Summary
The Bureau of Labor Statistics will stop its work if the government shuts down. This could delay reports needed to decide the annual increase in Social Security payments. Despite a shutdown, existing Social Security checks will still be sent out, but new cards and verifications will stop.
Key Facts
- The Bureau of Labor Statistics will halt operations during a government shutdown.
- Important reports, like the monthly unemployment numbers, would be delayed.
- The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is used to determine the annual Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for Social Security.
- Over 72.5 million people receive Social Security and Disability Insurance.
- The final CPI report for the third quarter is due on October 11.
- A delay in the CPI report could affect the announcement of the COLA.
- In a shutdown, existing Social Security checks will continue, but new cards and verifications will not be processed.
- President Trump and congressional leaders were planning to discuss resolving the shutdown issue.
