SSS Requirements for New Members Updated Rules & Registration

SSS requirements for new members and SSS registration (Philippines), know who can join, required documents, steps for registration (online & offline), tips, and common questions.

SSS Requirements For New Members & Registration

Joining the Social Security System (SSS) is a foundational step, whether you’re first entering employment, self-employed, an OFW, or a non-working spouse. Understanding the requirements and registration process ensures you start contributing and become eligible for benefits (like sickness, maternity, disability, retirement, etc.).

In this post, we have covered:

• Who is eligible to become an SSS member
• Documents and IDs required
• Step-by-step registration (online and offline)
• Special cases (OFWs, non-working spouses, name corrections)
• Tips & common pitfalls

Let’s begin.

Who Can Become an SSS Member?

SSS membership is not limited to salaried employees. Various classes of persons can register. According to the SSS Become an SSS Member

Here are the membership categories:

Member Type	Who They Are	Notes
Employees (Employed / Formal Sector)	Private sector employees, household helpers, kasambahays	Mandatory coverage under law; employer reports new employee with SSS.
Self-employed / Voluntary Members	Professionals, freelancers, small business owners, informal workers	They register themselves and pay full contributions.
Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs)	Filipinos working abroad under foreign or local employers	They can continue SSS membership from abroad.
Non-Working Spouse (NWS)	Spouse of an active SSS member who is managing household	If not working, they can register to maintain coverage.
Prior Registrants / Re-activating	Persons who already have an SS number but have no posted contributions	They may resume membership rather than create a new number.

Additionally, from general sources (Wikipedia), membership may require being at least 15 years old (i.e., minimum age) in some cases.

Required Documents & Valid IDs

When registering for SSS, you will need to submit valid identification and supporting documents. Below is a breakdown:

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Valid IDs & Primary Documents

SSS maintains a List of Valid IDs which includes:

• Birth Certificate (PSA or local civil registrar)
• Passport
• Driver’s License
• PhilSys ID / ePhilID
• Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) card
• UMID Card
• Seaman’s Book
• Other government IDs with name and birthdate

If you do not have a primary ID, you may present two secondary IDs, both showing your correct name, and at least one with your date of birth.

Supporting / Additional Documents

Depending on your status (married, with dependents, etc.), you may need:

• PSA Marriage Certificate (if married)
• Birth certificates of children (for dependents)
• Adoption decree (for legally adopted children)
• Documents verifying address or contact, if needed
• Original copies or certified true copies as required

Also, the SSS Personal Record / UMID Application (E-1 / E-6 Form) is used in new registrations.

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One detail: new registrants over age 60 who are not surviving spouses or guardians of pensioners may not qualify to apply for an SS number.

Step-by-Step: How to Register for SSS (New Member)

There are two main paths: online registration (for those who haven’t an SS number yet) and offline / branch registration (or document submission).

A. Online Registration (for first-time SS Number)

Since July 15, 2020, SSS enforces mandatory online registration for new members.

1. Apply for SS Number Online

• Go to the SSS website and click “Apply for SS Number Online” (or the link under “Become an SSS Member”)
• Read the instructions and then click Start / Proceed
• Fill in the Registrant Record Verification with your personal information (name, address, birth date, etc.)
• You will be asked to upload a supporting ID document. Use clear, legible scans (JPEG / PDF, up to 3 MB)
• Submit the form. Then check your email, SSS will send you a link (valid for 5 calendar days) to proceed with the registration.
• Click the link, complete the rest of the registration (beneficiary details, contact info, etc.). Then click Generate SS Number. Your SS number will be displayed, and documents (SS Number Slip, ePersonal Record / E-1 or E-6) will be generated, printable and sent by email as well.
• At this point, your account is registered under “Temporary” status. To fully activate (eligibility for benefits, loans), you’ll need to submit your documents in person (or through a branch) for verification.

2. Submit Supporting Documents (to make your SS number “Permanent”)

• Visit the nearest SSS branch or service center (or via partner agent) and submit the printed E-1 / E-6 form, SS number slip, and your valid ID and supporting documents.
• Once verified by SSS staff, your SS number will be tagged as “Permanent” and you become eligible for full SSS benefits and loan privileges.

B. Offline / Branch Registration (or For Those Who Prefer In-Person)

If you prefer or need to do things in person:

1. Visit the nearest SSS branch or service office.
2. Ask for the E-1 (Personal Record / UMID) / E-6 form to apply as new member.
3. Fill out all required fields (name, address, birthdate, contact, beneficiary, etc.).
4. Submit valid IDs and any supporting documents (birth certificate, etc.).
5. The staff will process your application; once verified, they will issue you your SS number.
6. You may also need to activate or enroll your My.SSS account afterward (see next section).

Registering / Activating Your My.SSS Online Account

Having an SS number is one thing, managing your SSS account and performing transactions online requires a My.SSS account.

Here’s how to register for My.SSS:

1. Go to the official My.SSS Registration page on the SSS website.
2. Read the registration reminders and proceed.
3. Enter your SS Number or CRN, your name, birthdate, email address, and other basic details.
4. In the registration form, pick a “registration preference” option (one piece of information you already have in SSS records) such as your UMID, mobile number, employer ID, savings account number, etc.
5. Submit the form, review your entries, then confirm.
6. You’ll get an email to activate your My.SSS account. Click the activation link (valid for a limited time) and set your password.
7. Once done, you can log in to My.SSS and access features like checking contributions, getting statements, applying for benefits, etc.

Special Cases

If You Already Have an SSS Number (Prior Registrant)

If you were previously registered (e.g. as an employee) but haven’t posted contributions or have changed your worker status (to self-employed, voluntary, etc.), you don’t need to get a new SS number. Instead, you may request a Member Data Change or update your membership category.

Name / Birthdate / Verification Corrections

• If your SS number is tagged “Temporary”, and there’s a need to update your name, birthdate, or correct errors, you’ll need to submit primary documents (birth certificate, valid ID) and request correction.
• If your number is already “Permanent,” changes are processed using SSS Member Data Change forms.

Overseas Filipinos (OFWs)

OFWs can register and maintain SSS membership even while abroad. The registration process is similar (online first), with supporting documents (passport, etc.).

Non-Working Spouse / Voluntary

Non-working spouses and those not currently employed can still become SSS members under voluntary coverage. The requirements are mostly the same (IDs, registration) but they will assume the responsibility of full contributions.

Tips & Common Mistakes

• Double-check your information before submission. Typos in names, birthdates, or contact details can cause delays or mismatches.
• Use clear, legible scans when uploading documents. Poor quality images may be rejected.
• Activate within the validity period. Email links (for both SS number and My.SSS activation) are time-sensitive (e.g. 5 days)
• Keep your email and mobile number updated. These are used for verification and recovery.
• Submit your documents early to upgrade from “Temporary” to “Permanent.” Otherwise, you may be limited in accessing benefits.
• Visit SSS branches or call their hotline (1455) if you face difficulties.
• Use legitimate SSS website links. Some third-party sites may duplicate forms but contain errors.

Summary & Why It Matters

Registering as an SSS member is an important step toward social security coverage. Whether you’re in formal employment, self-employed, abroad, or managing a household, SSS membership grants you access to important benefits like sickness, maternity, disability, retirement, and more.

By knowing who qualifies, what documents are required, and how to properly register (online or offline), you can ensure a smooth process. Also, activating your My.SSS account empowers you to manage your contributions, verify your records, and apply for benefits digitally.