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The Social Security COLA announcement delayed until Nov. 1

The September CPI report is needed to arrive at the number

Updated:

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Mark Huffman
Reporter

Mark Huffman has covered consumer issues since 2004, with a special focus on protecting and empowering older adults. A former news correspondent for the Associated Press Radio Network, Westwood One, and ConsumerAffairs, Mark brings decades of journalistic experience to RetirementLiving.com. He is passionate about giving consumers a voice and helping them make informed decisions. Mark has also created educational content, including Senior Scam Alert, a video resource designed to help seniors recognize and avoid fraud. He holds a B.A. from the University of Kentucky and lives with his family in Richmond, Virginia.
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Key Insights

  • The September Consumer Price Index (CPI) report — a key ingredient in determining the annual Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) — will be delayed due to a partial government shutdown. 
  • Without that CPI data, the Social Security Administration (SSA) cannot formally calculate or announce the 2026 COLA until the inflation measure is released. 
  • The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is recalling some furloughed staff to produce the September CPI by October 24 so that the COLA announcement can proceed — albeit behind schedule.

There’s a new timeline for the release of the 2026 Social Security cost of living adjustment. Normally, it would be announced on October 15, but because of the federal government shutdown, the data won’t be gathered in time.

The COLA each year is based on the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners in July, August and September. The data for that important third month are missing.

While it’s important to know how much benefits will go up, retirees can make an educated guess. Based on July and August CPI-W, the estimated increase was last pegged at 2.7%. Since inflation probably didn’t moderate that much last month, 2.7% or slightly higher is a safe bet for the 2026 COLA.

Social Security payments continue during a shutdown

Because Social Security and related benefits are funded through mandatory spending, the shutdown does not interrupt monthly payments to retirees, disabled beneficiaries, or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients. 

Though the payments continue, millions of Americans rely on knowing their COLA ahead of time to plan household budgets, especially under tight fixed incomes. The delay leaves them in limbo until the rate is confirmed. 

With the CPI scheduled for October 24, the SSA will have only a narrow window to process, validate, and announce the COLA, which, by law, must be done by November 1. That compressed schedule increases the risk of administrative strain or further slippage.