Social Security COLA announcement for 2026 may be delayed due to government shutdown
FILE-In this photo illustration, a Social Security card sits alongside checks from the U.S. Treasury on October 14, 2021 in Washington, D.C. (Photo illustration by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
<!–>
–>
Millions of older Americans may have to wait longer to find out how much their Social Security checks will increase in 2026.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) expected to announce the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) on Oct. 15, which is the same day the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) was scheduled to release its inflation report for September.
<!–>
RELATED: Social Security October payment schedule: Here’s when recipients get their checks
–> <!–>
But with most of the BLS employees furloughed because of the government shutdown, the inflation report and other economic reports could be delayed.
–>
FOX Business noted that the only time the annual COLA was delayed happened in October 2013 which was also during a government shutdown.
<!–>
If the inflation report isn’t released, the Social Security Administration can’t calculate the annual COLA, which is calculated based on average annual increases in the consumer price index for urban wage earners and clerical workers from July through September, USA Today reported.
–>
What does the COLA announcement mean for Social Security recipients’ payments?
<!–>
Why you should care:
–>
Even if the COLA announcement is delayed because of the government shutdown, Social Security recipients will still get their payments. Social Security benefits have a permanent funding source and aren’t linked to Congress’ annual budget.
<!–>
What is COLA projected to be in 2026?
–>
Dig deeper:
<!–>
FOX Business reported that the Senior Citizens League (TSCL) estimated in September that the Social Security cost-of-living-adjustment (COLA) would be 2.7% when it is announced on October 15. This would increase the average monthly benefit for retired workers by $54 from $2,008 to $2,062.
–>
RELATED: Social Security Fairness Act: Where the expanded benefits stand
<!–>
Social Security’s COLA is used to revise the amounts paid to claimants to account for inflation, boosting higher prices. In 2025, COLA was 2.5% and began at the start of the year.
–>
The Source: Information for this story was provided by USA Today and FOX Business. This story was reported from Washington, D.C.