Replacement Process for a Lost SSS ID (UMID) Card
Philippines – Legal & Practical Guide (June 2025 update)
Scope – This article covers (1) the statutory basis; (2) documentary requirements; (3) step-by-step procedures at the Social Security System (SSS); (4) costs, timelines & common pitfalls; and (5) answers to frequently-asked questions. It applies to both the legacy blue SSS ID and the current Unified Multi-Purpose ID (UMID), which has been the default card since 2011.
1. Legal Framework
| Instrument | Key Provisions Relevant to Replacement |
|---|---|
| Republic Act No. 11199 (Social Security Act of 2018) | §4(h)-(i) empowers the SSS to issue, cancel and replace ID cards; §28 penalizes fraud or misrepresentation involving SSS numbers or IDs (₱5 000–₱20 000 fine or 6-12 years imprisonment). |
| Executive Order No. 420 (2005) | Creates the Unified ID System; authorises participating agencies—including SSS—to issue “UMID” cards and set replacement rules. |
| SSS Circulars & Office Orders (e.g., Circular 2014-010, 2019-012) | Fix the current replacement fee (₱200), prescribe the E-6 Form for lost/damaged cards, and require personal biometrics capture. |
| Data Privacy Act of 2012 (RA 10173) | Loss of an ID containing a member’s CRN/SS number counts as a potential data breach; members are urged to report promptly. |
2. When Is Replacement Required?
- Loss or Theft – card is missing, presumed permanently unavailable.
- Damage / Illegibility – photo, signature, or chip is unreadable.
- Change of Personal Data – e.g., correction of name, change of marital status (there is a separate sub-option on the same E-6 form).
A lost card does not affect your SSS number or benefits; only the physical credential is replaced.
3. Documentary Requirements (Lost Card)
| Item | Notes |
|---|---|
| SSS Form E-6 – “Application for Replacement Social Security Card (SSS/UMID)” | Download in advance or pick up at any branch; one copy. |
| Affidavit of Loss (original & 1 photocopy) | Notarised; state the circumstances, last place/date seen, and that the card has not been used fraudulently. |
| Valid Supporting ID (original & photocopy) | Any government ID bearing photo & signature; if all IDs were also lost, present birth certificate + Barangay clearance. |
| Payment Receipt (₱200) | Pay at the branch Teller or via an SSS-accredited payment centre (GCash/Bayad, etc.) – keep the Official Receipt (OR). |
| Appointment Reference (print-out / digital) | Generated after booking a slot via My.SSS or the SSS Mobile App. |
Tip: A police blotter is not strictly required by SSS, but submitting one speeds up fraud adjudication if someone later misuses your lost card.
4. Step-by-Step Procedure
| # | Action | Where / How | Notes & Pitfalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Report the loss ASAP | Log in to My.SSS > UMID/ID Card Services > Report Lost Card. | Flags the old card as invalid in SSS records. |
| 2 | Book a branch appointment | Same portal/app → choose preferred branch & slot. | Walk-ins are usually refused except for senior citizens/PWDs. |
| 3 | Prepare documents & pay the fee | Pay ₱200 before the appointment if off-site; or pay at the Teller on the day. | Fee is non-refundable. |
| 4 | Branch visit | Present E-6, affidavits, IDs, OR. Officer checks and issues Transaction No. | Wear proper attire; no caps/sunglasses. |
| 5 | Biometric capture | Digital photo, fingerprints, electronic signature. | Even if SSS already has your biometrics, they must retake to prevent identity fraud. |
| 6 | Acknowledgement stub & claiming option | Choose: (a) Pick-up at the same branch; or (b) P.O. delivery (PhilPost) for additional ₱60 door-to-door fee. | Turnaround is counted from this date. |
| 7 | Card production & release | Average lead time: 30–60 days (Metro Manila branches) or 6–10 weeks (regional). Check status in My.SSS. | |
| 8 | Claim / Receive the card | Show stub + any ID; thumb-mark & sign logbook. | Cards unclaimed after 6 months are destroyed; you pay again. |
5. Fees & Timelines (Quick View)
| Particular | Amount | Legal Source | Usual Processing Time* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Replacement fee (lost/damaged) | ₱200 | SSS Circular 2014-010 | 1–2 months |
| Door-to-door courier (optional) | ₱60 | Post Office rate card | +7 days (Metro), +14 days (provincial) |
| Additional penalty if found using lost ID fraudulently | ₱5 000–₱20 000 or 6-12 years jail | RA 11199 §28 | N/A |
*Working days; excludes force majeure or government-wide system upgrades.
6. What Happens to the Old Card?
- Once reported, the card’s Common Reference Number (CRN) is tagged “Cancelled – Lost” in the SSS central database.
- If someone tries to use the card at an SSS branch, teller stations flag the CRN and seize the card.
- If you later recover the card, do not use it; surrender it to SSS to avoid the appearance of double identities.
7. Data-Privacy & Identity-Theft Concerns
- The UMID’s magnetic stripe and embedded smart-chip contain your SS number, signature code and demographic data.
- Prompt reporting short-circuits possible loan scams or illicit benefit claims.
- Under the Data Privacy Act, SSS must notify you if a third party attempts an unauthorized transaction with your lost card. Keep your contact info updated in My.SSS.
8. Special Situations
| Scenario | Additional Steps |
|---|---|
| Member is abroad | Execute a Consularised Affidavit of Loss; email copy to ofw.relations@sss.gov.ph; book the nearest SSS Foreign Office (HK, Dubai, etc.) for biometrics during home leave. |
| Member is bedridden / PWD | Authorise a representative via Special Power of Attorney; attach doctor’s certificate; rep signs E-6 and still books a branch visit for biometrics capture on-site. |
| Member is deceased, card is lost | The heirs need not replace the card; they file Death Benefit claims directly with other documents (death certificate, CENOMAR, etc.). |
9. Frequently Asked Questions
Do I get a new SS number? – No. Your SS Number and CRN stay the same. Only the physical medium changes.
Can I process everything online? – Not yet. Submission of forms and biometrics continue to require personal appearance (or SPA-authorized rep).
Is the ₱200 fee ever waived? – Waived only if the loss is due to an SSS error (e.g., incorrect encoding requiring reissue). Natural disasters, theft, or personal negligence are not grounds for a waiver.
What if the card was stolen and used for a salary loan? – File a sworn dispute within 30 days of learning of the fraud. SSS conducts an internal probe; if fraud is proven, the loan is written off against the guaranty fund, and you receive a fresh card for free.
I lost my ID before it was delivered—do I still pay ₱200? – Yes. Once a card leaves SSS custody, replacement fees apply regardless of prior receipt.
10. Best-Practice Tips
- Photocopy or digitally scan your UMID as soon as you receive it.
- Enable email/SMS notifications in My.SSS so you catch any activity instantly.
- Store your Affidavit of Loss PDF in a cloud drive for paperless transactions with banks and government agencies that merely need proof of replacement in progress.
- Track production via My.SSS > UMID Card Status Inquiry every two weeks rather than calling the hotline daily.
11. Key Contact Channels (as of June 2025)
| Service | Details |
|---|---|
| SSS Hotline (PH) | 1455 (mobile) or (02) 8920-6446 (landline) – 24 × 7 IVRS + agents 8 a.m.–5 p.m. weekdays |
| idreplacement@sss.gov.ph | |
| Facebook / X | @SSSPhOfficial – accepts DM copies of OR & stub for status follow-up |
| SSS Mobile App | Android / iOS → “UMID Card Replacement” widget |
| Philippine Post helpdesk | (02) 8527-0133 (for undelivered cards) |
12. Penalties for False Reporting
Submitting a fabricated Affidavit of Loss to avoid the ₱200 fee constitutes false representation under RA 11199. Offenders face:
- Administrative fine (₱5 000–₱20 000); and/or
- Criminal prosecution: 6 years & 1 day to 12 years imprisonment (prision mayor) at the discretion of the court.
13. Conclusion & Disclaimer
Replacing a lost SSS or UMID card is straightforward if you:
- Report the loss promptly;
- Prepare the notarised affidavit and a valid ID;
- Book an appointment via My.SSS;
- Pay the ₱200 fee and undergo fresh biometrics.
While this guide reflects rules in force as of June 21 2025, the SSS periodically amends fees and procedures. Always verify with your servicing branch or the official SSS website before filing.
This article is for general information and is not a substitute for personalized legal advice. For complex or disputed cases, consult a Philippine lawyer specializing in social-security matters.