How to Retrieve a Forgotten SSS Number in the Philippines

A Comprehensive Legal Guide (updated 10 July 2025)

1. Overview

The Social Security System (SSS) number is every Filipino worker’s unique identifier for social security contributions and benefit claims. Losing or forgetting it does not cancel your membership, but you cannot transact—file a loan, claim sickness or maternity benefits, or update records—until you provide the correct number. This guide explains all legally recognized avenues for retrieving a lost SSS number, with practical check-lists, governing rules, and privacy caveats.

2. Legal Foundations

Law / Issuance	Key Provisions Relevant to Retrieval
Republic Act (RA) 1161 – Social Security Act of 1954 (as amended) and RA 11199 – Social Security Act of 2018	Establish mandatory coverage and registration requirements; empower the SSS to issue rules on record-keeping and member identification.
SSS Circular 2014-010	Recognizes My.SSS Portal credentials—User ID + password tied to an SSS number—as equivalent to a physical SSS ID for online transactions.
SSS Office Order 2019-065	Allows member number verification through Customer Assistance Section upon presentation of at least one primary ID or two secondary IDs.
Data Privacy Act of 2012 (RA 10173) & NPC Advisory Opinions	Require lawful, proportional collection of personal data during verification; oblige SSS to protect member information.
Anti–Red Tape Act (RA 9485) & Ease of Doing Business Act (RA 11032)	Impose service-time standards (e.g., 30 minutes for simple frontline transactions such as number verification).

3. Pre-retrieval Checklist

Prepare Valid Identification
- Primary: Philippine Passport, UMID/PhilSys Card, Driver’s License, PRC ID
- Secondary (any two): PSA birth certificate, company ID, school ID, voter’s ID, barangay clearance, TIN card, PhilHealth ID, postal ID (new)
Gather Personal Reference Data
- Complete name (including middle name and suffix)
- Date & place of birth
- Mother’s maiden name
- Employer details or self-employed business information
Determine the Most Convenient Channel (see Section 4).
Have a stable internet connection (if using online methods).

4. Official Retrieval Channels & Procedures

4.1 My.SSS Portal (Desktop or Mobile App)

Step	Action	Notes
1	Go to https://member.sss.gov.ph or open the SSS Mobile App.	Site uses HTTPS & CAPTCHA.
2	Click “Forgot User ID / Password”.	System asks for either registered e-mail or SSS number—naturally you’re missing the latter, so choose e-mail.
3	Complete security questions (birthdate, mother’s maiden name, etc.).	Answers must exactly match SSS database.
4	Receive a reset link via e-mail.	The e-mail reveals your SSS number in the greeting line.
5	Screenshot, copy, or write down the number.	Keep it confidential.

If you also forgot or never verified your e-mail, proceed to 4.3 Call Center or 4.4 Branch Walk-in for identity verification.

4.2 USSD / Text-SSS

Dial *143# (for Globe/TM) → “SSS” → “Member Services” → “Forgot SS Number?”
Enter birth date (MMDDYYYY) and mobile PIN (registered via SSS Text Registration).
An SMS returns your number.

Note: This channel is limited to pre-enrolled mobile numbers under SSS Text Program Circular 2018-013.

4.3 SSS Call Center Hotline

Metro Manila: (02) 8-1455 (8am–5 pm, Monday–Friday)
Toll-free (domestic): 1-800-10-2255777 Steps

Prepare IDs. The agent will ask security questions.
State your intent: “Verify lost SSS number.”
The agent provides the number verbally; you must repeat it back for confirmation.
They will NOT e-mail or text the number for privacy reasons.

4.4 Branch Walk-in (Customer Assistance Section)

Secure an appointment via Appointment System on the SSS website or walk-in during designated member-days (based on the last digit of your SSS number—if unknown, choose any day).
Present IDs; fill out a Member Data Change Request (SSS Form E-4) but tick “Verification only.”
The staff prints your member record or writes the number on the form.
Processing time: 15–30 minutes (simple transaction standard).

4.5 Through Employer or HR Department

Employers may retrieve employee numbers via the Employer Portal under “Employee Static Information.”
Allowed by SSS Circular 2021-002 but only for active employees and with written consent (Data Privacy compliance).

4.6 E-mail Request

Send to member_relations@sss.gov.ph or the branch e-mail indicated on Directory of Branches.
Attach scanned IDs and a signed letter requesting “Verification of forgotten SSS number.”
Response time: 3–7 working days.

Tip: Use encrypted PDF attachments and mark as “Password: YYYYMMDD (your birthdate)” to align with NPC best-practice advisories.

5. Special Situations

Scenario	Prescribed Action	Legal Basis
Multiple SSS Numbers Issued (common before 2014 automation)	File E-4 to “cancel” the extra number(s) and consolidate contributions.	SSS Office Order 2015-063
No Birth Certificate / Name Discrepancy	Submit Affidavit of Discrepancy + supporting IDs, then retrieve number.	RA 11032; Civil Registry Law
Deceased Member (beneficiary needs the number)	Present death certificate + proof of relationship; request via Branch Claims Section.	SSS Survivor’s Benefit Rules
Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs)	Write or call OFW Contact Center (+632 7917-7777) or any Philippine embassy with SSS Desk.	SSS OFW Circular 2004-048
Naturalized / Dual Citizens	Same as locals; ensure foreign passport + Certificate of Re-Acquisition (if applicable).	RA 9225

6. Data Privacy & Security Reminders

Least Disclosure Principle – SSS discloses only the SSS number, not full contribution details, absent specific authorization.
Retention – Keep your number in a password manager or an encrypted file.
Prohibited Acts – Selling or sharing another person’s SSS number violates §28 of RA 11199 and §25 of RA 10173 (penalties: up to ₱1 million and/or imprisonment).

7. Penalties for Misuse or Multiple Registration

Violation	Penalty
Applying for a second SSS number to evade loan delinquency	₱5 000 – ₱20 000 fine + imprisonment 6 years-1 day → 12 years (RA 11199 §28[h]).
Employer’s failure to update or retrieve employee numbers leading to delinquent remittances	2% per month penalty on contributions + criminal liability (RA 11199 §22-a).
Unauthorized retrieval/disclosure by SSS personnel	Administrative sanctions + criminal liability under RA 10173.

8. Practical Tips to Avoid Losing Your SSS Number Again

Enroll in My.SSS and write the number on the enrollment confirmation print-out.
Add the number as a contact note in your mobile phone (label it discreetly).
Include the number in your UMID or PhilSys application; both IDs bear the SSS number.
For employers: incorporate SSS number fields into HRIS onboarding forms.

9. Frequently Asked Questions

Question	Answer
How long does online retrieval take?	If you still control your registered e-mail, 5 minutes.
Is there a fee?	Retrieval per se is free; photocopying of records costs ₱2 per page under SSS Schedule of Fees.
Can I retrieve using a birth certificate alone?	Yes, but you need one additional ID if choosing onsite verification.
Does the PhilSys Number (PSN) replace the SSS number?	No. The PSN is a national ID; SSS number remains the unique account identifier for social security.
What if I never had an SSS number but thought I did?	SSS will confirm “No record.” You must apply for a new number via online registration, not “retrieve.”

10. Conclusion

Retrieving a forgotten SSS number is straightforward provided you prepare valid identification and choose the channel that best suits your situation—online self-service for speed, call center or branch visit for cases without e-mail access, or employer assistance for active employees. Keep abreast of future circulars, as the SSS continues to digitize services under the Ease of Doing Business mandate. Safeguard your SSS number once recovered; it is both a right and a responsibility under Philippine social legislation.

(This article is for informational purposes; consult the SSS or a qualified lawyer for case-specific advice.)