2026 Social Security COLA Increase: When Will the Official Announcement Be Released Amid the Government Shutdown?

The 2026 Social Security COLA increase has been delayed due to the ongoing government shutdown, leaving millions of retirees waiting for clarity on next year’s benefits. The official cost-of-living adjustment, which is typically announced in mid-October, will now come later than expected as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) postpones its release of key inflation data.

This annual COLA adjustment is critical for Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients, helping them keep pace with inflation. But this year, uncertainty over government operations and staffing has disrupted the timeline, causing confusion among retirees who are trying to budget for the year ahead.

Official COLA Announcement Pushed Back to October 24

Every year, the Social Security Administration (SSA) calculates the COLA based on third-quarter Consumer Price Index (CPI) data from the BLS — covering July, August, and September. This adjustment directly impacts how much retirees receive in monthly benefits starting in January.

Normally, the SSA reveals the new COLA figure shortly after the September CPI is published in mid-October. However, due to the partial government shutdown that began on October 1, 2025, the BLS will now release September CPI data on October 24, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time. The Social Security COLA announcement will follow soon after.

A senior advocacy group, The Senior Citizens League (TSCL), estimates the 2026 COLA will be around 2.7%. While this represents a modest increase, TSCL argues it will fall short of covering the rising costs of essential goods like groceries, housing, and healthcare. They have also proposed a one-time “catch-up” payment to help seniors cope with inflationary pressures.

Despite the delay, SSA officials emphasize that benefit payments will continue without interruption. “We will cease activities not directly related to the accurate and timely payment of benefits or not critical to our direct-service operations,” the agency stated in its contingency plan.

Impact of the Government Shutdown on Social Security Services

The ongoing shutdown is not only delaying the COLA announcement but also affecting several SSA operations. According to the agency’s contingency plan, nearly 6,200 employees — about 12% of its workforce — have been furloughed. This has led to the suspension of some in-office services, such as issuing Medicare card replacements, processing overpayments, and providing proof-of-income letters.

“Thankfully, Social Security payments will be made on schedule,” TSCL executive director Shannon Benton told Nexstar. “However, delays in access, communication breakdowns, and the loss of trusted services erode the stability that older adults count on.”

Benton also noted that even a week-long delay in the COLA announcement adds unnecessary stress. “Seniors are trying to budget for next year, and delays like this only add to the uncertainty,” she said.

While the core benefit delivery system remains operational, the slowdown in administrative services highlights how vulnerable essential programs become during political gridlock. The delay underscores the importance of stable government operations, especially for seniors who rely heavily on timely information and predictable benefits.

The 2026 Social Security COLA increase will ultimately go into effect as planned, but retirees will need to wait until October 24 for the official announcement. Until then, patience — and careful financial planning — is essential as the government works through its shutdown-related disruptions.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: When will the 2026 Social Security COLA be announced?

The COLA announcement is expected on October 24, 2025, after the release of September CPI data by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Q2: How much is the estimated 2026 Social Security COLA increase?

Experts project the increase will be about 2.7%, though the official number will be confirmed later this month.

Q3: Will Social Security payments stop during the government shutdown?

No. Payments will continue as scheduled, even though some administrative services are suspended.

Q4: What Social Security services are affected by the shutdown?

Services such as issuing Medicare cards, updating earnings records, and processing overpayments are temporarily suspended.

Q5: Why does the COLA announcement depend on CPI data?

The COLA is calculated based on inflation data from the third quarter, specifically July, August, and September CPI figures.