[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 133 (Thursday, July 13, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Pages 32431-32436]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-14722]


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SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION

[Docket No: SSA-2017-0036]


Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Request and 
Comment Request

    The Social Security Administration (SSA) publishes a list of 
information collection packages requiring clearance by the Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB) in compliance with Public Law 104-13, the 
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, effective October 1, 1995. This notice 
includes revisions and an extension of OMB-approved information 
collections.
    SSA is soliciting comments on the accuracy of the agency's burden 
estimate; the need for the information; its practical utility; ways to 
enhance its quality, utility, and clarity; and ways to minimize burden 
on respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or 
other forms of information technology. Mail, email, or fax your 
comments and recommendations on the information collection(s) to the 
OMB Desk Officer and SSA Reports Clearance Officer at the following 
addresses or fax numbers.

(OMB), Office of Management and Budget, Attn: Desk Officer for SSA, 
Fax: 202-395-6974, Email address: [email protected].
(SSA), Social Security Administration, OLCA, Attn: Reports Clearance 
Director, 3100 West High Rise, 6401 Security Blvd., Baltimore, MD 
21235, Fax: 410-966-2830, Email address: [email protected].

    Or you may submit your comments online through www.regulations.gov, 
referencing Docket ID Number [SSA-2017-0036].
    I. The information collections below are pending at SSA. SSA will 
submit them to OMB within 60 days from the date of this notice. To be 
sure we consider your comments, we must receive them no later than 
September 11, 2017. Individuals can obtain copies of the collection 
instruments by writing to the above email address.
    1. Statement of Marital Relationship (By One of the Parties)--20 
CFR 404.726--0960-0038. SSA must obtain a signed statement from a 
spousal

[[Page 32432]]

applicant if the applicant claims a common-law marriage to the insured 
in a state in which such marriages are recognized, and no formal 
marriage documentation exists. SSA uses information we collect on Form 
SSA-754-F4 to determine if an individual applying for spousal benefits 
meets the criteria of common-law marriage under state law. The 
respondents are applicants for spouse's Social Security benefits or 
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments.
    Type of Request: Revision of an OMB-approved information 
collection.

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                                                                                 Average burden  Estimated total
           Modality of completion                Number of       Frequency of     per response    annual burden
                                                respondents        response        (minutes)         (hours)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SSA-754-F4..................................          30,000                1               30           15,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    2. Workers' Compensation/Public Disability Questionnaire--20 CFR 
404.408--0960-0247. Section 224 of the Social Security Act (Act) 
provides for the reduction of disability insurance benefits (DIB) when 
the combination of DIB and any workers' compensation (WC) or certain 
Federal, State or local public disability benefits (PDB) exceeds 80 
percent of the worker's pre-disability earnings. SSA field office staff 
conducts face-to-face interviews with applicants using the electronic 
SSA-546 WC/PDB screens in the Modernized Claims System (MCS) to 
determine if the worker's receipt of WC or PDB payments will cause a 
reduction of DIB. The respondents are applicants for the Title II DIB.
    Type of Request: Extension of an OMB-approved information 
collection.

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                                                                                 Average burden  Estimated total
           Modality of completion                Number of       Frequency of     per response    annual burden
                                                respondents        response        (minutes)         (hours)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SSA-546 MCS Screens.........................         248,000                1               15           62,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    3. Medicaid Use Report--20 CFR 416.268--0960-0267. Section 20 CFR 
416.268 of the Code of Federal Regulations requires SSA to determine 
eligibility for: (1) Special SSI cash payments and, (2) special SSI 
eligibility status for a person who works despite a disabling 
condition. It also provides that, to qualify for special SSI 
eligibility status, an individual must establish that termination of 
eligibility for benefits under Title XIX of the Act would seriously 
inhibit the ability to continue employment. SSA employees collect the 
information this regulation requires from respondents during a personal 
interview. We then use this information to determine if an individual 
is entitled to special Title XVI SSI payments and, consequently, to 
Medicaid. The respondents are SSI recipients for whom SSA has stopped 
payments based on earnings.
    Type of Request: Extension of an OMB-approved information 
collection.

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                                                                                 Average burden  Estimated total
           Modality of completion                Number of       Frequency of     per response    annual burden
                                                respondents        response        (minutes)         (hours)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
20 CFR 416.268..............................          60,000                1                3            3,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    4. Medicare Subsidy Quality Review Forms--20 CFR 418(b)(5)--0960-
0707. The Medicare Modernization Act of 2003 mandated the creation of 
the Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage program, and provides 
certain subsidies for eligible Medicare beneficiaries to help pay for 
the cost of prescription drugs. As part of its stewardship duties of 
the Medicare Part D subsidy program, SSA must conduct periodic quality 
review checks of the information Medicare beneficiaries report on their 
subsidy applications (Form SSA-1020). SSA uses the Medicare Quality 
Review program to conduct these checks. The respondents are applicants 
for the Medicare Part D subsidy whom SSA chose to undergo a quality 
review.
    Type of Request: Revision of an OMB-approved information 
collection.

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                                                                                 Average burden  Estimated total
           Modality of completion                Number of       Frequency of     per response    annual burden
                                                respondents        response        (minutes)         (hours)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SSA-9301 (Medicare Subsidy Quality Review              3,500                1               30            1,750
 Case Analysis Questionnaire)...............
SSA-9302 (Notice of Quality Review                     3,500                1               15              875
 Acknowledgement Form for those with Phones)
SSA-9303 (Notice of Quality Review                       350                1               15               88
 Acknowledgement Form for those without
 Phones)....................................
SSA-9308 (Request for Information)..........           7,000                1               15            1,750
SSA-9310 (Request for Documents)............           3,500                1                5              292
SSA-9311 (Notice of Appointment--Denial--                450                1               15              113
 Reviewer Will Call)........................
SSA-9312 (Notice of Appointment--Denial--                 50                1               15               13
 Please Call Reviewer)......................

[[Page 32433]]

 
SSA-9313 (Notice of Quality Review                     2,500                1               15              625
 Acknowledgement Form for those with Phones)
SSA-9314 (Notice of Quality Review                       500                1               15              125
 Acknowledgement Form for those without
 Phones)....................................
                                             -------------------------------------------------------------------
    Totals..................................          21,350   ...............  ...............           5,631
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    II. SSA submitted the information collections below to OMB for 
clearance. Your comments regarding these information collections would 
be most useful if OMB and SSA receive them 30 days from the date of 
this publication. To be sure we consider your comments, we must receive 
them no later than August 14, 2017. Individuals can obtain copies of 
the OMB clearance packages by writing to [email protected].
    1. myWageReport--0960-NEW.

Overview

    SSA is creating a new electronic wage reporting application, 
myWageReport.

Background

    Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) beneficiaries receive 
payments based on their ability to engage in substantial gainful 
activity because of a physical or mental condition. SSA requires SSDI 
beneficiaries or their representative payees to report when 
beneficiaries return to work, when their amount of work increases, or 
when their earnings increase. Currently, SSDI beneficiaries can call 
our 800 number; visit a local field office (FO); or mail paystubs and 
earnings to their local field offices to report this information.
    Section 826 of the Bipartisan Budget Act (BBA) of 2015, Pub.L. 114-
74, requires SSA to offer SSDI beneficiaries the same electronic/
automated receipt wage reporting methods available to Supplemental 
Security Income recipients, including the Internet. Accordingly, we are 
creating a new Internet reporting system for this purpose, 
myWageReport.

myWageReport

    The myWageReport application will enable SSDI beneficiaries and 
representative payees to report earnings electronically. It will also 
generate a receipt for the beneficiary and/or representative payee, 
thus providing confirmation that SSA has received the earnings report.
    SSA will screen the information submitted through the myWageReport 
application and will determine if we need additional employment 
information. If so, agency personnel will reach out to beneficiaries or 
their representative payees and will use Form SSA-821, Work Activity 
Report (0960-0059), to collect the additional required information.
    The respondents for this collection are SSDI recipients or their 
representative payees.
    Type of Request: New Information Collection Request.

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                                                                                 Average burden  Estimated total
           Modality of completion                Number of       Frequency of     per response    annual burden
                                                respondents        response        (minutes)         (hours)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
myWageReporting.............................          54,000                1                7            6,300
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    2. RS/DI Quality Review Case Analysis: Sampled Number Holder; 
Auxiliaries/Survivors; Parent; and Stewardship Annual Earnings Test--
0960-0189. Section 205(a) of the Act authorizes the Commissioner of SSA 
to conduct the quality review process, which entails collecting 
information related to the accuracy of payments made under the Old-Age, 
Survivors, and Disability Insurance Program (OASDI). Sections 
228(a)(3), 1614(a)(1)(B), and 1836(2) of the Act require a 
determination of the citizenship or alien status of the beneficiary; 
this is only one item that we might question as part of the Annual 
Quality review. SSA uses Forms SSA-2930, SSA-2931, and SSA-2932 to 
establish a national payment accuracy rate for all cases in payment 
status, and to serve as a source of information regarding problem areas 
in the Retirement Survivors Insurance (RSI) and Disability Insurance 
(DI) programs. We also use the information to measure the accuracy rate 
for newly adjudicated RSI or DI cases. SSA uses Form SSA-4659 to 
evaluate the effectiveness of the annual earnings test, and to use the 
results in developing ongoing improvements in the process. About 
twenty-five percent of respondents will have in-person reviews and 
receive one of the following appointment letters: (1) SSA-L8550-U3 
(Appointment Letter--Sample Individual); (2) SSA-L8551-U3 (Appointment 
Letter--Sample Family); or (3) the SSA-L8552-U3 (Appointment Letter--
Rep Payee). Seventy-five percent of respondents will receive a notice 
for a telephone review using the SSA-L8553-U3 (Beneficiary Telephone 
Contact) or the SSA-L8554-U3 (Rep Payee Telephone Contact). To help the 
beneficiary prepare for the interview, we include three forms with each 
notice: (1) SSA-85 (Information Needed to Review Your Social Security 
Claim) lists the information the beneficiary will need to gather for 
the interview; (2) SSA-2935 (Authorization to the Social Security 
Administration to Obtain Personal Information) verifies the 
beneficiary's correct payment amount, if necessary; and (3) SSA-8552 
(Interview Confirmation) confirms or reschedules the interview if 
necessary. The respondents are a statistically valid sample of all 
OASDI beneficiaries in current pay status or their representative 
payees.
    Type of Request: Revision of an OMB-approved information 
collection.

[[Page 32434]]



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                                                                                                     Estimated
                                                     Number of     Frequency of   Average burden   total annual
             Modality of completion                 respondents      response      per response       burden
                                                                                     (minutes)        (hours)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SSA-2930........................................           1,500               1              30             750
SSA-2931........................................             850               1              30             425
SSA-4659........................................             325               1              10              54
SSA-L8550-U3....................................             385               1               5              32
SSA-L8551-U3....................................              95               1               5               8
SSA-L8552-U3....................................              35               1               5               3
SSA-L8553-U3....................................            4970               1               5             414
SSA-L8554-U3....................................             705               1               5              59
SSA-8552........................................            2350               1               5             196
SSA-85..........................................            3850               1               5             321
SSA-2935........................................            2350               1               5             196
SSA-8510 (also saved under OMB No. 0960-0707)...             800               1               5              67
                                                 ---------------------------------------------------------------
    Totals......................................          17,700  ..............  ..............           2,525
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    3. Objection to Appearing by Video Teleconferencing; 
Acknowledgement of Receipt (Notice of Hearing); Waiver of Written 
Notice of Hearing--20 CFR 404.935, 404.936; 404.938, 404.939, 416.1435, 
416.1436, 416.1438, & 416.1439--0960-0671. SSA uses the information we 
obtain on Forms HA-55, HA-504, HA-504-OP1, HA-510, and HA-510-OP1 to 
manage the means by which we conduct hearings before an administrative 
law judge (ALJ), and the scheduling of hearings with an ALJ. We use the 
HA-55, Objection to Appearing by Video Teleconferencing, and its 
accompanying cover letter, HA-L2, to allow claimants to opt-out of an 
appearance via video teleconferencing (VTC) for their hearing with an 
ALJ. The HA-L2 explains the good cause stipulation for opting out of 
VTC if the claimant misses their window to submit the HA-55, and for 
verifying a new residence address if the claimant moved since 
submitting their initial hearing request. SSA uses the HA-504 and HA-
504-OP1, Acknowledgement of Receipt (Notice of Hearing), and 
accompanying cover letter, HA-L83 to: (1) Acknowledge the claimants 
will appear for their hearing with an ALJ; (2) establish the time and 
place of the hearing; and (3) remind claimants to gather evidence in 
support of their claims. The only difference between the two versions 
of the HA-504 is the language used for the selection check boxes as 
determined by the type of appearance for the hearing (in-person, phone 
teleconference, or VTC). In addition, the cover letter, HA-L83, 
explains: (1) The claimants' need to notify SSA of their wish to object 
to the time and place set for the hearing; (2) the good cause 
stipulation for missing the deadline for objecting to the time and 
place of the hearing; and (3) how the claimants can submit, in writing, 
any additional evidence they would like the ALJ to consider, or any 
objections they have on their claims. The HA-510, and HA-510-OP1, 
Waiver of Written Notice of Hearing, allows the claimants to waive 
their right to receive the Notice of Hearing as specified in the HA-
L83. We typically use these forms when there is a last minute available 
opening on an ALJ's schedule, so the claimants can fill in the 
available time slot. If the claimants agree to fill the time slot, we 
ask them to waive their right to receive the Notice of Hearing. We use 
the HA-510-OP1 at the beginning of our process for representatives and 
claimants who wish to waive the 75-day requirement earlier in the 
process, and the HA-510 later in the process for those representatives 
and claimants who want the full 75 days prior to the scheduled hearing. 
The respondents are applicants for Social Security disability payments 
who request a hearing to appeal an unfavorable entitlement or 
eligibility determination.
    Type of Request: Revision of an OMB-approved information 
collection.

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                                                                                  Average burden     Estimated
             Modality of completion                  Number of     Frequency of    per response    total annual
                                                    respondents      response        (minutes)    burden (hours)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HA-504 (with teleconferencing)..................         898,000               1              30         449,000
HA-504-OP1......................................           2,000               1              30           1,000
HA-L83..........................................         900,000               1              30         450,000
HA-L83--Good Cause for missing deadline.........           5,000               1               5             417
HA-L83--Objection Stating Issues in Notice are            45,000               1               5           3,750
 Incorrect......................................
HA-55...........................................         850,000               1               5          70,833
HA-L2--Verification of New Residence............          45,000               1               5           3,750
HA-L2--Late Notification of Objection to VTC              13,500               1              10           2,250
 showing good cause.............................
HA-510;.........................................           4,000               1               2             133
HA-510-OP1......................................
                                                 ---------------------------------------------------------------
    Totals......................................       2,762,500  ..............  ..............         981,133
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    4. Social Security's Public Credentialing and Authentication 
Process--20 CFR 401.45 and 402--0960-0789.

Background

    Authentication is the foundation for secure, online transactions. 
Identity authentication is the process of determining, with confidence, 
that someone is who he or she claims to be during a remote, automated 
session. It comprises three distinct factors: something you know; 
something you

[[Page 32435]]

have; and something you are. Single-factor authentication uses one of 
the factors, and multi-factor authentication uses two or more of the 
factors.

SSA's Public Credentialing and Authentication Process

    SSA offers consistent authentication across SSA's secured online 
services. We allow our users to request and maintain only one User ID, 
consisting of a self-selected username and password, to access multiple 
Social Security electronic services. Designed in accordance with the 
OMB Memorandum M-04-04 and the National Institute of Standards and 
Technology (NIST) Special Publication 800-63, this process provides the 
means of authenticating users of our secured electronic services and 
streamlines access to those services.
    SSA's public credentialing and authentication process:
     Issues a single User ID to anyone who wants to do business 
with the agency and meets the eligibility criteria;
     Partners with an external Identity Services Provider (ISP) 
to help us verify the identity of our online customers;
     Complies with relevant standards;
     Offers access to some of SSA's heaviest, but more 
sensitive, workloads online while providing a high level of confidence 
in the identity of the person requesting access to these services;
     Offers an in-person process for those who are 
uncomfortable with or unable to use the Internet process;
     Balances security with ease of use; and
     Provides a user-friendly way for the public to conduct 
extended business with us online instead of visiting local servicing 
offices or requesting information over the phone. Individuals have 
real-time access to their Social Security information in a safe and 
secure web environment.

Public Credentialing and Authentication Process Features

    We collect and maintain the users' personally identifiable 
information (PII) in our Central Repository of Electronic 
Authentication Data Master File Privacy Act system of records, which we 
published in the Federal Register (75 FR 79065). The PII may include 
the users' name; address; date of birth; Social Security number (SSN); 
phone number; and other types of identity information [e.g., address 
information of persons from the W-2 and Schedule Self Employed forms we 
receive electronically for our programmatic purposes as permitted by 26 
U.S.C. 6103(l)(1)(A)]. We may also collect knowledge-based 
authentication data, which is information users establish with us or 
that we already maintain in our existing Privacy Act systems of 
records.
    We retain the data necessary to administer and maintain our e-
Authentication infrastructure. This includes management and profile 
information, such as blocked accounts; failed access data; effective 
date of passwords; and other data allowing us to evaluate the system's 
effectiveness. The data we maintain also may include archived 
transaction data and historical data.
    We use the information from this collection to identity proof and 
authenticate our users online, and to allow them access to their 
personal information from our records. We also use this information to 
provide second factor authentication. We are committed to expanding and 
improving this process so we can grant access to additional online 
services in the future.
    Offering online services is not only an important part of meeting 
SSA's goals, but is vital to good public service. In increasing 
numbers, the public expects to conduct complex business over the 
Internet. Ensuring SSA's online services are both secure and user-
friendly is our priority. We awarded a competitively bid contract to an 
ISP, Equifax,\1\ to help us verify the identity of our online 
customers. We use this ISP, in addition to our other authentication 
methods, to help us prove, or verify, the identity of our customers 
when they are completing online or electronic transactions with us.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ Equifax is a global information solutions provider. 
Equifax's solutions help Social Security to manage risk and mitigate 
fraud.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Social Security's Authentication Strategy

    We remain committed to enhancing our online services using 
authentication processes that balance usability and security. We will 
continue to research and develop new authentication tools while 
monitoring the emerging threats.
    The following are key components of our authentication strategy:
     Enrollment and Identity Verification--Individuals who meet 
the following eligibility requirements may enroll:
    [cir] Must have a valid email address;
    [cir] Must have a valid Social Security number (SSN);
    [cir] Must have a domestic address of record (includes military 
addresses); and
    [cir] Must be at least 18 years of age.
    We collect identifying data and use SSA and ISP records to verify 
an individual's identity. Individuals have the option of obtaining an 
enhanced, stronger, User ID by providing certain financial information 
(e.g., Medicare wages, self-employed earnings, or the last eight digits 
of a credit card number) for verification. We also ask individuals to 
answer out-of-wallet questions so we can further verify their 
identities. Individuals who are unable to complete the process online 
can present identification at a field office to obtain a User ID.
     Establishing the User Profile--The individual self-selects 
a username and password, both of which can be of variable length and 
alphanumeric. We provide a password strength indicator to help the 
individual select a strong password. We also ask the individual to 
choose challenge questions for use in restoring a lost or forgotten 
username or password.
     Provide a Second Factor--We ask the individual to provide 
a text message enabled cell phone number or an email address. We 
consider the cell phone number or email address the second factor of 
authentication. We send a security code to the individual's selected 
second factor. We require the individual to confirm its receipt by 
entering the security code online. Subsequently, each time the 
individual attempts to sign in to his or her online account, we will 
also send a message with a one-time security code to the individual's 
selected second factor. The individual must enter the security code 
along with his or her username and password. The code is valid for only 
10 minutes. If the individual does not enter the code within 10 
minutes, the code expires, and the individual must request another 
code.
     Enhancing the User ID--If individuals opt to enhance or 
upgrade their User IDs, they must provide certain financial information 
for verification. We mail a one-time-use upgrade code to the 
individual's verified residential address. When the individual receives 
the upgrade code in the mail, he or she can enter this code online to 
enhance the security of the account. With extra security, we continue 
to require the individuals to sign in using their username, password, 
and a one-time security code we send to their second factor email 
address or cell phone number (whichever the users listed in their 
account).
     Sign in and Use--Our authentication process provides an 
individual with a User ID for access to our sensitive online Social 
Security services. Second factor authentication requires the individual 
to sign in with a username, password, and a one-time

[[Page 32436]]

security code sent to the individual's selected second factor. SSA 
expanded its existing capabilities to require second factor 
authentication for every online sign in. We also allow for maintenance 
of the second factor options. An individual who forgets the password 
can reset it automatically without contacting SSA.

Social Security's Enrollment Process

    The enrollment process is a one-time only activity. SSA requires 
the individuals to agree to the ``Terms of Service'' detailed on our 
Web site before we allow them to begin the enrollment process. The 
``Terms of Service'' inform the individuals what we will and will not 
do with their personal information, and the privacy and security 
protections we provide on all data we collect. These terms also detail 
the consequences of misusing this service.
    To verify the individual's identity, we ask the individual to give 
us minimal personal information, which may include:
     Name;
     SSN;
     Date of birth;
     Address--mailing and residential;
     Telephone number;
     Email address;
     Financial information;
     Cell phone number; and
     Selecting and answering password reset questions.
    We send a subset of this information to the ISP, who then generates 
a series of out-of-wallet questions back to the individual. The 
individual must answer all or most of the questions correctly before 
continuing in the process. The exact questions generated are unique to 
each individual. This collection of information, or a subset of it, is 
mandatory for respondents who want to do business with SSA via the 
Internet. We collect this information via the Internet, on SSA's 
public-facing Web site. We also offer an in-person identification 
verification process for individuals who cannot, or are not willing, to 
register online. For this process, the individual must go to a local 
SSA field office and provide identifying information. We do not ask for 
financial information with the in-person process.
    We only collect the identity information one time, when the 
individual registers for a credential. We ask for the User ID (username 
and password),and we send a security code to the individual's 
registered second factor (cell phone or email), for every sign in. The 
individual is required to provide the security code back to us during 
the online registration and sign in processes, for both standard 
accounts and accounts with extra security. The respondents are 
individuals who choose to use the Internet or Automated Telephone 
Response System to conduct business with SSA.
    Type of Request: Revision of an OMB-approved information 
collection.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Estimated
                                                     Number of     Frequency of   Average burden   total annual
             Modality of completion                 respondents      response      per response       burden
                                                                                     (minutes)        (hours)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internet Requestors.............................      52,698,441               1               8       7,026,459
In-Person (Intranet) Requestors.................       3,407,319               1               8         454,309
                                                 ---------------------------------------------------------------
    Totals......................................      56,105,760  ..............  ..............       7,480,768
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Dated: July 10, 2017.
Naomi R. Sipple,
Reports Clearance Officer, Social Security Administration.
[FR Doc. 2017-14722 Filed 7-12-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4191-02-P