State-run Social Security System (SSS) said Wednesday it has already started accepting applications for the MySSS Card.

SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Robert Joseph Montes De Claro said the MySSS Card launched on September 8, acts as an official ID, replacing the Unified Multi-Purpose Identification (UMID) card.

It also operates as a fully functional debit card linked to a savings account.

De Claro said the card is equipped with an EMV chip and 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.

De Claro said the card can also be used for shopping, public transport fares, and online purchases.

The card will be issued exclusively through SSS partner banks.

Issuance will start with Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC).

RCBC, through its digital arm DiskarTech, will be the card’s first implementer.

The card 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)," de Claro said.

"The SSS and RCBC partnership marks a significant milestone in the digital transformation of government services. 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," he added.

The MySSS Card is available to all SSS members, pensioners, individual claimants, beneficiaries, and representative payees who possess a permanent SSS number; have 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 under the National ID system.

Members with old SSS, UMID, or previous ID cards may apply for the MySSS Card to replace lost or existing cards.

SSS PHOTO