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Government IDs

Government IDs serve two purposes: (1) identification and (2) to provide you with benefits in case of emergencies. The four (4) primary IDs you need as a pre-employment requirement are the SSS, Philhealth, Pag-Ibig, and TIN. Many employers help their employees acquire government IDs, so be sure to adhere to the documentary requirements and deadlines of your employer.

Social Security System

A Philippine government agency that offers insurance is the SSS. The agency offers a wide range of programs that are fit to you; it can cover situations from old age to disability, to unemployment, and to death. A portion of your salary is deducted and contributed to SSS, with the amount and schedule depending on your chosen program.

With the large variety of programs and/or plans available, be sure to do your research on what you think is best for you. Do not hesitate to contact the agency for any concerns that you may have. In case that you have already decided, shown below are the steps on how to apply for a SSS Number:

  1. Visit the SSS Website: www.sss.gov.ph/.
  2. Click the icon: “NO SS NUMBER YET? GET IT HERE”.
  3. Accomplish all fields of the online form correctly and click “Submit”.
    1. A link shall be sent to the email address provided in order to proceed with the application process.
    2. Review the information you have provided before submitting the form.
  4. Click the “Generate SS Number” button. The website will generate the SS Number and an option to print the ePersonal Record Form and SS Number Slip.
    1. You will also receive an email confirmation containing: SS Number, copy of SS Number Slip, Further Instructions on the application.
  5. Print the ePersonal Record Form, SS Number Slip, and SS Number Application Confirmation email body sent to you by the SS Number Issuance System.
  6. Go to the nearest SSS Branch and submit the necessary documents:
    1. Marriage Contract/Certificate (if applicable)
    2. Birth Certificate of Children (if applicable)
    3. For Non-Working Spouse, your working spouse must sign before his/her name on the printed ePersonal Record Form
    4. Signature that will signify that your spouse agrees with your SSS Membership

Do note that this procedure may change before, during, or after the release of this handbook; so be sure to always check their website or give them a call to confirm the steps on setting up an SSS Plan.

PhilHealth

PhilHealth is a Philippine owned government agency that works with the Department of Health (DOH) that aims to provide Filipinos with medical insurance.

Similar to the SSS, there are different programs/plans for different people; ranging from individual packages to family packages. Each program has its own criteria and rules for different situations. As there are lots of packages/programs available, it’s difficult to generalize how to set-up a PhilHealth Account. The best thing would be to check their website (www.philhealth.gov.ph/) for updates.

Pag-Ibig Fund

The PAG-IBIG Fund helps Filipinos save money and acquire homes through long-term, low-interest payment plans. While buying a house might not be your priority right now, it's good to know the option exists for the future. The typical application process for a PAG-IBIG Membership ID (MID) is as follows:

  1. Visit the PAG-IBIG website: www.pagibigfund.gov.ph/.
  2. Click on “Membership Registration”.
  3. Accomplish all fields of the online form correctly and click “Submit”.
  4. Click the “Print MDF” button to view your accomplished Member’s Date Form, which is also proof of your registration.
  5. After 2 working days, you can request your PAG-IBIG MID number via SMS. Follow the instructions given by PAG-IBIG.

TIN

The TIN or the Taxpayer Identification Number is issued by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to keep track of your tax dues and payments. Visit the BIR website (www.bir.gov.ph/primary-registration/) for more information about applying for a TIN. The typical documents necessary for the application are as follows:

  1. Any government-issued ID that shows your name, address, and birthdate:
    1. PhilID
    2. Passport
    3. Driver’s License
  2. Accomplished BIR Form 1901, 1902, or 1904, depending on your classification:
    1. BIR Form 1901- Application for Registration for Self-Employed and Mixed Income Individuals, Non-Resident Alien Engaged in Trade/Business, Estates/Trusts
      1. For self-employed and mixed income individuals
    2. BIR Form 1902 - Application for Registration For Individuals Earning Purely Compensation Income (Local and Alien Employee)
      1. For applicants with compensation income; typically for those employed by companies
    3. BIR Form 1904 - Application for Registration of One Time Taxpayer And Persons Registering Under EO 98
      1. For first-time TIN applicants seeking a one-time transaction