How to Register as a New SSS Member
Common Mistakes to AvoidMga Karaniwang Pagkakamali
- Registering with a Yahoo email or shared family email address.Pag-register gamit ang Yahoo email o shared na pamilyang email.SSS web verification emails frequently fail to reach Yahoo addresses. Use a personal Gmail or work email, and avoid shared accounts — each member needs their own.Ang SSS verification email ay madalas na hindi umabot sa Yahoo. Gumamit ng sariling Gmail o work email, hindi shared — kanya-kanyang account ang bawat miyembro.
The Social Security System (SSS) is the Philippines' government-run social insurance program that provides financial protection to private-sector employees, self-employed individuals, overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), and voluntary members. Registering as an SSS member is the first step to accessing benefits such as sickness, maternity, disability, retirement, death, and funeral assistance. This guide walks you through the complete registration process, from gathering your requirements to getting your SS number and setting up your online account.
SSS Registration at a Glance
Estimated Cost
FREE -- There is no fee for SSS membership registration. You only begin paying monthly contributions after you are registered and assigned an SS number.
Timeline
Same day to 1 week. Walk-in applicants at SSS branches typically receive their SS number on the same day. Online registration may take a few days for verification and confirmation.
Key Fact
SSS membership is mandatory for all employed persons in the private sector under Republic Act No. 11199 (Social Security Act of 2018). Employers are required by law to register their employees with SSS.
Who Must Register with SSS?
The following individuals are covered by SSS and are required or encouraged to register as members:
Employed Workers
All private-sector employees not over 60 years old. Registration is mandatory -- employers are required by law to report and register their employees with SSS within the first month of employment.
MandatorySelf-Employed
Professionals, business owners, freelancers, farmers, fishermen, and other self-employed individuals earning at least P1,000 per month. They register and pay contributions on their own.
Required if earning P1,000+/monthVoluntary Members
Individuals who are not currently employed or self-employed but wish to continue or start SSS coverage. This includes separated employees, housewives/househusbands, and non-working spouses.
VoluntaryOFW (Overseas Filipino Workers)
Filipino workers deployed abroad who want to maintain their SSS coverage. OFWs can register before departure or through Philippine embassies and consulates abroad.
Voluntary but recommendedHousehold Helpers (Kasambahay)
Domestic workers under Republic Act No. 10361 (Kasambahay Law). Employers of household helpers earning at least P5,000/month are required to register them with SSS and pay for their contributions.
MandatoryRequirements for SSS Registration
Prepare the following documents before visiting an SSS branch or registering online:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| SSS E-1 Form (Personal Record Form) | The official SSS membership application form. This can be obtained at any SSS branch or downloaded from the SSS website (www.sss.gov.ph). Fill it out completely with your personal information, employment details, and beneficiary designations. |
| PSA Birth Certificate | Original or certified true copy of your birth certificate issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). This is the primary document used to verify your identity, date of birth, and citizenship. Must be on PSA security paper. |
| Valid Government-Issued ID | At least one (1) valid ID with photo and signature. Acceptable IDs include: Philippine passport, driver's license, PhilSys/National ID, PRC ID, voter's ID, postal ID, or school ID with registration form. Bring the original and one photocopy. |
| Two (2) Recent 1x1 or 2x2 ID Photos | Recent ID photos (taken within the last 6 months) with white background. These will be used for your SSS records and UMID card application if applicable. |
| Employer ID or Certificate of Employment(if employed) | If you are registering as an employed member, bring your company ID or a Certificate of Employment (COE) from your employer. Your employer's SSS Employer ID number is also needed to link your membership to your employer's account. |
| PSA Marriage Certificate(if married) | If you are married, bring the PSA-issued marriage certificate. This is needed to update your civil status and register your spouse as a beneficiary. Also required if your surname changed after marriage. |
Step-by-Step: How to Register as a New SSS Member
Follow these five steps to complete your SSS membership registration, whether you are applying in person at an SSS branch or online through the SSS website.
Fill Out the SSS E-1 Form (Personal Record Form)
Obtain a copy of the SSS E-1 form from any SSS branch or download it from the SSS website at www.sss.gov.ph. Fill out all required fields accurately, including your full name, date of birth, address, civil status, citizenship, employment information, and designated beneficiaries. Make sure all information matches your birth certificate and other supporting documents exactly.
Tip: You can also fill out the E-1 form online by visiting the SSS website and selecting "Online Member Registration." This allows you to submit the form electronically and schedule a branch appointment for document verification.
Submit the E-1 Form to an SSS Branch or Online
Walk-in (SSS Branch): Visit the nearest SSS branch and submit your accomplished E-1 form together with your supporting documents to the Member Services section. The SSS officer will review your form and documents for completeness.
Online Registration: Go to the SSS website and click "Online Member Registration." Fill in the required information, upload scanned copies of your documents, and submit the form. You will receive a confirmation email with your transaction reference number. Note that you will still need to visit an SSS branch to present your original documents for verification.
Note: For employed members, your employer may handle the registration process on your behalf. Ask your HR department if they will submit your E-1 form to SSS.
Present Your Valid IDs and Supporting Documents
At the SSS branch, present your original valid government-issued ID, PSA birth certificate, ID photos, and other supporting documents (employer ID if employed, marriage certificate if married). The SSS officer will verify your identity and validate the information on your E-1 form against your supporting documents. Biometric data (photo, fingerprint, and signature) may also be captured at this time for UMID card processing.
Receive Your SS Number
Once your application is processed and approved, SSS will issue your Social Security (SS) number. If you applied in person at a branch, you will typically receive your SS number on the same day. If you registered online, your SS number will be sent to you via email or SMS once your documents have been verified at the branch. Your SS number is a unique 10-digit number that will be used for all your SSS transactions throughout your lifetime.
Important: Keep your SS number confidential and secure. Do not share it unnecessarily. You will use this number for contributions, benefit claims, loan applications, and all future SSS transactions. Write it down and store it in a safe place.
Register on the My.SSS Online Portal
After receiving your SS number, register for an online account on the My.SSS portal at my.sss.gov.ph. Click "Register" and enter your SS number, date of birth, email address, and mobile number. Create your username and password. Once registered, you can use the My.SSS portal to view your contribution records, apply for loans, check benefit status, update personal information, and generate your SSS ID online.
Tip: The My.SSS portal and the SSS Mobile App allow you to manage your SSS account anytime, anywhere. You can check your contributions, apply for a salary loan, and even file benefit claims online without visiting a branch.
Complete Example: Ana Registers as a New SSS Member
Ana, 23 years old, just landed her first job as a marketing assistant at a private company in Makati. Her employer told her she needs an SS number for payroll enrollment. Here is how Ana completed her SSS registration:
Gathered Requirements and Filled Out E-1 Form
Ana downloaded the SSS E-1 form from the SSS website. She filled it out with her personal details, her employer's SSS ID number (which HR provided), and designated her parents as beneficiaries. She also prepared her PSA birth certificate (original), her Philippine passport as valid ID, two 2x2 ID photos, and her company ID.
Visited SSS Branch and Submitted Documents
Ana went to the SSS Makati branch early in the morning. She got a queue number at the information desk, waited about 30 minutes, then submitted her E-1 form and all supporting documents to the Member Services window. The SSS officer reviewed her form, verified her IDs, and captured her biometric data (photo, fingerprint, and signature) for her future UMID card.
Received SS Number
Within the same visit, the SSS officer processed Ana's application and issued her SS number. Ana received a printed confirmation slip with her 10-digit SS number. The entire process at the branch took about 1 hour. She immediately texted her HR department with her new SS number so they could start her payroll contributions.
Registered on My.SSS Online Portal
The next day, Ana went to my.sss.gov.ph, clicked "Register," and entered her SS number, date of birth, email, and mobile number. She created her username and password, then verified her account through the confirmation link sent to her email. She can now log in to check her contribution records, apply for loans in the future, and manage her SSS account online.
Summary of Ana's Registration
Ana's monthly contributions will begin with her first payroll. Her employer will automatically deduct her employee share and remit both the employee and employer shares to SSS.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum age to register with SSS?
You must be at least 18 years old to register as a voluntary or self-employed SSS member. However, if you are employed (even if below 18, such as a working student or apprentice with a valid work permit), your employer is required to register you regardless of age, as long as the employment is legal. There is no maximum age for initial registration, though members over 60 have limited benefit eligibility.
Can I register online without visiting an SSS branch?
You can start the registration process online by filling out the E-1 form on the SSS website. However, you will still need to visit an SSS branch at least once to present your original documents for identity verification and to have your biometrics captured. The online registration saves time by allowing you to pre-fill the form, but in-person verification remains a mandatory step.
What if I already have an SS number but forgot it?
If you already have an existing SS number, do not register again, as having multiple SS numbers is prohibited and can cause problems with your records. Instead, you can recover your SS number by: (1) Texting SSS at 2600 with the format SSS [space] SS [space] [date of birth in MM/DD/YYYY]; (2) Calling the SSS hotline at (02) 8920-6446; (3) Visiting any SSS branch with a valid ID; or (4) Using the My.SSS portal if you have an existing online account.
Is SSS registration really free?
Yes, SSS membership registration is completely free. There is no registration fee or processing fee. You do not need to make any payment during the registration process itself. Your obligation to pay monthly contributions begins only after you have been registered and assigned an SS number. For employed members, contributions are automatically deducted from your salary. For self-employed and voluntary members, you choose your Monthly Salary Credit (MSC) and pay accordingly.
Can my employer register me with SSS?
Yes. In fact, it is your employer's legal obligation under the Social Security Act to register you with SSS within 30 days of your employment. Your employer will ask you to fill out the E-1 form and provide supporting documents, then submit everything to SSS on your behalf. However, if your employer has not registered you, you can register on your own at any SSS branch. Make sure to report your employer's SSS number so your contributions can be properly linked.
What if I am an OFW? How do I register from abroad?
OFWs can register with SSS in two ways: (1) Before departure -- Visit any SSS branch in the Philippines and register in person, just like a regular applicant. This is the fastest option. (2) While abroad -- Visit the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate and submit your E-1 form and supporting documents. The consular office will forward your application to SSS Philippines for processing. You can also start the online registration on the SSS website and coordinate with the embassy for document verification.
Important Reminders
- Do not register more than once: Each person should have only one SS number. Having multiple SS numbers is a violation of the Social Security Act and can lead to complications with your records, delayed benefits, and potential penalties. If you suspect you have a duplicate number, report it to SSS immediately.
- Ensure all information matches your birth certificate: Your name, date of birth, and other details on the E-1 form must exactly match what appears on your PSA birth certificate. Discrepancies will delay your registration and may require you to correct your birth certificate first.
- Keep your SS number confidential: Your SS number is a sensitive personal identifier. Do not post it on social media or share it with unauthorized persons. Only provide it to your employer, government agencies, and authorized institutions.
- Start paying contributions early: The earlier you start paying SSS contributions, the more benefits you accumulate. You need at least 120 monthly contributions (10 years) to qualify for a monthly retirement pension instead of a lump-sum benefit.
- Register on My.SSS immediately: Setting up your online account right after registration gives you instant access to your records, contribution history, and online services. It also allows you to monitor your employer's contribution remittances.
- Update your records when personal details change: If you get married, change your address, or need to update your beneficiaries, file the appropriate update forms at SSS promptly to keep your records current.
Need Help?
Contact SSS
- SSS Hotline: (02) 8920-6446 to 55
- Toll-Free: 1-800-10-2255-777
- Email: members_relations@sss.gov.ph
- Website: www.sss.gov.ph
- My.SSS Portal: my.sss.gov.ph
- Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (selected branches open on Saturdays)
Disclaimer
This guide is provided for general informational purposes only. The requirements, steps, fees, and procedures mentioned here may vary depending on the SSS branch or office you visit. We recommend visiting your nearest SSS branch or office first to confirm the specific requirements and process before preparing your documents.