgetting the SSS number or losing access to the My.SSS account disrupts these processes. Philippine law and SSS administrative rules establish clear, secure mechanisms for recovery while upholding data confidentiality under the Data Privacy Act of 2012 (Republic Act No. 10173).
Legal Basis for Recovery Procedures
Section 27 of RA 11199 requires the SSS to maintain accurate and complete member records. Section 24 emphasizes confidentiality of member data. Any recovery process involves identity verification to prevent fraud, with penalties for false statements or fraudulent claims under Article 172 of the Revised Penal Code, including fines and imprisonment. The SSS implements these through its Citizen’s Charter, which outlines standardized processing times and documentary requirements for transparency and efficiency. Digital recovery channels comply with the Electronic Commerce Act (Republic Act No. 8792) for secure online transactions.
Recovering a Forgotten SSS Number
Members do not need to apply for a new number if the original remains valid. Recovery relies on matching personal details in SSS records.
Digital Methods
My.SSS Portal
Visit https://member.sss.gov.ph or the official SSS website (www.sss.gov.ph). Navigate to the login section and select “Forgot User ID / Password” or the dedicated “Retrieve SS Number” option. Provide full name (as registered), date of birth, and other identifiers such as mother’s maiden name or place of birth. Upon successful verification, the SSS number is displayed or sent to the registered email or mobile number via one-time password (OTP).SSS Mobile Application
Download the official MySSS Mobile App from authorized app stores. Follow the same retrieval flow as the web portal, including CAPTCHA and security verification.USSD/Text Service
For Globe or TM subscribers, dial *143# on the mobile phone, select “SSS” → “Member Services” → “Forgot SS Number?” Provide required personal details for verification. The number is sent via SMS to the registered mobile.
Traditional and Assisted Methods
SSS Hotline
Call the toll-free hotline 1455 (available for landlines; mobile users dial (02) 8920-6446 or the equivalent international access code). Prepare to answer verification questions on full name, date and place of birth, mother’s maiden name, and employment history. A customer service representative provides the SSS number after identity confirmation or guides the caller to the nearest branch.In-Person Branch Visit
Proceed to the nearest SSS branch (locatable via the official SSS website branch directory). Submit a request for member record verification or data inquiry. Processing is typically same-day for straightforward cases.Required Documents (original and photocopy):
- Primary: PSA-issued Birth Certificate (or Baptismal Certificate if birth certificate is unavailable).
- Valid government-issued photo IDs (at least one or two, depending on the branch): PhilSys ID (ePhilID or National ID), Passport, Driver’s License, Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) ID, UMID Card, SSS Digitized ID, Seaman’s Book, GSIS Card, or other acceptable IDs listed on the official SSS website.
- In the absence of primary documents, two secondary IDs bearing the correct name (at least one with date of birth) may suffice, such as Voter’s ID, Postal ID, or Barangay Certificate with photo.
- For name discrepancies (e.g., due to marriage), submit PSA Marriage Certificate or Court Order of name change.
Fill out the appropriate form (e.g., Member Data Change Request or inquiry form) and undergo biometric or manual verification.
Employers may also retrieve an employee’s SSS number through their Employer portal after proper authorization, subject to the same privacy rules.
For long-inactive or pre-1980s records, the same channels apply, though additional historical verification (e.g., old E-1 form or contribution records) may be requested.
Recovering Access to the My.SSS Online Account
Access to My.SSS requires the SSS number as the primary User ID, plus a password and registered contact details. Recovery assumes the member already knows or has retrieved the SSS number.
Forgotten User ID or Password
- Go to the My.SSS login page (https://member.sss.gov.ph).
- Click “Forgot User ID / Password.”
- Select the Member account type.
- Choose an option:
Option 1: Registered Email – Enter the SSS number or email; a reset link or OTP is sent to the registered email.
Option 2: Security Questions – Answer the pre-set security questions (e.g., mother’s maiden name, first school attended). - Nominate a new strong password following SSS format requirements (combination of letters, numbers, and special characters).
- Complete SMS-OTP verification if enabled on the account.
Locked or Inaccessible Accounts
Multiple failed login attempts trigger temporary lockout. Wait for the automatic cooldown period (usually 30 minutes to 24 hours) and retry. For persistent lockouts or when the registered email/mobile is no longer accessible:
- Visit an SSS branch to update contact information.
- Submit a request to reset or unlock the account, supported by valid IDs and proof of ownership (e.g., old contribution statements).
- Once contacts are updated, perform the online password reset.
The SSS has implemented SMS-OTP and optional Time-based One-Time Password (TOTP) via authenticator apps (e.g., Google Authenticator) for enhanced security. Members are encouraged to set up TOTP during recovery.
Updating Records for Seamless Recovery
If name, civil status, or contact details have changed:
- Submit Member Data Change Request (Form E-4) at a branch with supporting documents (PSA Marriage Certificate, Birth Certificate of children, valid IDs).
- Name corrections require PSA-authenticated documents.
- Updated email and mobile numbers are critical for OTP-based resets and notifications.
Special Circumstances
- Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and Immigrants: Use the online portal, mobile app, or international SSS service centers. Bilateral social security agreements may apply for record access. OFWs can verify via the SSS website’s dedicated section for Filipinos abroad.
- Name Changes or Multiple Records: Marriage, legal adoption, or gender correction requires PSA documents and a branch visit to consolidate records under one SSS number.
- Deceased Members: Beneficiaries or legal representatives must present death certificate, birth certificates of dependents, and proof of relationship to claim benefits or inquire on records.
- Minors or Dependents: Parents or guardians handle recovery with the minor’s documents.
Security, Privacy, and Fraud Prevention
All recovery processes incorporate multi-factor verification to comply with data privacy laws. The SSS never requests full passwords, OTPs, or banking details via unsolicited calls, emails, or messages. Members must:
- Use only official channels (sss.gov.ph domain, MySSS app, 1455 hotline).
- Avoid sharing personal information on social media or unverified sites.
- Report suspected scams to the SSS or the National Privacy Commission.
Violations involving fraudulent recovery attempts are punishable under the Social Security Act and the Revised Penal Code.
Best Practices to Prevent Loss of Access
- Immediately record the SSS number upon issuance and store it securely (encrypted digital vault or offline backup).
- Regularly log into My.SSS to verify and update email, mobile number, and security questions.
- Enable TOTP authentication.
- Use a password manager for strong, unique credentials.
- Keep physical documents (E-1 form, UMID or MySSS Card) in a safe place.
- Monitor contribution records periodically to detect discrepancies early.