Social Security Administration to Centralize Claims and Appointments from March 2026

Starting March 7, 2026, the Social Security Administration will centralize claim processing and appointment scheduling through a national system, replacing local office control. This change aims to reduce backlogs but may cause delays and affect state-specific rules. While monthly payments remain secure, pending claims could be impacted. Seniors are advised to file claims online early and schedule appointments promptly to avoid disruptions during the transition.