How to Get or Recover Your SS Number
Your Social Security (SS) number is a permanent and unique 10-digit number assigned to you by the SSS upon registration. It serves as your lifetime identification with the Social Security System and is required for employment, filing contributions, claiming benefits, and applying for loans. If you have lost, forgotten, or misplaced your SS number, do not worry -- there are several quick and easy ways to recover it. This guide covers everything you need to know about getting your SS number for the first time or recovering it if you have already registered.
SS Number Recovery at a Glance
Cost
FREE. There is no charge for recovering your SS number through any method -- online, by phone, by text, or at an SSS branch.
Timeline
Instant if you recover online through My.SSS or via text inquiry. Up to 1 working day if you visit an SSS branch in person.
Key Fact
Your SS number is permanent and unique. It is assigned to you for life and will never change, even if you change your name, employer, or membership status. Every Filipino worker should have one and only one SS number.
Ways to Recover Your SS Number
There are five ways to retrieve your SS number if you have forgotten or lost it. Choose the method that is most convenient for you:
Online via My.SSS
Log in to your My.SSS account at my.sss.gov.ph and view your SS number directly on your dashboard.
SSS Mobile App
Download the official SSS Mobile app from Google Play or the App Store, log in, and check your SS number.
Text/SMS Inquiry
Send an SMS to the SSS text inquiry service to receive your SS number via text message on your registered mobile number.
Visit SSS Branch
Go to any SSS branch nationwide with a valid ID. The staff will look up your SS number for you.
Call SSS Hotline
Call the SSS hotline at (02) 8920-6446 to 55 and verify your identity to get your SS number over the phone.
Requirements
To recover your SS number, you will need to verify your identity. Prepare the following:
Valid Government-Issued ID
- PhilSys / National ID
- UMID Card
- Philippine Passport
- Driver's License
- PRC ID
- Voter's ID
- Postal ID
Personal Details for Verification
- Full name (first name, middle name, last name)
- Date of birth
- Mother's maiden name
- Place of birth
- Registered mobile number or email (for online/SMS recovery)
Note: For online and SMS recovery, you must have a registered My.SSS account or a mobile number on file with SSS. If you do not have these, visit an SSS branch in person with your valid ID.
Method 1: Recover Online via My.SSS Portal
The fastest and most convenient way to recover your SS number is through the My.SSS online portal. If you already have a My.SSS account, follow these steps:
Go to the My.SSS Portal
Open your web browser and go to my.sss.gov.ph. This is the official SSS member portal where you can access your account information, contributions, benefits, and more.
Log In to Your Account
Enter your registered User ID and Password. If you have forgotten your password, click "Forgot User ID/Password" and follow the prompts to reset it using your registered email address or mobile number.
View Your SS Number on the Dashboard
Once logged in, your SS number will be displayed prominently on the dashboard or member profile page. You can also find it under the "Member Info" or "My Profile" section. Take note of the 10-digit number and save it in a secure place.
Tip: While you are logged in, you can also check your contribution records, loan balances, and benefit status. It is a good practice to regularly log in and verify your SSS information.
Method 2: Visit an SSS Branch
If you do not have a My.SSS account or prefer personal assistance, you can visit any SSS branch to recover your SS number. Here is the process:
Go to the Nearest SSS Branch
Visit any SSS branch or service office nearest to you. SSS has branches in every province and major city in the Philippines. Check the SSS website for the complete branch directory and office hours. Bring at least one valid government-issued ID with photo and signature.
Proceed to the Member Services or Inquiry Counter
Get a queue number and proceed to the Member Services or Inquiry counter. Inform the SSS staff that you need to recover or verify your SS number. Present your valid ID for identity verification.
Verify Your Identity
The SSS staff will ask you to provide your personal details -- full name, date of birth, and mother's maiden name -- to verify your identity and locate your record in their system. Make sure the details you give match the information you used during registration.
Receive Your SS Number
Once your identity is confirmed, the SSS staff will provide your SS number. They may issue a printed confirmation or you can write it down. This service is completely free of charge.
Tip: While at the branch, consider registering for a My.SSS online account and updating your contact information. This will make future inquiries much easier.
Method 3: Text/SMS Inquiry
If you have a mobile number registered with SSS, you can recover your SS number via text message. This method is fast and can be done from anywhere:
Open Your Phone's Messaging App
Use the mobile phone number that is registered with your SSS account. The system verifies your identity based on the registered number, so you must send the text from the correct phone number.
Send an SMS to SSS
Send a text message with the format: SSS MEMBER to 2600. Standard text messaging rates apply depending on your mobile carrier. Wait for a reply from SSS containing your SS number and other account details.
SMS Format:
SSS MEMBER
Send to: 2600
Receive Your SS Number via Text
SSS will reply with your SS number and basic membership information. Save this information securely. If you do not receive a reply, your mobile number may not be registered with SSS. In that case, try recovering your SS number online or by visiting an SSS branch.
Example: Juan Recovers His SS Number Online
Juan is a 32-year-old office worker in Makati City. He was first registered with SSS when he started his first job at age 22, but he lost his SSS ID card and could not remember his 10-digit SS number. His new employer required his SS number for payroll registration. Here is how Juan recovered it:
Tried the My.SSS Portal
Juan went to my.sss.gov.ph and tried to log in. He realized he had forgotten his password, so he clicked "Forgot User ID/Password." SSS sent a verification code to his registered email address.
Reset Password and Logged In
After entering the verification code, Juan created a new password and successfully logged in to his My.SSS account. On the dashboard, he immediately saw his 10-digit SS number displayed: 34-1234567-8.
Saved His SS Number Securely
Juan wrote down his SS number and saved it in a secure note on his phone. He also took a screenshot of his My.SSS dashboard for reference. He then provided his SS number to his new employer. The entire process took him less than 10 minutes from the comfort of his home.
Summary of Juan's Recovery
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have two SS numbers?
No. Each person is assigned only one SS number for life. Having two or more SS numbers is a violation of SSS regulations and can lead to penalties, suspension of benefits, or legal action. If you accidentally registered twice and received two SS numbers, you must report this to the nearest SSS branch immediately to have the duplicate record consolidated. SSS will determine which number to retain and merge your contribution records.
What if my name has changed (e.g., due to marriage)?
Your SS number remains the same even after a name change. However, you must update your name in the SSS records to avoid issues with contributions and benefit claims. Visit any SSS branch with your marriage certificate (or court order for other name changes), updated valid ID, and your SS number. Fill out the Member Data Change Request form (SSS Form E-4). Your SS number will not change -- only your personal information in the system will be updated.
Can I check my SS number online?
Yes. If you have a My.SSS account, you can log in at my.sss.gov.ph and your SS number will be displayed on your dashboard. You can also use the SSS Mobile app available on Google Play and the App Store. If you do not have a My.SSS account, you can register for one using your SS number (or by providing your personal details if you do not remember it). Alternatively, use the SMS inquiry method by texting SSS MEMBER to 2600 from your registered mobile number.
Is there a fee to recover my SS number?
No. Recovering your SS number is completely free of charge through all methods -- online via My.SSS, through the SSS Mobile app, by calling the SSS hotline, or by visiting an SSS branch. You should never pay anyone or any fixer to recover your SS number. If someone asks you to pay a fee, report it to SSS immediately. The only cost you might incur is standard text messaging rates if you use the SMS inquiry method, and transportation costs if you visit a branch.
What if I never registered with SSS?
If you have never been registered as an SSS member, you will not have an SS number to recover. In this case, you need to register first. You can register online through the SSS website or visit any SSS branch with a valid ID and accomplished SSS Form E-1 (Personal Record). Once registered, you will be assigned a permanent SS number. See our SSS Registration Guide for the complete step-by-step process.
How can I verify if my SS number is correct?
You can verify your SS number by logging in to your My.SSS account and checking that the number matches your name and personal details. You can also call the SSS hotline at (02) 8920-6446 to 55 and request verification by providing your full name, date of birth, and mother's maiden name. At an SSS branch, staff can verify your number by looking up your record. Additionally, your SS number appears on your SSS ID card (if you have one), UMID card, any SSS correspondence, payslips from previous employers, and your SSS contribution records.
Important Reminders
- Never share your SS number carelessly: Your SS number is sensitive personal information. Only share it with your employer, government agencies, or authorized institutions. Be cautious of phishing attempts or anyone asking for your SS number through unofficial channels.
- You can only have one SS number for life: Do not attempt to register again if you forgot your SS number. Getting a second SS number is illegal and can result in penalties, cancellation of benefits, and even criminal charges. Always recover your existing number instead.
- Register for a My.SSS account: If you have not yet created a My.SSS account, do so as soon as possible. It allows you to check your SS number, monitor contributions, apply for loans and benefits, and manage your SSS records from anywhere at any time.
- Keep your contact information updated: Make sure your mobile number and email address on file with SSS are current. This is essential for online account recovery, SMS inquiries, and receiving important SSS notifications.
- Save your SS number in a secure place: Once you recover your SS number, write it down and store it somewhere safe. You can also save it as a secure note on your phone or in a password manager. This will save you time if you need it again in the future.
- Report duplicate SS numbers immediately: If you discover that you were assigned two SS numbers (possibly due to re-registration by a different employer), visit an SSS branch right away to have the duplicate resolved. SSS will consolidate your records under one number.
- Beware of fixers: Never transact with fixers or unauthorized agents who offer to recover your SS number for a fee. The process is free and straightforward. Deal only directly with SSS through official channels.
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 (no noon break)
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.