Multi-Channel in the Issuance of SS Number

Public trust, Process improvement, Digitalization

The Multi-Channel in the Issuance of SS (Social Security) Number initiative aims to enhance the efficiency and accessibility of SS number applications by offering multiple digital platforms beyond the current SSS (Social Security System) Website and Mobile App. The shift from over-the-counter transactions to online applications has helped reduce long queues, but technical limitations have prevented many registrants from experiencing the full benefits. To address these issues, the proposed solution includes expanding SS number issuance through additional channels like SSS Self-Service Express Terminals, Text-SSS platforms, and partnerships with banks. This multi-channel approach would improve public trust, streamline processes, and ensure a more prompt and seamless SS number application experience, ultimately increasing productivity and user satisfaction.

The problem I would like to address is the online application of the SS Number service, which the registrants can access through the SSS Website and SSS Mobile App electronic facilities. Previously, the application was being made over the counter, and prior registrants were subjected to long queues just to secure an SS number. The objective of the shifting of the said service from over-the-counter to online transactions is mainly to enable the registrants to apply for an SS number without going to SSS branches anymore and for the convenience that the registrants can secure an SS number any time of the day because of the 24/7 availability of the said service. However, shifting to the online transaction of the SS number application to provide convenience in the transaction has not been fully experienced 100 percent by the SS number applicants. Restrictions to technical resources have been the challenge with the online SS number application and other manual transactions that the SSS has shifted online. These restrictions cause delays to the supposedly seamless service of issuance of SS numbers. For this gap, the SSS should develop policies or other options to ensure the convenience of applying for SS numbers by the registrants.

How might we ensure prompt issuance of SS numbers to registrants?

Online application of SS numbers may be perceived as the perfect solution to the inconvenience of over-the-counter issuance of number transactions. However, the imperfection in the online system still results in dissatisfaction among registrants who fail to be issued with SS numbers promptly or, worse, do not get their SS numbers. To address this gap, SSS must adopt a “Multi-Channel Issuance of SS Number” policy, where SS number issuance will not be only available on the SSS Website and SSS Mobile App. SSS can also explore the use of its SSS Self-Service Express Terminal and SSS Text-SSS electronic platforms for SS number applications. With the SIM card registration in the place where the identity of the sim card holder is already being validated, SS numbers through the Text-SSS could also be a good option for SS number issuance. SSS could also consider partnering with banks to provide registrants with options for SS number application through their preferred banks. Since SSS employees must now nominate their preferred disbursement accounts for loan and benefit claim disbursements, integrating the SS number issuance as the first step for being an SSS member must be a practical idea.

The multi-channel issuance of SS numbers as a solution to this problem will increase the SS numbers being issued to registrants, given that SSS will offer and utilize other options in the said service.

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