Are you interested to know your CRN in SSS? The CRN is often used in both online and personal transactions with the SSS, but some SSS members may not know their CRN.
As an SSS member, you probably already know your social security (SS) number since it’s required for transactions with the SSS and other government agencies, as well as for employment and business. But when it comes to your CRN, this is where things might become a little bit tricky.
The issue is that not all SSS members have a CRN. Only those with a Universal Multi-Purpose ID (UMID) card have a CRN. So if you are an SSS member but you have not yet applied for a UMID (or gotten one), most likely you don’t have a CRN.
The UMID is a national identification document that was first issued in 2010. It supplanted the old SSS ID that had the SS number printed on it. If you don’t have a UMID, don’t worry because you can easily apply for one at the nearest SSS branch.
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What is the CRN in SSS?
The CRN stands for Common Reference Number and consists of 12 digits. The CRN is issued to members of the Social Security System (SSS) and the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) when they apply for a Unified Multi-Purpose ID (UMID) card.
The purpose of the CRN is to serve as the common identification number of the four government agencies in the UMID card: the SSS, GSIS, Pag-IBIG and PhilHealth. Although an individual can have different numbers with these agencies, he can only have one CRN.
The 12-digit CRN is printed on the upper-right portion of the UMID card, and is printed in this format: ####-#######-#. The CRN also serves as the ID number of your UMID card.
CRN vs SSS Number
The CRN is not the same as the SSS number. The CRN is a universal identification number shared and used by the SSS, GSIS, Pag-IBIG and PhilHealth, while the SSS number is solely for use with SSS.
All SSS members have their own SSS number, but only those with UMID cards have a CRN.
Furthermore, the CRN has 12 digits while the SSS number only has 10 digits.
How to Know Your SSS CRN
As previously mentioned, only those with a UMID card have a common reference number. If you don’t have a UMID or don’t remember having one, it’s best to visit your SSS branch to get one. There’s no point asking SSS about your CRN if you don’t have a UMID. The SSS will not generate a common reference number for you unless you are applying for a UMID.
Check Your UMID Card
Obviously, the quickest and easiest way to know your CRN is to check your UMID card.
The CRN is located at the front of the UMID card on the upper-right portion, just below the “UMID” seal or logo. It starts with the letters “CRN” and followed by 12 digits in this format: ####-#######-#.
On the old UMID issued from 2011 to 2015, the common reference number is located above the photo of the cardholder or member.
Login to SSS Account or Mobile App
If you don’t have access to your UMID, you can login to your My.SSS online account to know your CRN. You can also use the SSS mobile app (download from Google Play or the App Store).
After logging in to My.SSS, you will see your common reference number below your name and SS number.
Don’t have a My.SSS account? Just sign up for a free account here. You can also reset your password if you’ve lost or forgotten it.
Email the SSS
Another way to know your CRN is to send an email to SSS at [email protected]. Here’s an email template that you can use:
Dear SSS,
I would like to request for my CRN or common reference number because I have lost my record of it. Here is my membership information for your verification:
Name: Juan dela Cruz
Date of Birth: January 1, 2000
Address: Maria Clara Street, Tondo, Manila
I have attached a photo of my valid ID as proof of my identity. Thank you and looking forward to hearing from you.
Don’t forget to change the personal information with your own, and attach a scanned copy or photo of your valid ID. Write “CRN Inquiry” as the subject and send the email to [email protected].
SSS usually replies in 2-3 working days. They may also ask for additional information to verify your identity.
Call the SSS
If you urgently need to know your CRN, you can call the SSS from Monday to Saturday, 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
These are the SSS hotline numbers you can call:
- Trunkline Number: (632) 8 920-6401
- Call Center Numbers: 8 920-6446 to 55
- Toll-Free Number: 1-800-10-2255777 (1-800-10-CALLSSS)
If calling from a mobile phone, include the area code 2 before the 8-digit number. For example: 2-8920-6466. Airtime charges may apply.
Visit the SSS Office
If nothing else works for you, you can always visit the nearest SSS office to ask about your common reference number. Bring a valid ID for identification purposes.
If you personally know an SSS employee, you can politely ask him for your CRN. Most SSS employees are helpful and will gladly help you with simple requests like looking up your CRN and SSS number.
Parting Words
The common reference number is not as widely used as the social security number as it’s usually not a requirement when dealing with the SSS. However, some members may need it for some online transactions. Knowing your CRN is often a matter of checking your UMID card, but if you lost your UMID or don’t have access to it, you can always reach out to the SSS.
