Originally published on 1/22/26

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is rolling out two new systems that will change how more than 1,200 field offices handle claims and schedule appointments. These systems come after the government organization’s push toward closing local field offices, a move meant to encourage Social Security recipients and SSA employees to use the organization’s new technology programs. We share more about these new models, including how they are expected to impact your monthly benefits, below. 

What to know about the National Appointment Scheduling Calendar 

On March 7, SSA will implement the National Appointment Scheduling Calendar (NASC) to help beneficiaries go online to self-schedule their initial claims appointment—the first meeting Americans must attend after applying for Social Security. 

The reason for the change? “For decades, our 1,250 field offices have operated as independent ‘mini-SSAs.’ That model no longer serves the public or our people. It prevents true specialization, limits the impact of technology and produces backlogs we should not sustain,”Andy Sriubas, the Social Security Administration’s chief of field operations, wrote in a memo, per Morningstar. 

The new model is expected to help people find an appointment time that works for them by using tools such as chatbots and artificial intelligence. 

Experts worry the changes may be difficult for seniors. “The people currently taking Social Security do not need new apps to download, login requirements or chatbot interactions. They need human beings to service them, and any changes will just bring pain for our senior population.” Kevin Thompson, CEO of 9i Capital Group and the host of the 9innings podcast, told Newsweek. “For younger generations, this will likely be a net positive since they’re already deeply embedded in technology. Long term, I think this is a clear win, but there will be ‘significant short-term disruption.’”

What to know about the National Workload Management 

The National Workload Management (NWLM) model also begins on March 7. This program will work hand in hand with the NASC model, allowing SSA field office workers to speak to beneficiaries from all over the country, not just in their local area. It will also give SSA workers the chance to use a new unified national model that will store all of the claims the organization receives before automatically assigning it to a staff member. 

“It’s a big departure from how SSA has done business, so the most important thing is getting the implementation right,” Kathleen Romig, director of Social Security and disability policy at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, said, per Market Watch. “That means things like giving staff the resources they need to understand the nuances of 50 states’ laws for the many programs and policies that interact with Social Security and SSI [Supplemental Security Income], figuring out an efficient way to share paper documents nationwide and adequately training staff on the new system.” 

How the new changes will affect you 

Once the new models begin on March 7, people looking to enroll in Social Security will feel the effects, because the systems are more technology-focused and could discourage them from talking with field office workers in their area. They will also be encouraged to use AI chatbots, which might confuse them or not give them the information they need.

“The agency had 49 weeks of productivity gains through May 2025. This overhaul kills that momentum,” Michael Ryan, a finance expert and the founder of MichaelRyanMoney.com, warned Newsweek. “If the new system stumbles, even temporarily, you’re looking at a benefits system that’s slower and less accessible than it is now.” 

On the flipside, these tools could help seniors book appointments and ask questions at any time during the day, instead of just the standard working hours. 

“The changes coming to Social Security may seem stark, but in reality, the vast majority of beneficiaries are already on-board with these alterations,” Alex Beene, a financial literacy instructor for the University of Tennessee at Martin, told Newsweek. “The primarily digital and virtual approaches to how information is disseminated and how checks are distributed has already been embraced by most recipients. In an effort to make processes more efficient and save funding, modernization is needed.” 

If you have questions about these changes, you can always call the SSA at (800) 772-1213.

Link to original: https://www.womansworld.com/life/money/social-security-changes-for-2026-are-coming-in-march-what-to-know