Applying for SSS UMID (Initial Application)

So after two years, I finally decided to apply for the SSS UMID. I did not apply immediately when news came that there would be a new ID, since for sure there would be many people applying for it and my application might just end up at the bottom of the bin.

Anyway, here's my adventure.

7:30am - left the house.

7:45am - reached SSS San Francisco del Monte branch. There was a lot of people lined up already but only a few employees were available.

7:50am - got the E-6 form. The form in their website is not updated so might as well get from an SSS branch.

8:00am - finished filling up the form and figuring out where to line up. I swear this was the most confusing part.

8:10am - the line is moving! Figured out that one of their employees is now available.

8:35am - presented E-6 form to SSS employee. For valid IDs, I showed him my company ID and ATM card with complete name. I forgot to take a photo of the IDs required, but here's what I can remember:

1. Primary IDs like passport, seaman's book, PRC.
2. Secondary IDs (present two of these with one of them with your photo):
• Valid NBI clearance (validity is up to one year from date printed, so check first)
• Company/school ID
• ATM card with complete name (if no name, present bank certification)
• Credit card (not specified if complete name is needed but maybe same with the ATM card rules)
• Birth certificate
• Baptismal certificate
• Baranggay clearance
• Driver's license
• Postal ID
• Voter's ID
• TIN ID (although I don't think the BIR issues this anymore, not sure)

This is all I can remember :( For a complete list, you can get an E-6 form at the closest SSS branch.

8:37am - my identity has been verified and I proceeded to biometrics. This is the last step. It takes around 3-5 minutes to finish.

8:40am - out of the SSS office and off to Jollibee. Yahoo! :)

Some tips:

1. Bring all the valid IDs you can think of. You'll never know how strict/overbearing the employee assigned to verify your identity will be. In my case though, he wasn't strict and was really following the list of requirements.
2. If you brought your own E-6 form, make sure that it is not outdated. Better yet, get a new one from the branch and fill it up. Some people brought outdated forms this morning and unfortunately those were not accepted.
3. Do not wear any jewelry near the face like earrings, nose rings, necklaces. They will ask you to take them off before taking your photo anyway.
4. Do not wear contact lenses, for the same reason as tip #2.
5. Do not be afraid to ask. Guards and employees assume that you already know what you are doing once you're inside the branch. They don't help out if you don't ask.

 That's it! Now all I have to do is wait for the ID to be delivered. :)