The Unified Multi-Purpose ID or UMID card is one of the most commonly used and accepted identification cards in the Philippines. If you don’t have a UMID card or SSS ID, it’s high time to get one as it serves as a valid ID and proof of identity that will greatly aid you in your various transactions and dealings with the government as well as the private sector.
Getting your UMID card or SSS ID is simply a matter of visiting the SSS office, submitting an application form, and then having your photograph and biometrics taken. Although the SSS now accepts walk-in visitors, an online appointment is needed if you want to be prioritized and your concerns attended to.
We know how important it is to have a UMID card, so we’ve come up with this complete and comprehensive guide on how to apply for the UMID or SSS ID in these challenging times. We’ll take you through the steps from filling out the card application form to setting an online appointment to claiming your new UMID card, so continue reading!
Note: The SSS has temporarily suspended the issuance of new UMID cards pending the renewal of their contract with the supplier. We will update this article once the agency has resumed the issuance of UMID cards.
UMID stands for Unified Multi-Purpose Identification and is often redundantly called the UMID ID. The UMID card functions as a common identification card for four government agencies, namely the Social Security System (SSS), the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and the Home Development Mutual Fund or Pag-IBIG Fund.
The UMID card was introduced in 2011 and replaced the old SSS ID which was first issued in 1998. So if you’re wondering if the SSS ID is the same as the UMID, technically they are. The UMID is often considered as the de facto SSS ID. Members are therefore required to present their UMID cards in their personal transactions with the SSS.
The UMID card contains the cardholder’s personal information such as name, address and date of birth as well as a front-facing photograph and signature. It also includes the unique Common Reference Number (CRN) which doubles as the ID number. The card comes with security features embedded such as a magnetic strip and a contactless chip that stores the personal data of the cardholder.
SSS and GSIS members have a choice of a regular UMID card or a UMID card as ATM card. UMID-ATM cards can be used to withdraw funds from loan proceeds and social security benefits at any BancNet ATM nationwide. Regular UMID cardholders can upgrade to the ATM card by filing an application for card replacement at any SSS branch.
UMID ID applicants are required to submit one (1) primary valid ID, or in its absence, two (2) secondary valid IDs. Both primary and secondary IDs must be original (not photocopies).
If you don’t have a primary ID, you can submit any two (2) of the following secondary identification documents. Both documents must have signatures and at least one with a photo.
Aside from the identification requirements, members applying for card replacement need to provide the original copy of the following documentary requirements.
For card replacement due to amendment of data:
For card replacement due to damaged UMID card, UMID card as ATM card, and other reasons:
The proof of payment is the validated Miscellaneous Payment Form or the Special Bank Receipt (SBR) generated by the SSS accredited bank or collecting agent where you’ve paid the ₱200 card replacement fee. You may also pay the replacement fee at the SSS branch office during your appointment.
There are two ways to apply for the UMID ID card with SSS:
Note: The number coding system is no longer necessary. You can now proceed to the SSS office as a walk-in applicant during office hours.
The mandatory number coding system is being implemented at all SSS branches in the National Capital Region (Metro Manila), as well as SSS branches in Baguio, Dagupan, Bacoor, Biñan, Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Bacolod, Iloilo-Central, Cagayan de Oro City, and Davao City. Check out this list of SSS branches that are already accepting UMID applications.
Below is the schedule of the number coding system of the SSS. Basically, you have to check the 10th digit of your SSS or Employer ID number and see which day you are allowed to make a walk-in appointment with the SSS branch. For example, if the 10th digit of your SSS number is 4, then you can only visit the SSS branch on Tuesdays.
If the number coding system is not available and walk-ins are not allowed for your SSS branch, you will have to schedule an appointment through your My.SSS account. Read this article to learn how to set an online appointment with the SSS.
The first thing you have to do is to download the UMID application form. Click this link to view or download the form.
If you’re on desktop using a Chrome browser, the application form will open in a new tab. Click the download icon on the upper-right corner to save the document in your computer, or click the printer icon to print it. Only one copy of the form is required.
Note: If you have applied for your SSS number online after December 10, 2020, you are no longer required to fill out the UMID application form. You only need to schedule an appointment and you can go straight to the SSS branch for biometric data capture. Bring your printed SS number application and transaction number slip on the day of your appointment.
After printing the UMID application form, fill out all the required information in capital letters using a ballpen. Write N/A if a required information is not applicable.
As much as possible, please avoid any erasures or alterations. You are only allowed up to two (2) erasures/alterations, and you must affix your signature near each erasure or alteration.
Follow these instructions and tips in filling out the application form:
Only fill out this section if you are a surviving spouse (wife or husband) of a deceased SSS member.
The next step is to set an appointment with the SSS for the biometrics data capture. Scheduling a UMID ID online appointment is done through your My.SSS account.
Here’s how to schedule an online appointment for the purpose of getting your UMID card:
First, login to your My.SSS account. If you don’t have a My.SSS account yet, you can read this article to learn how to register and activate your account.
Once logged in to your account, click “MEMBER INFO” on the menu bar and then click “Appointment System” on the dropdown menu.
You’ll be taken to the Member Appointments page. Provide the following required information for your appointment:
Afterwards, select your preferred appointment time (e.g. 1pm to 2pm).
On the Concerns box, write your question, comment or concern. Since you are applying for a UMID card, you can write this: “I would like to apply for a UMID card.”
After checking that your provided details are correct, click “Submit Schedule.”
A confirmation popup will appear next. Click “Submit” to proceed.
If your appointment request is successful, a successful confirmation message will be displayed along with the transaction number as well as your appointment date and time. You will also receive an email containing your UMID ID appointment details.
You don’t need to print the confirmation message or email. Just take note of your transaction number because the SSS personnel may ask you for it during your appointment.
Read this article for the complete, step-by-step guide to schedule an online appointment with the SSS.
On the day of your appointment, go to your selected SSS servicing branch for the biometrics data capture. Bring one (1) primary valid ID or identification document, or in its absence, two (2) secondary valid IDs.
If you’re applying for card replacement, you also need to bring the necessary documentary requirements (e.g. Affidavit of Loss, old UMID ID card) and the proof of payment. The ₱200 replacement fee can be paid at the SSS branch during your appointment.
Applicants must wear the proper attire, such as a collared shirt or blouse. The face or neck must be free from accessories (e.g. necklace, hat, metal piercing, dangling earrings) or bandages. Eyeglasses and sunglasses should be removed before the appointment.
Facemasks should be worn at all times during the appointment. Applicants can only remove their facemasks briefly when their photo is being taken. Read the biometrics data capturing guidelines for more information about the health and safety measures being implemented by the SSS.
After the photograph and biometrics capture, the SSS personnel will detach the acknowledgement stub at the bottom of your UMID application form. Keep this stub for your reference.
You will receive a text message from the SSS when your UMID ID card is ready for pickup. Regular UMID cards should be claimed at the SSS branch where the card application and appointment was made. Applicants who enrolled their UMID cards as ATM cards can claim their cards at their chosen bank’s branch within 30 days from receipt of the SMS notification from the SSS.
Regular UMID cards must be claimed within 60 days from receipt of the SMS notification from the SSS. Beyond this 60-day period, unclaimed cards can be verified if they are still available for pickup by calling the SSS hotline. Unclaimed cards will be destroyed after five (5) years.
To know the status of your UMID card application, call the SSS hotline (02) 8920-6401 local 5714 or email [email protected] . You may verify the status or availability of your UMID card if you have changed your mobile number or if you did not receive a text notification from the SSS within 30 days after your application.
Due to the current situation, the production of UMID cards might be delayed so it’s advisable to check the status of your application from time to time by logging in to your My.SSS account or by calling or emailing the SSS.
How much is the UMID application fee?
The initial enrollment for a new UMID card is free of charge.
When will my UMID card expire?
The UMID or SSS ID does not have an expiration date and is valid for the lifetime of the cardholder.
I lost my UMID card. How can I apply for a new one?
If you lost your card, you will have to fill out the UMID card application form and visit the SSS branch for your appointment. You are also required to provide a notarized Affidavit of Loss.
How much is the card replacement fee?
The fee to replace your UMID card is ₱200.
How can I pay for the replacement fee?
You may pay the card replacement fee at an SSS accredited bank or collecting agent, or at the SSS branch office during your appointment.
Can I apply for a UMID card even if I already have an old SSS ID?
Yes, you can apply for a new UMID card to replace your old SSS ID. You will need to surrender your old SSS ID during your appointment at the SSS branch and pay the ₱200 replacement fee. Don’t forget to bring one (1) valid primary ID card/document, or in its absence, two (2) valid secondary ID cards/documents.
When can I claim my UMID card?
The SSS will inform you via text message when your ID card is available for pickup. This normally takes less than 30 days after your appointment date but due to the present circumstances, it might take much longer.
How do I check the status of my UMID card application?
You can check the status of your card application by logging in to your My.SSS account and going to MEMBER INFO > UMID/SSS ID Details. You may also call the SSS hotline 8920-6401 local 5714 or email [email protected] .
Can I visit the SSS branch as a walk-in applicant?
Some SSS branches allow you to visit as a walk-in applicant and without an online appointment. However, priority will be given to those who have an online appointment.
There’s no doubt that the UMID or SSS ID card is one of the most respected and recognizable identification cards in the Philippines, one that deserves the title of a universal ID.
With the introduction of the National ID, the UMID card can no longer claim sole ownership of that title, but it’s still worth getting because of its widespread acceptance and name recognition as a valid ID. Not to mention that it’s your passport to all the services and benefits of the SSS.
Should you have any questions and concerns about the UMID or SSS ID, don’t hesitate to reach out to the SSS by calling (02) 8920-6401 or the toll-free hotline 1-800-10-2255777 (1-800-10-CALLSSS).
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