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<h1 class="m-fs4 fw7 mt2 mb2 headline">It&#8217;s National Consumer Protection Week</h1>
<p class="fs1 mb2 gray-lighter bc-gray metabox">March 10, 2016 •
By <a href="https://blog.ssa.gov/author/23211f5158575759f7870918357a1b71c3a60aa5/" title="Posts by Doug Walker, Deputy Commissioner, Communications" class="author url fn" rel="author">Doug Walker, Deputy Commissioner, Communications</a> </p>
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Reading Time: 1 Minute </span>
<p class="fs1 bb bc-gray pb3"><strong><em>Last Updated:&nbsp;March 10, 2016</em></strong></p>
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<p><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-1205" src="https://blog.ssa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/consumerprotectionweek-300x210.jpg" alt="Hand drawing Fraud prohibition sign concept with red marker on transparent wipe board." width="300" height="210" srcset="https://blog.ssa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/consumerprotectionweek-300x210.jpg 300w, https://blog.ssa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/consumerprotectionweek.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" />Looking to protect yourself from fraud, identity theft, and scams? Maybe youre wondering about the best way to use credit, how to shop for a used car, or maximize your security online.</p>
<p>Part of our commitment to bringing you superior service includes always looking for ways to help protect your identity and information. And not just during National Consumer Protection Week — March 6-12, 2016 — but all year round. National Consumer Protection Week is a coordinated campaign that encourages you to take full advantage of your consumer rights and make informed decisions<span id="more-1199"></span></p>
<p>Its one of Social Securitys highest priorities to protect the privacy and security of the personal information we maintain on you and other Americans. You can rest assured that doing business with us online is both safe and secure.</p>
<p><em>Security is our middle name and we take it seriously!    </em></p>
<p>The agencys benefit programs are far-reaching and complex, which means that preventing, detecting, and combatting fraud, waste, and abuse are ongoing challenges. We cant prevent every instance of fraud any more than law enforcement can prevent all crimes. However, we aggressively investigate potential instances of fraud and pursue prosecution of those who commit it. This is where we need your help the most. If you suspect fraud, <a href="http://oig.ssa.gov/report">report it</a> online, or call the fraud hotline at 1-800-269-0271.</p>
<p>On our <a href="http://www.socialsecurity.gov/">website</a>, we provide you valuable information about safeguarding against fraud, phishing scams, and protecting your identity. Visit today for more information. Also, visit <a href="http://www.ncpw.gov">www.ncpw.gov</a> to learn how to <a href="http://www.ncpw.gov/order-free-resources">get free consumer education materials</a> and read the latest from consumer protection experts.</p>
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<h2 class="fs2 fw6 mb0 mt4">About the Author</h2>
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<img alt='Doug Walker, Deputy Commissioner, Communications' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a6ee4d82a25f0ead998c61d2cee7c059?s=60&#038;d=mm&#038;r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a6ee4d82a25f0ead998c61d2cee7c059?s=120&#038;d=mm&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-60 photo mt0 br-100' height='60' width='60' decoding='async'/> <div class="ml3 mt3">
<h3 class="fs2 fw6 mb0"><a href="https://blog.ssa.gov/author/23211f5158575759f7870918357a1b71c3a60aa5/" title="Posts by Doug Walker, Deputy Commissioner, Communications" class="author url fn" rel="author">Doug Walker, Deputy Commissioner, Communications</a></h3>
<p class="fs1 gray-lighter mt0">Deputy Commissioner, Office of Communications</p>
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<h3 class="fs2 fw6 mb0">J. M.</h3>
<p class="fs1 gray-lighter mt0">
<time datetime="October 2, 2020 2:45PM">
October 2, 2020 2:45PM </time>
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<div class="fs1 comment-body">
<p>What can be done by SSA once a persons SS# has been used fraudulently to change the SS#? Can SSA put an alert to avoid further fraudulent use?</p>
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src="https://blog.ssa.gov/wp-content/themes/firefly/assets/images/logo.jpg"/>
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<h3 class="fs2 fw6 mb0">V.V.</h3>
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<time datetime="October 2, 2020 3:16PM">
October 2, 2020 3:16PM </time>
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<div class="fs1 comment-body">
<p>Hello J. If you think someone is using your Social Security number, there are several actions you can take. Please visit our <a href="https://faq.ssa.gov/en-US/Topic/article/KA-02238" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow ugc">Frequently Asked Questions </a>web page about this topic. Thanks!</p>
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<h3 class="fs2 fw6 mb0">jeanette w.</h3>
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<time datetime="January 22, 2020 9:08AM">
January 22, 2020 9:08AM </time>
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<p>as of jan the 23rd 2020 yes just the other day,,i got a cell phone call from a 1800-559-2554.says he was from social security and my number has been reported stolen and gave his badge number 2256.i said sure you are frudulent ss doesn&#8217;t do this and he hung up on me JUST TO WARN YOU ALL STUPID PHONE SCAMS ARE READY FOR THIS NEW YEAR SO DONNOT ANWSER ANYTHING TO THESE PESTS</p>
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<h3 class="fs2 fw6 mb0">Georgie B.</h3>
<p class="fs1 gray-lighter mt0">
<time datetime="August 12, 2018 2:16PM">
August 12, 2018 2:16PM </time>
</p>
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<div class="fs1 comment-body">
<p>Am having difficulty trying to move my Social Security check from my current bank to a new bank. I&#8217;ve tried calling but with no success. I thought there might be<br />
category for this type of question, but I cannot locate it. </p>
<p>I&#8217;ve just lost my husband and am trying to get my own ducks in order. Can you help me?</p>
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<h3 class="fs2 fw6 mb0">V.V.</h3>
<p class="fs1 gray-lighter mt0">
<time datetime="August 13, 2018 10:34AM">
August 13, 2018 10:34AM </time>
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<div class="fs1 comment-body">
<p>Thanks for contacting us, Georgie. We are very sorry for your loss. If youre receiving Social Security benefits (retirement, survivors, or disability), you can <a href="https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">start or update your direct deposit </a>information by using your <a href="https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">my Social Security </a>account. See our <a href="https://faq.ssa.gov/en-us/Topic/article/KA-02435" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">Frequently Asked Questions </a>web page for more information. We hope this helps.</p>
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<h3 class="fs2 fw6 mb0">Patricia A.</h3>
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<time datetime="June 11, 2018 10:41AM">
June 11, 2018 10:41AM </time>
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<p>I received a call that my social security had an illegal action taken against it. The phone number is 443-345-2223 from Aberdeen MD. I did not answer. Just passing it on.</p>
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<h3 class="fs2 fw6 mb0">R.F.</h3>
<p class="fs1 gray-lighter mt0">
<time datetime="June 11, 2018 11:39AM">
June 11, 2018 11:39AM </time>
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<p>Thank you for sharing, Patricia. SSA employees occasionally contact citizens by telephone for customer-service purposes. An SSA employees may call you in limited situations, such as if you recently filed a claim or have other Social Security business that are pending. In only a few limited special situations, usually already known to the citizen, an SSA employee may request the citizen to confirm personal information over the phone. If a person has questions about any communication—email, letter, text or phone call—that claims to be from SSA, please contact your <a href="https://secure.ssa.gov/ICON/main.jsp" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">local Social Security office</a>, or call Social Securitys toll-free customer service number at 1-800-772-1213, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, to verify its legitimacy (TTY number at 1-800-325-0778). Thanks.</p>
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<h3 class="fs2 fw6 mb0">Rene r.</h3>
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<time datetime="April 13, 2018 10:47AM">
April 13, 2018 10:47AM </time>
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<p>Thank you very much for your support.</p>
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<h3 class="fs2 fw6 mb0">R.F.</h3>
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<time datetime="April 13, 2018 3:14PM">
April 13, 2018 3:14PM </time>
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<p>Thank you for contacting us, Rene. The “my Social Security” authentication system requires address verification as one of the essential criteria for issuing an account. At this time you must have a U. S. mailing address to create or to access your online account from outside the United States. People with APO/FPO/DPO addresses can create an account overseas, but our system does not support registration and account creation for users with a foreign address <strong>yet</strong>. When living abroad please contact your local <a href="https://www.ssa.gov/foreign/foreign.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">U.S. embassy or consulate</a> for any assistance related to your Social Security benefits. Also, our <a href="https://www.ssa.gov/foreign/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">Office of International Operations</a> home page provides more information to assist our customers living abroad. We hope this information helps!</p>
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<h3 class="fs2 fw6 mb0">Rene r.</h3>
<p class="fs1 gray-lighter mt0">
<time datetime="April 13, 2018 10:46AM">
April 13, 2018 10:46AM </time>
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<div class="fs1 comment-body">
<p>Hallo!dear personel, .? Ive in Germany for 25 years and l,dont have a valid us address in America any longer,how do l create an account from here?thanyou.</p>
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<h3 class="fs2 fw6 mb0">Crystal R.</h3>
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<time datetime="January 6, 2018 1:59PM">
January 6, 2018 1:59PM </time>
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<div class="fs1 comment-body">
<p>My social security card was stolen, I have an online tracker, and well someone in my town is spending my money&#8230; my only income. I&#8217;d like to know who and get a replacement card</p>
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<h3 class="fs2 fw6 mb0">R.F.</h3>
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<time datetime="January 8, 2018 10:39AM">
January 8, 2018 10:39AM </time>
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<p>Hi Crystal, <a href="https://faq.ssa.gov/link/portal/34011/34019/Article/3792/What-should-I-do-if-I-think-someone-is-using-my-Social-Security-number" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">if you think someone is using your Social Security number</a>, there are several actions you can take. To see if youre eligible to apply for a replacement Social Security card online or to learn more on the process and what documents you will need to get a card, please visit our “<a href="https://www.ssa.gov/ssnumber/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">New or Replacement Social Security Number and Card</a>” web page. We hope this helps!</p>
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<h3 class="fs2 fw6 mb0">Sheila C.</h3>
<p class="fs1 gray-lighter mt0">
<time datetime="July 27, 2016 9:53PM">
July 27, 2016 9:53PM </time>
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<div class="fs1 comment-body">
<p>State of Ky. Single, not able to work any job, draw SSI, (draw 730.00)per month, with Medicare &amp; Medicaid.. turning 62 in Aug, ,,SSA have already set up a call appointment to switch me from SSI to Social Security benefits &amp; said I would be drawing (aprox 925.00) per month.. Question:: will my Medicaid benefits end?? or would I still be on Medicare &amp; Medicaid.. Doctors have found a mass &amp; talking about surgery.. that&#8217;s why I am asking.. Thank you..</p>
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<h3 class="fs2 fw6 mb0">R.F.</h3>
<p class="fs1 gray-lighter mt0">
<time datetime="July 28, 2016 8:20AM">
July 28, 2016 8:20AM </time>
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<p>Hi Sheila. <a href="https://www.medicare.gov/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Medicare</a> is our countrys health insurance program for people age 65 or older. However, certain people younger than age 65 can qualify for it. For security reasons, we do not have access to personal records in this venue, and we strongly suggest you contact the <a href="https://secure.ssa.gov/ICON/main.jsp" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">local Social Security office</a> or call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. for further assistance and an explanation about your Medicare benefits. Please contact your local <a href="https://www.medicaid.gov/about-us/contact-us/contact-us.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Medicaid</a> office for questions related to your medical assistance benefits.</p>
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<option value='https://blog.ssa.gov/2023/02/'> February 2023 &nbsp;(5)</option>
<option value='https://blog.ssa.gov/2023/01/'> January 2023 &nbsp;(4)</option>
<option value='https://blog.ssa.gov/2022/12/'> December 2022 &nbsp;(7)</option>
<option value='https://blog.ssa.gov/2022/11/'> November 2022 &nbsp;(3)</option>
<option value='https://blog.ssa.gov/2022/10/'> October 2022 &nbsp;(4)</option>
<option value='https://blog.ssa.gov/2022/09/'> September 2022 &nbsp;(5)</option>
<option value='https://blog.ssa.gov/2022/08/'> August 2022 &nbsp;(4)</option>
<option value='https://blog.ssa.gov/2022/07/'> July 2022 &nbsp;(4)</option>
<option value='https://blog.ssa.gov/2022/06/'> June 2022 &nbsp;(5)</option>
<option value='https://blog.ssa.gov/2022/05/'> May 2022 &nbsp;(6)</option>
<option value='https://blog.ssa.gov/2022/04/'> April 2022 &nbsp;(5)</option>
<option value='https://blog.ssa.gov/2022/03/'> March 2022 &nbsp;(4)</option>
<option value='https://blog.ssa.gov/2022/02/'> February 2022 &nbsp;(4)</option>
<option value='https://blog.ssa.gov/2022/01/'> January 2022 &nbsp;(5)</option>
<option value='https://blog.ssa.gov/2021/12/'> December 2021 &nbsp;(5)</option>
<option value='https://blog.ssa.gov/2021/11/'> November 2021 &nbsp;(4)</option>
<option value='https://blog.ssa.gov/2021/10/'> October 2021 &nbsp;(5)</option>
<option value='https://blog.ssa.gov/2021/09/'> September 2021 &nbsp;(5)</option>
<option value='https://blog.ssa.gov/2021/08/'> August 2021 &nbsp;(6)</option>
<option value='https://blog.ssa.gov/2021/07/'> July 2021 &nbsp;(5)</option>
<option value='https://blog.ssa.gov/2021/06/'> June 2021 &nbsp;(4)</option>
<option value='https://blog.ssa.gov/2021/05/'> May 2021 &nbsp;(7)</option>
<option value='https://blog.ssa.gov/2021/04/'> April 2021 &nbsp;(8)</option>
<option value='https://blog.ssa.gov/2021/03/'> March 2021 &nbsp;(8)</option>
<option value='https://blog.ssa.gov/2021/02/'> February 2021 &nbsp;(5)</option>
<option value='https://blog.ssa.gov/2021/01/'> January 2021 &nbsp;(4)</option>
<option value='https://blog.ssa.gov/2020/12/'> December 2020 &nbsp;(4)</option>
<option value='https://blog.ssa.gov/2020/11/'> November 2020 &nbsp;(2)</option>
<option value='https://blog.ssa.gov/2020/10/'> October 2020 &nbsp;(6)</option>
<option value='https://blog.ssa.gov/2020/09/'> September 2020 &nbsp;(4)</option>
<option value='https://blog.ssa.gov/2020/08/'> August 2020 &nbsp;(3)</option>
<option value='https://blog.ssa.gov/2020/07/'> July 2020 &nbsp;(5)</option>
<option value='https://blog.ssa.gov/2020/06/'> June 2020 &nbsp;(4)</option>
<option value='https://blog.ssa.gov/2020/05/'> May 2020 &nbsp;(4)</option>
<option value='https://blog.ssa.gov/2020/04/'> April 2020 &nbsp;(11)</option>
<option value='https://blog.ssa.gov/2020/03/'> March 2020 &nbsp;(8)</option>
<option value='https://blog.ssa.gov/2020/02/'> February 2020 &nbsp;(5)</option>
<option value='https://blog.ssa.gov/2020/01/'> January 2020 &nbsp;(5)</option>
<option value='https://blog.ssa.gov/2019/12/'> December 2019 &nbsp;(3)</option>
<option value='https://blog.ssa.gov/2019/11/'> November 2019 &nbsp;(6)</option>
<option value='https://blog.ssa.gov/2019/10/'> October 2019 &nbsp;(6)</option>
<option value='https://blog.ssa.gov/2019/09/'> September 2019 &nbsp;(6)</option>
<option value='https://blog.ssa.gov/2019/08/'> August 2019 &nbsp;(5)</option>
<option value='https://blog.ssa.gov/2019/07/'> July 2019 &nbsp;(4)</option>
<option value='https://blog.ssa.gov/2019/06/'> June 2019 &nbsp;(5)</option>
<option value='https://blog.ssa.gov/2019/05/'> May 2019 &nbsp;(8)</option>
<option value='https://blog.ssa.gov/2019/04/'> April 2019 &nbsp;(8)</option>
<option value='https://blog.ssa.gov/2019/03/'> March 2019 &nbsp;(3)</option>
<option value='https://blog.ssa.gov/2019/02/'> February 2019 &nbsp;(3)</option>
<option value='https://blog.ssa.gov/2019/01/'> January 2019 &nbsp;(5)</option>
<option value='https://blog.ssa.gov/2018/12/'> December 2018 &nbsp;(5)</option>
<option value='https://blog.ssa.gov/2018/11/'> November 2018 &nbsp;(5)</option>
<option value='https://blog.ssa.gov/2018/10/'> October 2018 &nbsp;(7)</option>
<option value='https://blog.ssa.gov/2018/09/'> September 2018 &nbsp;(6)</option>
<option value='https://blog.ssa.gov/2018/08/'> August 2018 &nbsp;(5)</option>
<option value='https://blog.ssa.gov/2018/07/'> July 2018 &nbsp;(4)</option>
<option value='https://blog.ssa.gov/2018/06/'> June 2018 &nbsp;(7)</option>
<option value='https://blog.ssa.gov/2018/05/'> May 2018 &nbsp;(6)</option>
<option value='https://blog.ssa.gov/2018/04/'> April 2018 &nbsp;(8)</option>
<option value='https://blog.ssa.gov/2018/03/'> March 2018 &nbsp;(5)</option>
<option value='https://blog.ssa.gov/2018/02/'> February 2018 &nbsp;(4)</option>
<option value='https://blog.ssa.gov/2018/01/'> January 2018 &nbsp;(4)</option>
<option value='https://blog.ssa.gov/2017/12/'> December 2017 &nbsp;(5)</option>
<option value='https://blog.ssa.gov/2017/11/'> November 2017 &nbsp;(7)</option>
<option value='https://blog.ssa.gov/2017/10/'> October 2017 &nbsp;(6)</option>
<option value='https://blog.ssa.gov/2017/09/'> September 2017 &nbsp;(6)</option>
<option value='https://blog.ssa.gov/2017/08/'> August 2017 &nbsp;(9)</option>
<option value='https://blog.ssa.gov/2017/07/'> July 2017 &nbsp;(9)</option>
<option value='https://blog.ssa.gov/2017/06/'> June 2017 &nbsp;(9)</option>
<option value='https://blog.ssa.gov/2017/05/'> May 2017 &nbsp;(10)</option>
<option value='https://blog.ssa.gov/2017/04/'> April 2017 &nbsp;(6)</option>
<option value='https://blog.ssa.gov/2017/03/'> March 2017 &nbsp;(11)</option>
<option value='https://blog.ssa.gov/2017/02/'> February 2017 &nbsp;(5)</option>
<option value='https://blog.ssa.gov/2017/01/'> January 2017 &nbsp;(8)</option>
<option value='https://blog.ssa.gov/2016/12/'> December 2016 &nbsp;(9)</option>
<option value='https://blog.ssa.gov/2016/11/'> November 2016 &nbsp;(11)</option>
<option value='https://blog.ssa.gov/2016/10/'> October 2016 &nbsp;(8)</option>
<option value='https://blog.ssa.gov/2016/09/'> September 2016 &nbsp;(11)</option>
<option value='https://blog.ssa.gov/2016/08/'> August 2016 &nbsp;(8)</option>
<option value='https://blog.ssa.gov/2016/07/'> July 2016 &nbsp;(8)</option>
<option value='https://blog.ssa.gov/2016/06/'> June 2016 &nbsp;(6)</option>
<option value='https://blog.ssa.gov/2016/05/'> May 2016 &nbsp;(11)</option>
<option value='https://blog.ssa.gov/2016/04/'> April 2016 &nbsp;(9)</option>
<option value='https://blog.ssa.gov/2016/03/'> March 2016 &nbsp;(9)</option>
<option value='https://blog.ssa.gov/2016/02/'> February 2016 &nbsp;(9)</option>
<option value='https://blog.ssa.gov/2016/01/'> January 2016 &nbsp;(6)</option>
<option value='https://blog.ssa.gov/2015/12/'> December 2015 &nbsp;(4)</option>
<option value='https://blog.ssa.gov/2015/11/'> November 2015 &nbsp;(9)</option>
<option value='https://blog.ssa.gov/2015/10/'> October 2015 &nbsp;(8)</option>
<option value='https://blog.ssa.gov/2015/09/'> September 2015 &nbsp;(8)</option>
<option value='https://blog.ssa.gov/2015/08/'> August 2015 &nbsp;(10)</option>
<option value='https://blog.ssa.gov/2015/07/'> July 2015 &nbsp;(8)</option>
<option value='https://blog.ssa.gov/2015/06/'> June 2015 &nbsp;(8)</option>
<option value='https://blog.ssa.gov/2015/05/'> May 2015 &nbsp;(6)</option>
<option value='https://blog.ssa.gov/2015/04/'> April 2015 &nbsp;(1)</option>
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