Social Security System (SSS)

SSS Number Application

First-time applicants apply for an SS Number online on the SSS website (or at an SSS E-Center). Online registration is mandatory for prospective employees, self-employed, non-working spouses, and OFWs. Complete the emailed continuation link within five calendar days, generate your SS Number, optionally upload a supporting document, then activate My.SSS within 30 calendar days. Having an SS Number alone does not make you a covered member.

How to get a Social Security (SS) Number for the first time online through the SSS website or an SSS E-Center—including what having a number does and does not mean for coverage.

Last verified October 7, 2026

Updated October 7, 2026

Steps, deadlines, Temporary vs Permanent notes, and coverage caveats come from sss.gov.ph “Become an SSS Member.” This guide does not claim current UMID card issuance status beyond the E-1/E-6 form label used on that page.

Quick Summary

Agency
Social Security System (SSS)
How to apply
Online or walk-in
Published processing time
Online generation is completed in the portal session after you confirm details. Email continuation links expire in five calendar days; My.SSS activation links expire in 30 calendar days. Changing Temporary to Permanent status depends on document submission/review at SSS.
SSS contribution notes
See fees

What You’ll Need

Use this as a preparation checklist. Items marked “If it applies” are situational.

  • Active email address you can access

    Official source

    SSS emails the continuation link and confirmation slips. Check spam/junk if nothing arrives.

  • Accurate personal, contact, address, and beneficiary details

    Official source

    Encode name, birth details, civil status, address, purpose of registration, beneficiaries (as applicable), preferred My.SSS User ID, height, and weight as prompted. Wrong data after generation may require a branch correction.

  • Supporting document image (optional at generation; recommended)

    Official source

    You may upload a readable colored JPEG or PDF (max 3MB) from the portal’s list for tagging “With Approved Supporting Documents.” You may proceed without uploading, but SSS notes you can continue without documentary submission.

  • Primary ID/documents to make a Temporary SS Number Permanent

    If it appliesOfficial source

    A Temporary SS Number can be used for contributions only. To become Permanent (needed for benefits/loans eligibility tagging), SSS lists PSA birth certificate or other primary documents (examples include PhilID, passport, driver’s license, NBI clearance, and others on the Become a Member page). Confirm the list shown for your transaction.

How To Do It

  1. 1

    Start the online SS Number application

    Official source

    Open Apply for an SS Number online from the SSS site, read the procedures, then Start. Complete Registrant Record Verification, captcha, and certification.

  2. 2

    Open the emailed continuation link

    Official source

    The link is valid for five calendar days. If it expires, submit a new online application.

  3. 3

    Encode details and generate the SS Number

    Official source

    Fill Basic/Contact/Address, social status and birth place, beneficiaries, My.SSS User ID, and personal record fields. Review carefully, then Generate SS Number. Download/print the SS Number Slip, Transaction Number Slip, and E-1/E-6 Personal Record as offered.

  4. 4

    Upload a supporting document if you can

    Official source

    Choose a document from the portal list and upload a clear JPEG/PDF ≤3MB, or proceed without upload when the portal allows.

  5. 5

    Activate your My.SSS account

    Official source

    Use the SSS web registration activation link (valid 30 calendar days). If it expires, register in My.SSS using the Transaction Number on your E-1 as the registration preference.

  6. 6

    Understand coverage after the number is issued

    Official source

    Employees become covered when the employer reports them and pays at least one contribution. Self-employed, OFW, and non-working spouse coverage starts after at least one contribution is paid under the correct payor type. Prior registrants (number but no contributions yet) follow employer reporting or self-employed registration rules on the SSS page.

Fees

Getting an SS Number is separate from paying contributions. Confirm contribution amounts on official SSS channels.

SS Number online application
Contribution amounts are separate from getting an SS Number. Confirm any branch or document fees at SSS if you visit an office.
Confirm at office
No application fee published on the Become a Member page

Important Notes

  • Never get a second SS Number

    Official source

    If you lost or forgot your number, verify it at an SSS office. Multiple numbers delay benefits and loans; excess numbers must be cancelled and consolidated.

  • An SS Number is not automatic coverage

    Official source

    SSS states that securing an SS Number does not by itself mean you are a covered member entitled to benefits. Coverage follows employer reporting/payment or your own contribution as SE/OFW/NWS.

  • UMID card status is not claimed here

    Confirm at office

    The online flow still refers to the Personal Record / UMID application form (E-1/E-6). This guide does not assert current UMID card printing or appointment availability—confirm any ID-card process on official SSS channels.

Where / How To Apply

Primary: Apply for an SS Number online from sss.gov.ph (Become an SSS Member → Apply for an SS Number online). Alternative: electronic center (E-Center) of an SSS branch. After issuance, create/activate your My.SSS member account.

Become an SSS MemberVisit SSS website

Official Sources

Verify the checklist against the agency before you travel or pay.