Replacing a Lost SSS UMID Card in the Philippines
(Comprehensive legal-practice note, updated May 2 2025)
1. What the UMID Card Is—and Why It Matters
The Unified Multi-Purpose Identification (UMID) card is the government-wide ID issued by the Social Security System (SSS) (private-sector workers), GSIS (government workers) and PhilHealth/Pag-IBIG for those outside both systems. It stores biometric data on a contact-less smart-chip and doubles today as an ATM/debit card for benefit and loan releases once enrolled as a UMID ATM Pay Card (Upgrade to a UMID ATM Pay Card | Republic of the Philippines Social Security System).
Legal framework:
| Instrument | Key point | Citation |
|---|---|---|
| Executive Order 420 (2005) | Institutionalised the integrated government ID system and set out the 14 permissible data fields. | (Unified Multi-Purpose ID) |
| Executive Order 700 (2008) | Designated SSS to lead implementation. | (Unified Multi-Purpose ID) |
| Republic Act 11199 (Social Security Act of 2018) | Empowers SSS to issue ID instruments, authorises fees, and penalises forgery/false statements (fine up to ₱20 000 & imprisonment 6–12 yrs). | ([PDF] implementing rules and regulations of republic act no. 11199 or the ...) |
| KMU v. NEDA, G.R. 167798 (19 Apr 2006) | Supreme Court sustained the constitutionality of EO 420 and held that privacy safeguards are adequate. | (G.R. No. 167798 - LawPhil) |
| Data Privacy Act (RA 10173) & Cybercrime Act (RA 10175) | Apply to identity-theft or unauthorised disclosure of UMID data. | (Legal Rights and Privacy Concerns Over Unauthorized Posting of ...) |
2. Statutory Duty & Practical Imperative to Replace a Lost Card
There is no explicit deadline in the SSS law for reporting a lost UMID, but failing to do so:
- exposes the member to identity-theft risks and possible benefit diversion;
- deprives the member of a primary ID routinely required for on-site SSS transactions and for faster online claims (e.g., unemployment benefit filing requires UMID or two alternate IDs). (Unemployment Benefit | Republic of the Philippines Social ... - SSS, SSS reminds members of guidelines in filing of UMID Card ...)
3. Replacement Options (2025)
| Variant sought | Where filed | Processing standard | Release | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Non-ATM UMID (classic) | Any SSS branch/Service Office | 20 working days | Pick-up at same branch | ₱200 |
| UMID ATM Pay Card (UnionBank pilot nationwide) | SSS and UnionBank app (after SSS consent) | 20 working days at SSS + 15–20 banking days for card personalisation | Pick-up/delivery by UnionBank | ₱200* |
*Free if the original “generic” UMID has not yet been released and member opts to upgrade instead of replace. (Upgrade to a UMID ATM Pay Card | Republic of the Philippines Social Security System)
Processing-time commitments come from the 2023 SSS Citizen’s Charter: 20 days for card production + <8 data-preserve-html-node="true" minutes for over-the-counter release .
4. Documentary Requirements (Lost-Card Scenario)
- UMID Card Application Form (download at SSS website).
- One primary government ID or any two secondary IDs (both with signature, one with photo) .
- Notarised Affidavit of Loss (original). The SSS accepts any standard form; branches will supply a template if needed. Police-blotter is optional unless fraud is suspected. (Upgrade to a UMID ATM Pay Card - SSS, How to Get Your SSS UMID Card Fast and Easy - AanyaHR)
- SSS R-6 Miscellaneous Payment Form / proof of payment for the ₱200 fee.
- Letter of Authority/Special Power of Attorney + IDs of both parties if filed through a representative .
5. Step-by-Step Procedure
| Member action | SSS action & legal note |
|---|---|
| A. Schedule an appointment via My.SSS » Member Info → Appointment System → UMID Card Application (or walk-in if branch allows number-coding). | SSS may refuse service without prior booking during peak periods. (SSS reminds members of guidelines in filing of UMID Card ...) |
| B. Pay ₱200 at any SSS tellering window, accredited bank, or GCash/PayMaya using PRN, and keep the Official Receipt. | Fee authorised under RA 11199; income recognised as “Income from ID replacement” (₱36.6 M in FY 2023). ([PDF] Proof of Accomplishment – Third Quarter - SSS) |
| C. Submit forms & IDs on appointment day; capture biometrics (photo, fingerprints, signature). | Data capture is done under EO 420 safeguards; false statements punishable under RA 11199 §28(e). |
| D. Track status via My.SSS or SMS. | SSS routes data to PSA for biometric deduplication; card printing & quality control within 19 days. |
| E. Claim card: bring the receipt & one ID (or authorisation). For UMID-ATM, claim at designated UnionBank branch or wait for courier. | Release target: 8 minutes at branch; bank delivery 15–20 banking days (Metro Manila vs provinces). ([Upgrade to a UMID ATM Pay Card |
Members abroad may file at Philippine Embassies/Consulates hosting SSS Foreign Representative Offices or authorise a representative at home; notarisation may follow host-country rules (e.g., MECO format for Taiwan). ([PDF] AFFIDAVIT OF LOSS (of UMID) - Manila Economic and Cultural Office)
6. After-Replacement Housekeeping
- Update My.SSS → Disbursement Account Enrollment Module (DAEM) to register the new card number if you intend to receive benefits/loans through it.
- Secure old card if later found—it remains government property; surrendering it avoids dual-card issues that can delay future claims. Possessing or using a forged/altered UMID exposes the holder to RA 11199 penalties (fine ₱5 000–20 000; prison 6–12 yrs). ([PDF] implementing rules and regulations of republic act no. 11199 or the ...)
- Report identity theft: file a police blotter and notify SSS Integrity Management Department; privacy breaches may constitute cyber-offences under RA 10175. (Legal Rights and Privacy Concerns Over Unauthorized Posting of ...)
7. Frequently Asked Practical Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can I file wholly online? | No. As of May 2025 SSS still requires in-person biometric capture for replacements, though the appointment & payment steps are online. |
| Do I need a police report? | Only if the loss involves suspected criminal use; SSS itself needs only the notarised Affidavit of Loss. |
| What if my civil status has changed? | File Member Data Change Request (E-4) before the UMID application to avoid two replacement fees. |
| Is the fee refundable if the card is recovered? | No. The replacement process cannot be cancelled once biometric capture has been completed. |
| How long is the card valid? | Indefinite. Replacement is warranted only for loss, damage, data amendments, or upgrade to ATM. |
8. Compliance Tips for Lawyers & HR Officers
- Embed replacement cost-sharing in employment policies (the fee is a personal expense, but companies often advance it).
- Conduct ID-theft briefings: remind employees to de-activate My.SSS “password hint” and enable two-factor authentication once the card goes missing.
- Use template affidavits vetted for PDPA-compliant disclosure (avoid unnecessary personal data).
- Monitor branch advisories; SSS occasionally suspends biometrics capture during system upgrades or pandemic surges—reset appointments accordingly.
- Keep evidence of replacement filing for audit; some SSS benefit claims (e.g., short-term loans) require the receipt number of the current UMID.
Bottom Line
Replacing a lost UMID card in 2025 is straightforward but strictly paper-backed: ₱200 fee, notarised Affidavit of Loss, valid IDs, and a branch visit for biometrics. Advise clients to book early, pay online, and guard the replacement card—the legal consequences of misuse are severe, and the UMID remains the fastest key to virtually all SSS e-services.