How fast time flies as 2021 is almost over. A few days from now, we will be welcoming another year—2022! It’s time to set new goals and plans for the New Year, which may probably include a change in employment, business ventures, financial investments, and travel opportunities. But whatever lies ahead, or whatever choices we make for our personal or professional improvement, we are full of hope that the coming year is going to be better.
When you have plans of travelling, even local or overseas, it is a basic requirement for an individual to have a proper identification especially if you will be applying for your passport. And for that, you will need to present your valid identification card before you can facilitate and complete your transaction. Automatically, one of the major IDs being acknowledged specifically in banks, private and government transactions is the Unified Multi-Purpose ID card being issued by the Social Security System. Why is this so? Primarily because it easily verifies the card holder’s identity as the one the cardholder claims to be, it gives access to the member’s record, and the IDs with EMV chip can even be used as an ATM or as a contactless payment method like what SSS has added to its UMID card’s features.
The UMID card can be used to transact with government agencies, not just with SSS but also with the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG. During the pandemic in 2020, we have suspended the UMID Capture effective April 2020 as basic precautionary measures to prioritize the health and safety of our members.
Starting September 27, 2021, SSS has resumed the acceptance of UMID card applications in its branches. Under the guidelines, UMID Card applications must be submitted at SSS branches through walk-in following the number coding system, or by setting an appointment with your preferred branch using the Appointment System in the My.SSS Member Portal. Visit the SSS Website to find the list of SSS branches/Service Offices accepting UMID card applications.
Those who are qualified to apply for SSS-issued UMID cards are members with at least one posted contribution. It is free of charge for first-time applicants, but for those who lost their UMID cards or need to update them, they will have to pay P200 replacement fee at the SSS branch.
Members who applied for an SS Number online starting December 10, 2020 will no longer need to fill out a UMID card application form. They just need to set an appointment with their preferred SSS branch for biometric data capture and present their printed SS Number application and transaction number slip. However, they may still opt to file for manual UMID card application in SSS Branches/Service & Foreign Offices.
To apply, members need to bring the following:
1. One properly accomplished UMID application form.
To minimize the time spent in the branch and to facilitate filing of UMID application, we encourage you to download the form from the SSS web site at www.sss.gov.ph and accomplish the same before going to the SSS branch.
2. One primary valid ID or in its absence, two secondary valid IDs.
A notification will be issued to UMID card applicants when their cards are available for pick-up. For members who are applying for work in Taiwan, the SSS will continue to issue certification in lieu of the SSS-issued UMID card to facilitate their visa application.
SSS is the only institution authorized to produce the UMID card for workers in the private sector. Please be wary of the scammers and fixers who offer their services online or on the street claiming that they can produce the UMID card for a minimal fee. Do not risk the integrity of your personal information by sharing them with unscrupulous people trying to make money by tricking other people. If you know someone who is involved in this illegal activity, you may report them to:
Special Investigation Department
4/F SSS Main Office, East Avenue, Quezon City
Telephone Number: 8709-7198 local 5313 to 5316
Let me also add that the Philippine Identification (PhilID) card issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) is now included in the Standard List of Identification (ID) cards/documents for SSS transactions. It will be accepted as sufficient proof of identity. This is in compliance with Republic Act 11055 also known as the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) Act dated August 06, 2018.
Always keep your IDs safe and secure. Please also refrain from posting your IDs online as this may lead to identity theft and other cases of fraud.
Let us keep safe and healthy during this holiday season. My warmest greetings to everyone.
Merry Christmas to all!
Aurora C. Ignacio is SSS president and chief executive officer.
We welcome your questions and insights on the topics that we discuss. E-mail mediaaffairs@sss.gov.ph for topics that you might want us to discuss.