The Social Security System said Oct. 2 that it has launched an EMV-equipped, dual-function MySSS card, designed to transform the way Filipino workers, pensioners, and their beneficiaries access their social security benefits and financial services.
SSS president and chief executive officer Robert Joseph Montes De Claro said the MySSS card fulfills two purposes – it acts as an official ID, replacing the long-standing Unified Multi-Purpose Identification card, and also operates as a fully functional debit card linked to a savings account.
De Claro noted that the card is equipped with an EMV chip. It is also integrated with the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) eVerify and biometric authentication. “This provides a safe and convenient way for members to access SSS benefits and loans, as well as manage their daily financial transactions.”
It merges social security benefits with digital banking, offering members a comprehensive way to access benefits, loans, and pensions quickly and conveniently. The card can also be used for shopping, public transport fares, and online purchases, De Claro explained.
The card will be issued exclusively through SSS partner-banks. Issuance will start with Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) and will later include other banks, such as Asia United Bank (AUB), China Bank, and Union Bank of the Philippines.
De Claro said the MySSS card will automatically serve as the main disbursement account for SSS members. “Once members apply for the MySSS card, we will link their partner bank savings accounts to SSS for benefits, loans, and other proceeds. They no longer need to enroll the MySSS Card in the Disbursement Account Enrollment Module (DAEM).”
He stated that since Oct. 1, SSS started accepting applications for the MySSS card. The RCBC, through its digital arm DiskarTech, will be the card’s first implementer.
“The SSS and RCBC partnership marks a significant milestone in the digital transformation of government services,” De Claro stressed in a statement. “The MySSS Card’s rollout will expand as more partner banks join the program. This will provide more options for card issuance and banking features.”
The MySSS card is available to all SSS members, pensioners, individual claimants, beneficiaries, and representative payees who meet the following requirements, like having a permanent SS number; an active account on the My.SSS Portal with updated personal details, including local address, mobile number, and email; and registered with the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) under the National ID system, or PhilSys.
Members with old SSS, UMID, or previous ID cards may apply for the MySSS card to replace lost or existing cards.
De Claro said the MySSS Card application is simple and can be completed via My.SSS. “Members choose their partner bank—initially RCBC—and consent to data sharing between SSS, the National ID system, and the bank.”
After online verification and identity confirmation, members open a bank account either using their online app or by visiting a branch. For RCBC, members use the DiskarTech app to open the account.
The partner bank will produce and distribute the cards. Metro Manila residents will receive their cards within 15 working days, while those outside Metro Manila will receive theirs within 20 working days. ||
