NEXTGEN

Adulting 101: A fresh graduate’s guide to essential IDs

Carl Magadia · Apr 7, 2025, 2:37 PM

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. attends the commencement address at the inaugural One DAP Graduation ceremony of the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) at PICC, Pasay City, on 31 January 2025. The event, themed "Galing at Husay: Lingkod ng Bayan tungo sa Bagong Pilipinas," honors DAP scholars who have completed extensive training and education to contribute to national progress and governance. A total of 661 graduates from various sectors completed different management and leadership programs under DAP. — YUMMIE DINGDING

As graduation season draws near, the next big step is adulting — and that includes preparing for your first job. Before you can fully step into the workforce, you'll need to secure essential government documents that employers require: your SSS Number, PhilHealth PIN, PAG-IBIG Membership ID, and BIR TIN.

Let’s walk you through how to apply for each of these.

Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR)

The BIR requires all working individuals to have a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), which is used for filing income tax returns.

To register for a TIN:

Accomplish BIR Form 1902 if you're a fresh graduate employed for the first time.
Submit the form with valid IDs to the Revenue District Office (RDO) where your employer is registered or where you reside.
Only one TIN should be assigned per person. Applying for more than one is punishable by law.

Social Security System (SSS)

The SSS provides social insurance for all Filipino workers. As of July 2020, registration is done online for better convenience and efficiency.

Here’s how to apply:

Visit the SSS website and click on “Apply for SS Number”.
Follow the instructions and complete the online form.
Confirm via the email link you’ll receive. Note: The link expires in five days.
Supply all necessary personal details, including beneficiaries and contact info.
Upload valid ID or supporting documents (JPEG or PDF, max 3MB).
Once approved, you’ll receive your SS Number and transaction slip via email.

Your SSS number is required for employment, loans, and social security benefits.

PhilHealth

All newly hired employees must register with PhilHealth to receive health benefits. If you don’t have a PhilHealth Identification Number (PIN) yet, here’s what to do:

Fill out two copies of the PhilHealth Member Registration Form (PMRF).
Submit the PMRF to your employer’s HR department.
Wait for your Member Data Record (MDR) and PhilHealth ID card.

If you already have a PIN, simply report it to your employer. Contributions are shared between employee and employer, automatically deducted from your salary.

PAG-IBIG Fund

The PAG-IBIG Fund — officially the Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF) — is your gateway to affordable housing loans and short-term financial support.

Membership is mandatory for employed individuals earning at least P1,000/month.

To apply:

Go to the Pag-IBIG Fund website.
Click on “Virtual Pag-IBIG”, then “Be a Member”.
Fill out the online membership registration form.
Once processed, you’ll receive your PAG-IBIG Membership ID within two working days.

As a member, you’re entitled to savings, calamity loans, multipurpose loans, and housing loans with long repayment terms.

Adulting done right

Adulting may be overwhelming at first, but getting your government requirements done early sets you up for a smoother employment process. Most employers won’t process your job contract without these essentials. So, take the time to register, submit the right documents, and stay compliant — it’s one of the first major steps into professional life.