The adjustment of Social Security benefits, reflecting inflation through the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA), is crucial for many Americans. Initially projected for mid-October, the announcement for 2026 benefits has been postponed due to a federal government shutdown.
Postponement of the 2026 Social Security COLA Announcement
The Social Security Administration (SSA) planned to announce the COLA for 2026 on October 15. However, the revised date for this announcement is now set for October 24.
The shift in schedule occurs as the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is expected to release the September 2025 Consumer Price Index (CPI) on the same day. This data is integral for determining the COLA calculations.
Impact of Government Shutdown
The BLS noted that no additional releases will occur until government services resume, ensuring the SSA meets essential deadlines for benefit payments. Despite the delay, Social Security benefit payments will continue without interruption, as they are categorized as mandatory spending.
Projected 2026 COLA Increase
Experts from The Senior Citizens League (TSCL) project a COLA increase of approximately 2.7% for 2026. This potential rise would represent a small increase from the 2025 adjustment of 2.5%.
- A predicted 2.7% COLA could provide an extra $54 monthly for the average retired worker.
- This would raise the average monthly benefit from $2,008 to $2,062.
- Historically, this COLA would rank 29th since the calculation method began in 1977.
Implications for Services
Amid the shutdown, the SSA retains roughly 90% of its workforce, furloughing about 6,200 employees. This reduction may impact various services, including:
- Benefit verifications
- Earnings record corrections
- Requests for prisoner activities
- Public relations activities and training
Payment Schedules
Despite the anticipated disruptions, current beneficiaries will still receive their payments punctually. Recipients of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) can expect payments on the following days:
- October 1
- October 30
In conclusion, the postponement of the social security COLA announcement amid the government shutdown marks a significant event for millions of Americans relying on these benefits. The community is awaiting the release on October 24 for clarity on the adjustment amount for 2026.
