SSS E-1: how to get an SSS number, online or on paper
The E-1 Personal Record is the form behind your SS number, the number you keep for life. This page is for a first-time worker whose HR asked for an SSS number, or for anyone who wants to prepare the form before going to a branch. At the end you will know which route to take, what to bring, and how to fill the E-1 without mistakes.
PDFPhile fills the form. You submit it to SSS yourself.
Who needs it, and who does not
- You need it if you have never had an SS number. The form is titled "For issuance of SS number" (SSS E-1). - You do not need it if you already have a number, even from a summer job or an old employer. The form says your SS number is your lifetime number and you should not have more than one (SSS E-1, reminders). SSS says that if you lose your number you should not apply for a new one; verify the old one at a branch (Become an SSS member). - Over 60? The form says a new registrant over sixty who is not a surviving spouse pensioner or a pensioner's guardian is not qualified to apply for an SS number (SSS E-1, reminder 1).
Having a number does not by itself make you a covered member. An employee is covered once the employer reports them and at least one contribution is paid (Become an SSS member).
Online or paper?
SSS's own page says online registration is mandatory for prospective employees, self-employed, non-working spouses and OFWs, and that you can also apply at the E-Center of an SSS branch (Become an SSS member). So the usual order is:
· Online · Paper E-1; Where · The "Apply for an SS number online" box on sss.gov.ph, open 24/7 (SSS Citizen's Charter 2026) · An SSS branch. The form says to submit it to the nearest branch with the required documents (SSS E-1, instructions); Result · The site shows your number and lets you print the E-1/E-6, a transaction number slip and an SS number slip (Become an SSS member) · A processed form received by SSS; Supporting documents · Optional upload (JPEG or PDF, up to 3 MB) (Become an SSS member) · Originals shown, photocopies submitted
The Citizen's Charter lists two online services: one with uploaded documents and one without. The one without documents gives an SS number with "Temporary" status (SSS Citizen's Charter 2026). Changing a temporary record to permanent is later done with the E-4 (item H on that form).
If a record already exists, SSS sends an email telling you to visit a branch instead of a registration link (same Charter, service 10). After the number is generated, SSS says corrections must be made at a branch (Become an SSS member). So get the details right before you submit.
The online email link is valid for five calendar days. The link to create a My.SSS account is valid for 30 calendar days, and after that you can register with the transaction number on your E-1 (Become an SSS member).
What to bring
The E-1's list of documentary requirements asks for a birth certificate (original or certified true copy from the civil registrar or PSA). If you have none, it accepts documents such as a passport, driver's license, NBI or police clearance, school ID or transcript of records (SSS E-1, list of documentary requirements). Always bring the original along with the photocopy. If you are married, add the marriage certificate. Details can differ by branch, so check with SSS first.
Step by step
Open the SSS E-1. The form says to print in capital letters, to write "N/A" where something does not apply, and, if you downloaded it, to fill it out in two copies (SSS E-1, instructions).
Part I-A, Personal data. Last name, first name, middle name, suffix, birth date (month, day, year), sex, civil status, place of birth, address and your mother's maiden name. Copy name and birth date exactly from your birth certificate. TIN is "if any".
Part I-B, Dependents and beneficiaries. List your spouse, then children (the form has five rows). The "Other beneficiary" rows are for when you have no spouse and no child and your parents are both deceased, per the form's own label. If you have more children than the rows, tick the box for the additional sheet. A single person with no dependents writes "N/A".
Part I-C is only for self-employed, OFW and non-working spouse members. If you are applying as a prospective employee, the form says to fill Parts I-A, B and D only.
Part I-D, Certification. Print your name, sign and date. Registrants must affix fingerprints; if you cannot sign, SSS personnel witness the fingerprints.
Leave Part II alone; it is for SSS.
Mistakes that cause trouble
- Name or birth date that differs from your PSA birth certificate. It looks small, but SSS says corrections after issuance are done at a branch, and a mismatch can block claims later. - Applying again because you cannot find your old number. Ask a branch to verify it instead. - Writing a nickname, or leaving out the middle name. - Missing the "N/A" in rows that do not apply. - Submitting without the original of the document you photocopied.
Questions
Pwede ba akong mag-apply ng SSS number online lang, walang punta sa branch?
SSS's page says the online application produces your number and a printable E-1. It also says an upload is optional. Whether HR or a later transaction needs a branch visit is SSS's call, so ask your employer and the branch.
Nawala ko ang SS number ko, mag-apply ba ulit?
No. SSS says do not apply for a second number; verify the existing one at a branch (Become an SSS member).
Kailangan ba ng TIN sa E-1?
No. The form labels it "TIN (if any)".
Sino ang ilalagay kong beneficiary kung single ako?
Write "N/A" for spouse and children if you have none. The other-beneficiary rows are for when you have no spouse and no child and your parents are both deceased. Update the list later with the E-4.
Last checked 2026-10-12. Not affiliated with BIR, SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG or any government agency.