Large businesses, villages get free ID capture

THE Social Security System (SSS) has opened mobile data capture services for employees in large private companies and on-site services in barangays.

This is to facilitate members’ applications for the Unified Multi-purpose Identification System that currently serves as the SSS ID system.

SSS Officer-in-Charge Edgar Solilapsi enjoined companies with at least 100 employees to set an appointment with the SSS branch nearest them for the mobile UMID data capture services, which is offered free of charge.

“Since SSS operating hours usually overlap with regular business hours, our employed members often need a leave from work to go an SSS office and apply for the UMID card,” he said.

“With the mobile ID data capture services, they 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 added.

The SSS also offers on-site data capture services that are set up in barangay halls for self-employed and voluntary members during SSS information and coverage drives.

Barangay captains and local officials, especially those from remote areas, can also request their nearest SSS branch for on-site UMID data capture services. They must, however, include a list of resident SSS members who will avail of the service.

Members with at least one posted SSS contribution can apply for the UMID card. Members who applied through mobile data capture and on-site services will receive their UMID cards through registered mail. The member’s initial ID card is free of charge, while a replacement card is charged a fee of P300.

“Our mobile and on-site data capture services are part of our thrust to bring SSS closer to our members. With the support of employers and local officials, we jointly help workers under our care to benefit from the ease and convenience offered by these UMID services,” Solilapsi said.

Data capture involves registration of the members’ demographic and biometric data such as their basic information, photo and fingerprint scans. These will then be used to verify their identities against a massive ID database to protect the UMID system from fraudulent applications.

“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,” he added.

The UMID system was created in 2005 under Executive Order420 to streamline and enhance the ID systems of government agencies, while SSS was designated as UMID lead agency under EO 700.

Other UMID participating agencies include the Government Service Insurance System, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, Home Development Mutual Fund 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 identification card of its members.