India, Feb. 27 -- Filing for Social Security is one of the biggest decisions you will make in retirement. And recipients of social security will have to deal with a major change starting in March 2026, potentially making it difficult for new applicants to receive their claims.

Right now, Social Security benefit claims and appointments are handled at the local level. Seniors can schedule a visit at their nearby field office and meet with an agent to file a claim or ask questions.

Beginning March 7, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will shift to a centralized system called the National Appointment Scheduling Calendar and National Workload Management.

The change is largely due to reduced staffing at the SSA. But there are concerns...