Retrieving a Lost SSS Number Online in the Philippines

A complete legal-practical guide

1. Why an SSS Number Matters

The Social Security System (SSS) number is a permanent, lifetime identifier for every covered employee, self-employed or voluntary member under Republic Act (RA) 11199 (Social Security Act of 2018). It is required to:

receive sickness, maternity, disability, unemployment, retirement, funeral and death benefits;
transact with employers, government agencies (BIR, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG, DFA, LTO, etc.); and
record contributions that determine the amount of future benefits.

Possessing more than one SSS number is illegal and may lead to penalties or benefit delays under §28(b), RA 11199.

2. Legal Framework Behind Retrieval

Legal Source	Key Provisions Relevant to Lost-Number Retrieval
RA 11199 (SSS Act of 2018)	§4 establishes the SSS’ mandate to maintain members’ records; §24 directs the SSS to provide modern, technology-based systems for member inquiries.
SSS Circulars (various)	Require online registration (“My.SSS”) and permit digital submission of documentary proofs.
RA 10173 (Data Privacy Act of 2012)	Obligates SSS to verify the identity of anyone requesting personal data (e.g., your forgotten SSS number) and to secure that data during transmission.
Civil Service & Labor Regulations	Compel public and private employers to disclose an employee’s SSS number in pay slips, BIR Form 2316, and government contributions reports (R3, ML-2).

3. Before You Go Online – Quick Self-Check

Old documents: look at your E-1/E-4 form, UMID card, GSIS-SSS transfer form, pay slips, BIR Form 2316, contribution receipts, or loan vouchers.
Employer HR/payroll: employers are legally mandated under §19, RA 11199 to keep records of all employees’ SSS numbers.
UMID card: if you still have the card, the Common Reference Number (CRN) printed on it is accepted as your SSS number for most transactions.

If none of these work, proceed to the online methods below.

4. Fully Digital Methods to Retrieve Your SSS Number

All options are free. Have at least one valid government-issued ID ready to satisfy Data Privacy Act verification.

4.1 My.SSS Member Portal

The portal is hosted at https://member.sss.gov.ph.

Registered already?
- Click “Forgot User ID or Password” → choose either Email or Mobile OTP verification.
- Once you reset the password and log in, your SSS number appears at the top-left of the dashboard and under Member Info ➜ SSS Number/CRN.
Not yet registered?
- Choose “Register Here” ➜ Member”.
- Enter either your UMID details, a previous employer’s SSS number, or your mobile number (if you ever paid contributions via payment reference number, PRN).
- Complete the online form. After SSS validates the data (1 – 2 working days), you receive an email containing your SSS number and a link to create your My.SSS credentials.

Tip: If the initial validation fails online, an SSS officer will email you asking for a scanned or photographed valid ID held beside your face (“selfie verification”)—a Data Privacy-compliant practice adopted since Circular 2020-017.

4.2 SSS Mobile App

Available on iOS and Android.

Tap “Forgot User ID or Password” → supply the same information required in the web portal.
Upon successful reset, the app landing screen displays your SSS number under your name.

4.3 TextSSS / SMS Inquiry

Format: SSS <space> SSSNUMBER <space> PIN to 2600. If you have not set a mobile PIN before, text SSS REG <space> SSSNUMBER <space> MM/DD/YYYY (your birthdate).

This works only if you remember the number you are trying to retrieve, so it is more useful for confirming than for rediscovery. Nevertheless, many members discover their forgotten number because they previously registered for TextSSS.

4.4 Email Request (Member Relations Department)

Send an email to member_relations@sss.gov.ph with:

Subject: “Request for Retrieval of Forgotten SSS Number – [Your Full Name]”
Scanned valid ID (front and back);
Recent selfie holding the same ID;
Date of birth, mother’s maiden name, last employer (or “Voluntary/OFW”), and address;
Statement that you are requesting your own SSS number and consent to verification.

Expect a reply within 3–5 working days. The SSS will send your SSS number through an encrypted PDF or direct email message.

4.5 Official Social-Media Channels

Message the verified SSS Philippines Facebook page (blue-check) or Twitter/X account @PHLSSS. They will ask for the same documentary scans. Never share sensitive data on the public timeline; always use the page’s Secure Inbox. Replies take roughly 1–3 days.

4.6 Employer/HR-Assisted Retrieval (Online)

Your employer can:

Log into the SSS Employer Portal or SSS Mobile App for Employers;
Retrieve their R3 or contribution payment files where your SSS number appears beside your name;
Email or send it to you through a secure channel.

Employers must comply with §7(a) of the Data Privacy Act by transmitting the number only to you.

5. What If You Accidentally Get a New Number?

Multiple numbers violate §28(b) of RA 11199 and may lead to suspension of benefit claims until the records are merged.
File SS Form DA (Duplicate Application) online or onsite to consolidate records. You must indicate which number to keep (usually the first-issued number tied to contributions).
Supporting documents: both E-1/E-4 forms (if available) and a notarized affidavit stating circumstances of duplication.

6. Special Situations

Situation	Online Retrieval Tips
Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW)	Use My.SSS or email. For time-zone convenience, SSS has a 24/7 International Toll-Free Hotline (+632 8967 7777).
Non-Working Spouse	Your SSS number is different from your spouse’s. Register as voluntary member to gain portal access, even with zero contributions.
Kasambahay (Household Worker)	If the employer registered you, they must provide your number. You may register on My.SSS using the employer’s 10-digit SSS number for validation.
Self-Employed with Old manual records	Use any past RS-5 (Contributions Payment Form) or ML-1 (Loan Payment Form) receipt number as validation data in My.SSS.

7. Security & Data-Privacy Reminders

Never post your SSS number on social media comments.
Check that you are on https:// addresses (look for the padlock).
SSS officers never ask for passwords or one-time PINs.
Keep your recovery email and mobile number updated under My.SSS ➜ Member Info ➜ Update Contact Details to avoid repeating the retrieval process.

8. Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a fee to retrieve my SSS number? No. All digital channels are free.
How long does email verification take? Typically 3–5 working days; peak periods (e.g., December contribution rush) may extend this.
What IDs are accepted? Any of the SSS’ core IDs list: passport, driver’s license, UMID, PhilSys card, PRC ID, postal ID, voter’s ID, or two secondary IDs (company ID, school ID, birth certificate, etc.).
Can I authorize someone else? Yes, by giving a notarized Special Power of Attorney and copies of both your and the representative’s valid IDs. For online channels, the SSS will require a live video call.
What happens if my account gets locked? Email member_relations@sss.gov.ph with “Locked SSS Account” in the subject and follow the selfie-with-ID protocol.

9. Step-by-Step Quick-Reference Checklist

Search your documents (IDs, payslips, UMID, tax forms).
Try My.SSS “Forgot User ID/Password.”
Use the SSS Mobile App if the web portal fails.
Email member_relations@sss.gov.ph with ID & selfie.
Ask employer’s HR for R3 records.
Escalate via SSS social-media channels if still unresolved.
Book an online appointment for video verification as last resort.

10. Conclusion

Recovering a lost SSS number is straightforward, free, and law-backed. The most efficient route is the My.SSS portal or mobile app, both of which integrate Data Privacy Act safeguards. Always maintain updated contact details to protect your benefits and avoid future hassles. One number, for life—keep it safe.