Summary
The Social Security Administration (SSA) will announce the 2026 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) on October 24. This update was delayed due to a government shutdown. Adjustments affect the benefits of over 75 million Americans starting January 2026.
Key Facts
- The announcement of the 2026 COLA is set for October 24.
- The delay was due to a government shutdown impacting the release of necessary inflation data.
- Over 70 million people in the U.S. depend on Social Security for income.
- The COLA is based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- The adjustments ensure benefits keep up with costs like housing and groceries.
- The projected COLA increase for 2026 is 2.7 percent according to The Senior Citizen's League.
- The COLA impacts various programs such as retirement and disability benefits.
- Adjusted benefits will start in January 2026.
