SSS members urged to sign up with fund's ID system

The Social Security System is urging its members to sign up with its Unified Multi-Purpose Identification System (UMID). The system registers members’ demographic and biometric data, including basic information and photo and fingerprint scans. The data will be used to verify their identities against a massive ID database. "The use of biometric technology alerts the SSS of members who applied for the UMID card using a different identity. This helps thwart attempts to defraud the SSS and other government agencies of undeserved benefits and services using the UMID card," said SSS officer-in-charge Edgar Solilapsi. Companies with at least 100 employees can set an appointment for the SSS'  mobile UMID data capture services to come to their offices, he added. "With the mobile ID data capture services, [employees] can now apply for the UMID card right in their office premises, saving them time and money, while companies avoid losing a day’s worth of employee productivity,” he said. The SSS can also set up on-site data capture services in barangay halls for self-employed and voluntary members if local officials request it. The initial ID card is free of charge, but a replacement card will cost P300. Participating agencies include the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF) and the National Statistics Office. SSS will enroll and issue UMID cards to private sector workers, GSIS to public sector workers, and PhilHealth to those not covered by SSS and GSIS. HDMF will accept the UMID card as the official ID card for its members. — BM, GMA News