How to Apply for SSS ID or UMID Card

The Unified Multi-Purpose Identification (UMID) card is accepted as a valid ID in most transactions in the Philippines, making it one of the most powerful IDs in the country.

But unlike getting a passport, the UMID card application is much simpler and easier even for fresh college graduates who are starting out in their first job.

In this article, we will show you how to apply for a UMID card in the Philippines.

What is UMID card?

UMID or Unified Multi-Purpose ID is the single identification card for all members of the Social Security System (SSS), Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF or Pag-IBIG Fund), and Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth).

It proves your lifetime membership and facilitates transactions with these government agencies.

The UMID card uses contactless smart chip technology that stores the cardholder’s biometric data (facial image, signature, and fingerprints). It also has security features that prevent the card from being reproduced and used for fraud.

Why Get a UMID Card?

The advantages of owning a card of your own is that you are provided with a card that can be used for multiple transactions with the government.

Owning a UMID card can make businesses with the above-mentioned agencies easier.

It also serves as a valid ID and a Primary ID and therefore it’s widely accepted in almost all establishments nowadays.

This is in line with the Executive Order No. 700 which orders all government agencies to have a harmonized streamline of information and identification system.

This avoids confusion and makes data flow for these agencies easier.

Who can apply for UMID card?

SSS Members

• SSS members with at least one (1) posted contribution.
  • If you applied for an SS number from December 10, 2020, onwards, you don’t have to fill out and submit the UMID application form. Just schedule an appointment online via My.SSS for the biometric data capture, and then present your printed SS number application and transaction number slip on the day of your appointment.
• SSS members who lost their UMID cards
• SSS members who need to update their cards due to a change or correction of one or more of their personal details.
  • For UMID card replacement, you will have to pay a replacement fee of PHP 200 at the nearest SSS branch where you will secure an appointment.

The recommended method of applying for a UMID card is through the use of the My.SSS Appointment System. However, the manual method of application is still accepted to accommodate those who aren’t computer-literate and don’t have a My.SSS account yet. If you prefer the manual or walk-in application process, make sure that you’ll follow the branch number coding system.

GSIS Members

All active members, as well as new old-age or survivorship pensioners of GSIS, are required to secure a UMID-compliant eCard from any GSIS office to avail of their benefits.

The eCart Plus or UMID card of pensioners serves as their official GSIS identification card that will enable them to transact with GSIS and get the benefits of a savings account. Specifically, the GSIS UMID card will allow pensioners to accomplish the following transactions:

• Withdraw the proceeds of pension or pension loan.
• Save money in a personal ATM savings account that doesn’t require a maintaining balance.
• Withdraw money over the counter in any Union Bank or Land Bank branches anywhere in the country.
• Use the card as a debit card to pay purchases, so long as the eCard/UMID card has sufficient funds.

UMID Card Requirements

• Duly accomplished UMID application form
• Copy of any of the following primary valid IDs:
  • Driver’s license
  • Passport
  • PRC ID
  • Seaman’s Book

2 Ways to Get a UMID Card

1. Online – can be done through your My.SSS account with an appointment date for biometric data capture at your preferred SSS branch

2. Offline – can be done at the SSS branch with a UMID enrollment facility

Steps on How to Apply for UMID Card

Step 1: Schedule Your Appointment

Here’s how to schedule your appointment online: 

1. Go to sss.gov.ph
2. Click the Member tab.
3. Login with your User ID and password.
4. Click the Member Info tab. Choose Appointment System from the drop down menu.
5. For the Purpose section, select UMID Card Application.
6. Pick your region, preferred SSS branch, and appointment date.
   • Remember that the dates in red are unavailable, while the ones in green are still available.
   • Input your desired time schedule and the counter number that will process your application.
7. Once you’re done with the application, print or take a screenshot of the appointment details for reference.

Here’s how to schedule your appointment at the SSS Branch:

First things first. Make sure that the SSS branch you’re going to visit must have a UMID enrollment facility.

SSS implements the Branch Number Coding system. The 10^th digit of your SS or Employer (ER) ID number corresponds to a specific day you’re only allowed to transact at SSS branches. Here are the schedules based on the said 10^th digit.

Note: If the transaction day falls on a public holiday, you can visit the branch the next day. If you want to do it offline, just visit an SSS branch with a UMID enrollment facility.

Step 2: Submit Your Requirements at the SSS Branch

On the date of your appointment, go to your chosen SSS branch and submit your documentary requirements. Bring the original copy of your primary ID and documents. The SSS officer will then check your records and validate your documents.

Step 3: Pay for the UMID Fee (For Replacement Card Only)

You need to pay ₱200 replacement fee if you’re applying for a new card to replace a lost or damaged one or to update your information. You can pay for it at the nearest SSS-accredited collecting partner such as Bayad Center. Keep the receipt because you’ll have to submit that to the SSS officer who’s processing your application.

If you’re a first-timer, you won’t have to pay for anything. The UMID is free for new applications.

Step 4: Proceed to the Biometrics Capture Booth

Proceed to the biometrics capture booth where your photo, digital signature, and fingerprints will be taken. Before leaving the booth, double-check the personal details so errors will be corrected accordingly.

Step 5: Wait for Your UMID Card Pick-Up Schedule 

The staff may inform you about the estimated pick-up schedule of your SSS ID.  Normally, the UMID card is ready for issuance within 30 days after your application.

However, the SSS reminds members that there may be some delays in the issuance of the cards despite the resumption of the application services.

Nevertheless, the agency assures members that notifications will be immediately sent to their mobile number or email address once the cards are available for pick-up.

Once you’ve received your card, you can activate it right away at a self-service kiosk of your chosen SSS branch.

READ: How to Verify the Status of your UMID Application

---

How do I apply for UMID card?

The first step before the actual application process is to first prepare all the needed documents.

1. Bring any of the primary valid IDs:

• Passport
• Driver’s License
• Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) card
• Seafarer’s Identification and Record Book or Seaman’s Book

If you do not own any of the four primary valid IDs, you can substitute two items from this list and present them to the teller instead:

• Company ID
• School ID
• Postal ID
• Philhealth ID Card
• GSIS Card
• GSIS Certificate of Membership
• Tax Identification Card
• Voter’s Identification Card
• NSO Birth Certificate
• Marriage Contract
• NBI Clearance
• Police Clearance
• Senior Citizen Card
• Pag-Ibig Member’s Data Form
• Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Card
• ID Card issued by Local Government Units (e.g. Barangay, Municipality, or City)
• ID Card issued by Professional Associations
• Baptismal Certificate
• Alien Certificate of Registration
• Transcript of School Records
• Permit to Carry Firearms issued by the Firearms & Explosive Unit of PNP
• Temporary License issued by Land Transportation Office (LTO)
• Permanent Residency ID
• Certificate from:
  • Office of the Southern/Northern Cultural Communities
  • Office of Muslim Affairs
• Certificate of Licensure/Qualification Documents/Seafarer’s ID & Record Book from Maritime Industry Authority
• Certificate of Naturalization from the Bureau of Immigration
• Bank Account Passbook

Understand that there is no need for you to bring your picture because the agency will capture it during the application process. So if you want to look presentable, feel free to dress up when you come.

2. Bring the requirements on any of the following Philippine government agencies:

• Social Security System (SSS)
• PhilHealth
• Government Service Insurance System (GSIS)
• PAG-IBIG

3. Fill out the UMID form

Forms can be found at the enrollment centers. It can also be downloaded online for convenient printing, if you wish to save yourself time and effort.

The UMID form for GSIS members is found on the official GSIS website while the one for SSS members is on the SSS website.

Below are the data asked on the UMID form, in case you wish to prepare for them beforehand.

• Full name of applicant
• Name of Father
• Mother Maiden’s Name
• Sex/Gender
• Date of birth
• Place of birth
• Home address
• Marital status
• Height
• Weight
• Any prominent distinguishing features
• Taxpayer ID Number (TIN)

4. Submit your UMID form

Have your UMID form verified by the teller together with your valid IDs.

5. Have your picture taken

Once the teller has verified the completion of your UMID form, you will then be asked to transfer to a different window where your picture is to be taken, to scan your fingerprints and for your signature to be recorded.

6. Wait for your UMID card to arrive by mail

Your UMID card will not be handed out to you instantly right after you apply for it. But you are given 30 days to wait for your UMID card to be delivered to your input address. If you fail to receive it within 30 days, it is best to notify the nearest SSS or GSIS branch near you. Preferably the one you applied on.

Conclusion

Now that you fully understand the process of applying for SSS ID or UMID, it is best to go over the important points in this article before actually go to the SSS office.

It is also good to recheck the list of requirements to make sure that you have all of them on hand before you visit the SSS or GSIS branch and cause trouble for yourself and the people around you.

With this card, transactions should be a breeze and it makes everything easier.

What are you waiting for? Apply for this card now and see the benefits for yourself.