We know that going to the SSS Branch is not that easy. For the working people, they first have to file a leave or negotiate to change their day off just to do their transaction in the SSS Branch.  It is not a walk in the park as you have to wake up early and brace yourself for the long queues and hoping that your transaction will go as planned. 

So before you go the SSS Branch, make sure that you come prepared so that your labor will not be in vain.

Before going the SSS Branch, consider first the following:

• First, decide on your intended transaction. Are you going to file your Maternity Notification, Are you going to follow up your loan cheque or will inquire of how many posted contributions do you have already?
• Make sure to first check if there is an alternative aside from going to the SSS Branch. For maternity notification, there are several ways of notifying SSS about your pregnancy without going to the SSS Branch
  
  • How to Check SSS Contributions online
  • How to create an SSS Account Online
  • How to check Status of your UMID Application/Replacement
  • How to Check your Loan Balance Online
  • SSS Maternity Notification thru Text
  • How to Check your SSS Maternity Benefit Eligibility, Requirements and Computation

Here´s the SSS Member´s Packing List when transacting to any SSS Branch to make sure that you get a better experience.

• SSS Forms
  • You have an option to download and print the SSS Forms online. But you can obtain it in the SSS Branch as well. If you have difficulty in accomplishing your form, you may ask the SSS Member Representative to assist you and clarify the details being asked in the form. 
    • How to Download an SSS Form online. 
• Black Ballpen – SSS require that the forms be accomplished in black ink so make sure to bring one.
• Valid ID (at least two) and Birth Certificate
  • All SSS Transactions willl require presenting your identification.
• SSS Requirements
  • Before going to any SSS Branch, make sure to first read the SSS Guidebook or search this page of the requirements needed for the SSS Benefit or Program that you will be availing. 
  • Prepare at least two photocopies of your documents to avoid hassle. Finding for a Photocopying shop may be a hazzle during the day and you do not want to miss that soonest queueing number. 
• Authorization Letter, if you are filing in behalf of other people
  • If you are transacting in the SSS Branch in behalf of your spouse, parents, siblings or neighbor, you will need an authorization letter from the SSS member that you are representing. You will need to present their ID and your ID as well. 

Aside from the SSS Related things that you need to prepare, here are the others

• Money
  • There is NO FEE being paid in applying for any SSS Benefit and Programs. Only the SSS UMID Replacement has the fee of P200. 
  • However you may spend some money on photocopy or if you will be submitting an Affidavit of Loss, or if you want to eat on some good snacks during or after your SSS Transaction. 
    
• Water
  • There are some SSS Branches that has water dispenser that are open to the transacting members. But to make sure that you will have water in case you get thirsty or get dizzy because of the heat outside, then make sure to bring your water bottle filled with drinking water. 
• Medicine
  • If you have maintenance medicine that you should be taking regularly, then do not forget your medicine kit. Also, bring a medicine for dizziness or headache, especially when you are not comfortable in crowded place.
• A Snack Bar or lunch
  • A bite size chocolate or biscuits can get you along way especially when you are waiting for your turn in the SSS counter. 
• Wear Comfortable and fitting clothes and shoes
  • Though wearing a tight fitting clothes and high heels can turn heads from the crowd, it may become uncomfortable when you have to walk from booth to booth when going to different SSS counters or department. 
• Wet Wipes and Tissue
  • Not all SSS restrooms have clean restrooms.  Or they may be making it very clean every start of the day, but with the huge volume of people using the restroom, it gets smelly and dirty during the day. Based on experience, restrooms in SSS branches do not have tissue but some has a pale and sufficient water reserve. 
  • Whatever your intentions maybe, make sure to come prepared. 
• Fully charged phones, power bank, earphone
  • It can be very hard to survive an hour or much, a day without a phone, especially when you are waiting.. Make sure to fully charge your phone, and your powerbank (just incase that your current charge won´t be enough), load it wth music, or your favorite movie or Koreanovela to kill the waiting time and the boredome.

You may first read the requirements on the SSS Inquiries page or post your questions in the SSS Members Facebook group, if there are unclear requirements .
The group is blessed with SSS members who are happy to help and answer queries of other SSS members.