Summary
The announcement of the 2026 Social Security Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) may be delayed due to a government shutdown. This delay could occur because Bureau of Labor Statistics employees, who provide the necessary inflation data for the COLA, have been furloughed. The announcement was planned for October 15, but the date might be postponed.
Key Facts
- The Social Security COLA helps adjust benefits to match rising living costs.
- The COLA announcement relies on inflation data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- The announcement is set for October 15, 2025, but may be delayed due to a government shutdown.
- Over 70 million Americans depend on Social Security benefits.
- The Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) is used to calculate the COLA.
- If the government shutdown continues, key economic data releases, like September's inflation report, could also be delayed.
- The COLA affects various Social Security programs, including retirement and disability benefits.
