Are you interested to know your Common Reference Number in SSS? The CRN is often used in both online and personal transactions with the SSS, but some SSS members may not know their Common Reference Number.
As an SSS member, you probably already know your Social Security (SS) number since it’s required for transactions with the Social Security System (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 problem is that not all SSS members have a Common Reference Number. Only those with a Unified Multi-Purpose ID (UMID) card have this number. So if you are an SSS member but you have not yet applied for a UMID (or gotten one), then 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.
What is the CRN in SSS?
The CRN stands for Common Reference Number and consists of 12 digits. The number 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, the GSIS, the Pag-IBIG Fund, and PhilHealth. Although an individual can have different numbers with these agencies, he or she can only have one Common Reference Number.
The 12-digit CRN is printed on the upper-right portion of the UMID card, and is printed in this format: ####-#######-#. It 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 Common Reference Number is a universal identification number shared and used by the SSS, GSIS, Pag-IBIG and PhilHealth, while the SSS number is solely for use within SSS.
All SSS members have their own SSS number, but only those with UMID cards have a Common Reference Number.
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 card.
Check Your UMID Card
Obviously, the quickest and easiest way to know your Common Reference Number is to check your UMID card.
The Common Reference Number 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: ####-#######-#.
Check out the image below for the exact position of the CRN in the UMID card.
On the old UMID card 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 Common Reference Number. 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. Read this article to learn how to register to the SSS membership portal.
Email the SSS
Another way to know your Common Reference Number is to send an email to SSS at member_relations@sss.gov.ph. 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.
Truly yours,
Juan dela Cruz
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 member_relations@sss.gov.ph.
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 Common Reference Number, you may 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 and long-distance 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 Common Reference Number and SSS number.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the Common Reference Number and the SSS number?
The CRN is a common identification number that is used and shared by the SSS, GSIS, Pag-IBIG Fund, and PhilHealth, while the SSS number is for the sole use of the Social Security System (SSS) and its members.
How many digits does a CRN have?
The Common Reference Number consists of 12 digits and usually starts with “0.”
Where can I find my Common Reference Number?
You can find your Common Reference Number at the upper-right portion on the front of your UMID card.
Is the Common Reference Number the same as my UMID or SSS ID number?
Yes, the 12-digit CRN is the same as your UMID or SSS ID 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.
