Delayed Announcement of 2026 Social Security COLA Due to Government Shutdown

The ongoing partial government shutdown in the United States is set to delay the announcement of the 2026 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries. Typically, the Social Security Administration (SSA) announces the COLA in mid-October, following the release of the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) data by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). However, due to the shutdown, most BLS employees have been furloughed, halting the collection and publication of essential economic data.

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The COLA is calculated based on the percentage increase in the CPI-W from the third quarter of the previous year to the same period of the current year. For 2026, the SSA was expected to announce the COLA on October 15, 2025, using data from July to September. Projections from The Senior Citizens League (TSCL) indicate a potential increase of approximately 2.7%, which would translate to an additional $54 per month for the average retired worker, raising their monthly benefit from $2,008 to $2,062.

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If the government remains shut down, the release of the CPI-W data may be postponed, further delaying the COLA announcement. Even if Congress reaches a resolution to reopen the government, processing delays could still affect the timeline. The SSA has confirmed that while the announcement may be delayed, Social Security payments will continue without interruption, as these benefits are classified as mandatory spending.

Newsweek

Critics have expressed concern over the implications of the delay for beneficiaries who rely on timely information to budget their expenses. Alex Beene, a financial literacy instructor, noted that the delay could create challenges for seniors who plan their finances based on expected COLA increases. The uncertainty surrounding the announcement could complicate budgeting for essential expenses such as rent, groceries, and healthcare.

Newsweek

The SSA has reassured beneficiaries that payments will continue as scheduled during the shutdown. "We want you to know that during the federal government shutdown, payments to all people who currently receive Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) will continue with no change in payment dates," the agency stated. However, it also highlighted that certain services, such as benefits verification and processing of overpayments, are on hold due to the furlough of approximately 12% of its workforce.

Newsweek

As the situation develops, beneficiaries are advised to stay informed through official SSA communications regarding the COLA announcement. The delay in the announcement underscores the broader impact of the government shutdown on critical programs that affect millions of Americans. The COLA increase, once announced, will take effect in January 2026, ensuring that beneficiaries' payments keep pace with inflation and rising living costs.

Newsweek

• “While the delay of a COLA announcement for Social Security recipients may not feel like a big deal, it can be for seniors who budget well in advance with limited income.” — Alex Beene, Financial Literacy Instructor

Newsweek

• “Once funding is restored, BLS will resume normal operations and notify the public of any changes to the news release schedule on the BLS release calendar,” — Bureau of Labor Statistics Statement

Newsweek

• “The government is no longer producing economic data, so the COLA is going to have to wait until the government reopens. Once the shutdown is over, we should see numbers come across the tape, or we may have to wait an additional month to get new data points. Either way, the numbers will eventually be delivered.” — Kevin Thompson, CEO of 9i Capital Group

Newsweek

• “Seniors across America are holding their breath,” — Shannon Benton, Executive Director of TSCL

Newsweek

The situation remains fluid, and the eventual announcement of the COLA will be closely monitored by millions who depend on Social Security benefits.

Newsweek