In the Philippines, if you need to have transactions with government agencies, you need to hold a Unified Multi-Purpose Identification (UMID) ID card. If you don’t know how to apply for it and what its function is, in this article we will show you a complete guide on the UMID ID application and more details. Read on and get a UMID ID now.
What is a UMID card?
The Unified Multi-Purpose ID (UMID) card, is issued by the Philippine government. UMID is a single valid ID for all holders who have transactions with these government agencies, such as the Social Security System (SSS), Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) and Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF or Pag-IBIG Fund). The 4-in-1 valid ID stores your biometric data, such as signatures, fingerprints and photos, so you can use it to prove your lifetime identity. In addition, you can use it to withdraw SSS or GSIS benefits and loans from ATMs. Of course, SSS members can use UMID cards to see their SSS information, such as contributions, loan status and balance, and other information.
Who can apply for a UMID card?
If you are an SSS member with at least one published contribution, you can apply for a UMID card. Or you have lost a UMID card or need to update a new card because of incorrect information. If you are a GSIS member, new GSIS old-age, or survivorship pensioner, you must obtain a UMID card from any GSIS office to receive your benefits.
UMID ID requirements
Before applying for a UMID card, you must first meet the requirements. Umid card applicants must be Filipino citizens and a member of these agencies: SSS, GSIS, PhilHealth, or Pag-IBIG Fund. You must not have an existing UMID card. When applying for a UMID card, prepare the following documents.
- UMID application form
- A valid ID with your signature and photo:
- Driver’s license
- Passport
- PRC ID
- Postal Identity Card
- Voter’s ID
- NBI Clearance
- Seaman’s Book
If you do not have the above primary IDs, you can provide the two secondary IDs with an original and photocopy:
- School or company ID
- Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)
- Marriage certificate
- Birth certificate
- Senior citizen card
How to apply for UMID ID
Since you have prepared all the required documents, you can move to the most important step, UMID ID application. There are two ways to apply for your UMID card, online appointment through your My.SSS account and walk-in SSS branch. Here you can choose the preferred way to complete your UMID card application.
Online appointment application
- Launch, choose Member and log in to sss.gov.ph.
- Click on Member Info > Appointment System.
- Select UMID Card Application in the Purpose section.
- Select your region, nearest SSS branch, available date in green, and desired time and counter number.
- Once done, you can take a screenshot of the appointment details for reference.
- On the scheduled day and time, bring all required documents to the SSS branch.
- Collect your biological information, such as photos, fingerprints, and signatures.
- Wait for your UMID card to arrive.
In addition, if you apply for an SS number online as of December 10, 2020, you do not need to provide an application form. However, you must show the printed SS Number application and the transaction number slip on your appointment day.
Walk-in SSS branch
- Select the nearest SSS branch office with UMID enrollment.
- For unscheduled visits, you can’t go to the SSS branch whenever you like. Because the SSS branch follows the Branch Number Coding System, you are only allowed to transact on a specific day based on the 10th digit of your SS or ER ID number. Here you can check the following chart:
Note: You can visit the SSS branch the next day when the trading day falls on a public holiday.
- Fill out the UMID card application form and submit it with your required documents. Then, SSS officers will check your documents and validate your submitted documents.
- Pay your UMID card for replacement due to a lost or damaged card at the nearest SSS-accredited collection partner. If this is your first time applying for the UMID card, you can skip this step. You don’t need to pay anything for the new UMID card.
- Have your biometrics taken at the biometrics booth: photo, fingerprints, and signature.
- Once done, you can go back home and wait for the arrival of your UMID card.
How to replace a lost or damaged UMID card?
According to the rules, if your UMID card has been lost or damaged, you must replace a new UMID card as soon as possible. Here you can follow step-by-step instructions:
- Report the lost or damaged card to the SSS branch immediately. If not, someone may pick up your UMID card and have fraudulent activities with your card.
- Prepare the necessary documents for your replacement. You need to prepare a valid ID, such as a passport or driver’s license, and a police report (state that you have lost your UMID card) or an affidavit of loss (for lost or damaged cards).
- Book an appointment and visit the branch where you applied for the UMID card.
- Pay the replacement fee of P200. No matter if you lost or damaged your card, you will need to pay for it if you apply for a replacement.
- Wait for your replacement card to be completed, and you can receive an email or text message when they have processed your card.
- Claim your replacement card at the branch or at a designated pick-up location.
It is important to keep your UMID card in a safe place and avoid spending more money on replacement cards and fraudulent activities.
How to update your UMID card information?
Unfortunately, when you receive your UMID card but find something wrong with your personal information, such as your name and address, you need to update the information on your UMID card.
Here you can visit the SSS branch where you applied for the UMID card. Don’t forget to bring all the documentation you need to support the changes you want to make. For example, if there is a typo in your name, you need to bring a copy of your birth certificate, marriage certificate or court order. If you need to change your address, you must provide a recent utility bill, passport, driver’s license or other documents to show your current and actual address.
Alternatively, you can update your information online through your SSS account and change your personal information. But you need to know that updating your information online can only correct the records in the agency. If there is anything wrong with your UMID card, you still need to change it by visiting the SSS branch and having the officer help you change the information reflected on your UMID card.
Key Differences Between Social Security System (SSS) ID and SSS UMID
For Filipino citizens, Social Security System (SSS) ID and SSS Unified Multi-Purpose ID (UMID) are both accepted proof of identification. Some people may be confused about SSS ID and SSS UMID. We have listed the key differences between the two cards for your reference:
- Physical appearance: The SSS ID, a blue plastic card, contains the holder’s name, picture, SSS number and signature. While the UMID card is a smart card that has the same information on the card, but with additional biometric functions such as facial recognition, fingerprints and iris scanning. UMID cards are more intelligent and powerful.
- Purpose: The SSS ID is regarded as a simple ID card. However, UMID is a multi-functional card, which can be used as a valid government ID, debit card, and ATM card. In addition, the new UMID card combines the four ID systems – SSS, GSIS, Pag-IBIG, and PhilHealth.
- Issue time: The SSS ID was issued from 1998 to 2010, while the UMID card was launched in 2011.
- Application: When you apply for the SSS ID, you don’t need to provide your fingerprints at SSS offices. However, if you are applying for a UMID Card, you must have your biometric information taken at the SSS branch.
FAQs
How to check the status of your UMID card application?
Usually, the UMID card application process takes about 30-40 days. To check the status of your UMID card, you can visit the branch where you applied, call the UMID hotline at (02) 8841-4141, or visit the MY.SSS website. You will receive a message via email or text message if your UMID card has been processed and is ready for delivery.
How long is the UMID card valid?
You can use your UMID for your entire life, which means it has no expiration date. It is valid for your entire life. If you lose or break it, you just need to apply for a replacement.
Conclusion
All in all, it is easy to get a UMID card online or walk-in SSS branch. Remember to keep your card in a good place, otherwise, you will need to pay an extra fee for a replacement. In addition, prepare all required and valid documents with the application to avoid delays or rejection of your application.
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