| Every 
			month is 'National Social Security Online' month  
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            [September 06, 2011] 
            Have 
			you ever stopped to appreciate the many celebrations we enjoy in 
			this country? For example, did you know that July is National Baked 
			Beans Month? It’s also National Hot Dog Month. If beans and hot dogs 
			are not on your diet, that’s okay—it’s also National Blueberry 
			Month!  | 
		
            | July also happens to be 
			National Ice Cream Month—something almost as American as apple pie. 
			(National Apple Pie Month was in May.) 
 As you’re marking your calendar 
			to keep all of these festivities in mind, we want to make sure 
			you’re aware that every month can be National Social Security Online 
			Month! 
 As you’re taking all of 
			these commemorative foods out on a picnic (July is also National 
			Picnic Month), take your laptop or tablet with you so you can visit
			
			
			www.socialsecurity.gov. 
			Whether you want to see what’s new at Social Security with our news 
			section, find an answer to a question with our frequently asked 
			questions section, or plan for your retirement with our 
			Retirement Estimator or Benefits Planners, you can do it 
			all easily at our website. 
 Make 
			
			
			www.socialsecurity.gov 
			a part of your recreation (July is National Recreation Month). Visit 
			our History page to learn all about the history and early days of 
			Social Security. Resting on a blanket under a tree is a fun way to 
			spend a picnic, but if that begins to get boring (July is National 
			Anti-Boredom Month), you’ll want to tune into some of our fun public 
			service announcements featuring Patty Duke, George Takei, Chubby 
			Checker, and Don Francisco at 
			
			
			www.socialsecurity.gov/pressoffice/psa-video.html. 
 If you’re feeling ambitious 
			and ready to retire, you may even decide to apply online for 
			benefits as you’re enjoying your baked beans and ice cream. You can 
			apply easily in as little as 15 minutes. Patty Duke and George Takei 
			will tell you all about it in the online videos. 
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			column] | 
 
			If you go to our home page, 
			you’ll find our most popular services listed on the left-hand side 
			of the page. These include getting or replacing a Social Security 
			card, applying for retirement or disability benefits, applying for 
			Medicare, and getting Extra Help with Medicare prescription 
			drug costs. There is so much you can do at Social Security’s 
			website, you may find yourself celebrating National Social Security 
			Online Month throughout the year.  By Judith Bartels Social Security District 
			Manager in Springfield, IL  
			
			 
			
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