The Social Security System (SSS) serves as the primary social insurance program for workers in the private, informal, and self-employed sectors in the Philippines. Mandated by Republic Act No. 11199, also known as the Social Security Act of 2018, membership provides a safety net against the financial burdens of disability, sickness, maternity, old age, death, and other contingencies.

Understanding the legal requirements and the transition toward digital registration is essential for compliance and for securing future social security benefits.

I. Categories of Membership

Membership in the SSS is classified into two main types: Compulsory and Voluntary.

1. Compulsory Coverage

Private Employees: All employees not over 60 years of age, including domestic workers (kasambahays) earning at least ₱1,000 per month.
Self-Employed Persons: Professionals, partners in a business, single proprietors, and actors/athletes earning at least ₱8,000 annually.
Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs): All sea-based and land-based OFWs are now subject to compulsory coverage under the new law.
Employers: Any person or entity who uses the services of another person for business or household tasks.

2. Voluntary Coverage

Separated Members: Former compulsory members who are no longer employed but wish to continue paying contributions to maintain eligibility.
Non-Working Spouses: Legally married to an active SSS member, provided they devote full time to managing the household and have no independent source of income.

II. Documentary Requirements

The SSS follows a strict "Primary Documents" rule. To register and obtain an SS Number, an applicant must present the original or a certified true copy of any of the following:

Primary Documents (Only one is required)

PSA-issued Birth Certificate
Baptismal Certificate
Driver’s License
Passport
Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) Card
Seaman’s Book (Seafarer’s Identification and Record Book)

Secondary Documents

In the absence of any primary documents, the applicant must provide two secondary documents. Both must show the correct name and at least one must show the correct date of birth. Common examples include:

Unified Multi-Purpose ID (UMID)
Voter’s ID or Affidavit
NBI Clearance
Postal ID
School or Company ID
Marriage Contract (if applicable for name changes)

III. The Registration Process

The SSS has transitioned almost entirely to an online-first system via the SSS Website and the "My.SSS" Portal.

Step 1: Online SS Number Application

Applicants must visit the SSS official website and navigate to the "Apply for an SS Number Online" link.

The applicant fills out the electronic form with personal details.
A link is sent to the applicant’s email to continue the registration.
Once the form is submitted, the system generates a Permanent SS Number.

Step 2: My.SSS Account Registration

The SS Number alone does not complete the digital profile. Members must register for a My.SSS account. This portal is the primary hub for:

Checking contribution records.
Applying for Salary or Calamity Loans.
Filing for Sickness, Maternity, and Unemployment benefits.
Generating the Payment Reference Number (PRN) required for contribution payments.

Step 3: Employer Reporting (For Employees)

For those employed in the private sector, the burden of reporting the employee to the SSS rests with the employer.

The employee provides their SS Number to the employer.
The employer submits Form R-1A (Employment Report) via their own My.SSS Employer account to link the employee to the company.

IV. Legal Obligations and Contributions

The contribution rate is currently set at 14% of the member’s Monthly Salary Credit (MSC), not exceeding the maximum ceiling.

For Employees: The 14% is shared between the employer (9.5%) and the employee (4.5%).
For Self-Employed/Voluntary/OFW: The member shoulders the full 14% based on their declared monthly earnings.

Under R.A. 11199, failure of an employer to remit contributions or to report employees is a criminal offense punishable by fine and/or imprisonment.

V. Summary Table of Requirements

Membership Type	Primary Form	Key Requirement
Employee	SS Form E-1	Birth Certificate / Valid ID
Self-Employed	SS Form E-1	Unified Multi-Purpose ID or Primary Docs
Non-Working Spouse	SS Form E-1	Marriage Contract & Spouse's SS Number
OFW	SS Form E-1	Passport / Contract of Employment

VI. Important Reminders

Permanent Number: An individual should only have one SS Number for life. Multiple numbers can cause delays in benefit processing and require a manual "cancellation and consolidation" process.
UMID/SS Card: While the SSS is transitioning toward the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) as the primary national ID, existing UMID cards remain valid for identification and as an ATM card for benefit disbursements.
Data Privacy: All information provided during the application process is protected under the Data Privacy Act of 2012. Members are advised to never share their My.SSS login credentials with third parties.