How to become an SSS member

MANILA -- The Social Security System (SSS) is the state-led pension fund for private sector workers. It is a government agency that provides assistance to Filipino workers and citizens such as self-employed individuals, non-working spouses, and Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW). 

There are two types of membership under the regular SSS Program: compulsory and voluntary. 

Compulsory members include private employees, household workers, self-employed individuals, and Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) aged 60 below. 

Meanwhile, former employees, temporarily income-less self-employed individuals, non-working spouses, and OFWs who finished their overseas contracts may register as voluntary members.

For more information, visit:

Compulsory Coverage
Voluntary Coverage

But how does one become a full-fledged member of the SSS?

To become an official SSS member, you must first have a  Social Security (SS) Number. Since July 15, 2020, mandatory online registration has been implemented for all new members, in line with Republic Act No. 11032 or the ‘Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2028.’ 

This aims to make your application for an SS number faster, safer, and more convenient. You can apply for your SS Number through the official website of SSS or electronic centers in SSS branches.

SSS to expand digital services amid surge in online transactions

Here are the steps to apply online according to the official website:

(1) Visit “Apply for SS Number” portal on the SSS website. From there, you can begin the application by reading the terms and clicking “Start.” 

(2) Fill out the Registrant Record Verification. This is required in the first part of the online registration. Make sure that all information and details are accurate, then click “Submit.”

(3) You will receive an email from SSS containing a link to continue  your application. Keep in mind that the link is only accessible and valid only for 5 days from the date of receipt, so make sure to access it as soon as possible.

(4) Provide the required personal information. Afterward, select the purpose of your registration, then click “save,” “OK,” and “Next.”

(5) Enter your civil status and place of birth. Ensure that all details are right before saving and continuing to the next part of the form. 

(6) Add your beneficiary information. This is crucial for identifying who will benefit from your SSS membership in the future.

(7) Choose your My.SSS User ID and enter your height and weight, which are part of your personal member record.

(8) Once you’re sure every information is correct, click “Generate SS Number,” and confirm that all the data provided is true and accurate.

(9) You may also upload supporting documents. Make sure the document is clear and file size does not exceed 3MB. Then, click “Submit.”

(10) After this,  you will receive a confirmation email from SSS that contains your SS Number Slip, Transaction Number Slip, and E-1/E-6 Form. You may download or print these for your personal copy.

(11) To activate your My.SSS account, follow the link in the email and set your password. The link in the email is valid until 30 days only. If it expires, you may register using your E-1 transaction number.

What supporting documents can you bring?

Here are some of the documents you may upload if you choose to submit any:

Getting an SS number does not yet make you an active SSS member. You must first make at least one contribution for the membership to be considered official. 

For individuals who no longer have an employer but were once employed, self-employed, or OFWs, they cannot make voluntary payments unless they already have a Date of Coverage (DOC). 

Self-employed individuals and OFWs with an SS Number may start contributing immediately.

SSS membership is for life. So if you target or lose your SS Number, you cans verify it at the nearest SSS branch. Having more than one SS number is strictly prohibited. If you happen to have a duplicate, you must have it canceled immediately and consolidate all records under the correct SS Number.  

For more information, official guides, and access to the application portal, visit: https://www.sss.gov.ph/