2026 Social Security COLA details pushed back to Oct. 24

As the government shutdown continues, Social Security recipients are awaiting news on the cost-of-living adjustment for September. — Image credit: Getty Images

Summary

COLA release date

Social Security recipients will learn on Oct. 24 how much their benefits will increase from this year’s cost-of-living adjustment.

Why the delay

The federal government had been expected to release the figure on Wednesday, but the government shutdown has delayed the key date.

Wide impact

More than 72 million people, almost 1 in 5 Americans, receive Social Security benefits.

Full story

As the ripple effects of the federal government shutdown continue, Social Security recipients have had to wait to learn the size of their cost-of-living increase for 2026. The government now says it will release that number on Oct. 24.

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The annual cost-of-living adjustment, commonly referred to as a COLA, was scheduled to be announced on Wednesday. The size of the COLA is linked to the consumer price index compared to the previous year. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) releases that number each month as a gauge of inflation. The government shutdown has delayed the September release of the key figure.

What’s changed? Fox Business reports that the BLS has recalled some of its furloughed workers to finish the consumer price index report for September, which will allow for the Social Security COLA to be calculated and released.

Number of recipients and breakdown

The Social Security Administration said in September that 72.9 million people receive some type of benefit or assistance. About 6 million people were added to the rolls in 2024.

Pew Research Center found that about 55 million retirees, including spouses and children, are receiving benefits. Another 5.8 million are receiving survivor benefits. More than 7 million Americans receive Social Security disability benefits, while an additional 7.4 million are in the Supplemental Security Income program for low-income people who are at least 65, disabled or blind.

Predictions of increase

Last year, the government set the COLA at 2.5%. This year, the Senior Citizens League, an advocacy organization, is predicting a 2.7% increase. That would bump up the average monthly benefit for retirees by $54, from $2,008 to $2,062.

The non-partisan Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget is reportedly predicting a slightly higher increase of 2.8%.

Whatever the final figure, those new payments are scheduled to begin in January 2026.

Craig Nigrelli (Anchor/Reporter)

Craig Nigrelli is an anchor and reporter for Straight Arrow News.

Mathew Grisham (Digital Producer) contributed to this report.

Tags: Cost of living, Government Shutdown, Money, Seniors, Social Security, U.S. Economy

Why this story matters

The delayed announcement of the 2026 Social Security cost-of-living adjustment affects millions who rely on federal benefits and highlights the impact of government shutdowns on critical public services.

Social Security benefits

With over 72 million Americans relying on Social Security, updates to payment levels and related processes have direct financial implications for retirees, survivors, people with disabilities and low-income households.

Inflation adjustment and predictions

The adjustment of Social Security payments based on inflation is crucial for maintaining recipients’ purchasing power, and differing forecasts from advocacy organizations and research groups reflect interest in how benefits will change.