Some dates slip by without much notice, while others carry weight that can affect millions of people.

There are moments when paying attention to a single announcement could change what your finances look like for the next year.

For those relying on steady monthly payments, timing becomes more important than it might first appear. And this October, one day in particular will matter more than most.


On Oct. 15, 2025, retirees receiving Social Security benefits will want to circle the date on their calendars.

That’s when the US Bureau of Labor Statistics is scheduled to release the inflation data needed to calculate the following year’s cost-of-living adjustment (COLA).

However, that’s if the ongoing government shutdown is lifted in time. Otherwise, the data release and the COLA announcement could face delays.

The Bureau has paused data collection during the shutdown, which means even if Congress reaches a deal soon, officials warn processing backlogs might push the release later than usual.

Once those numbers are finalized, the Social Security Administration will announce how much benefits will rise in 2026.

The change, based on the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers, ensures payouts don’t lose ground to inflation.


The COLA announcement usually arrives just hours after the inflation data is released at 8:30 a.m. Eastern.

But this year, retirees may have to wait longer than expected to see the official update.

Retirees can find the official news directly on the SSA’s Communications Corner webpage, where a press release outlines the exact percentage increase.

While media outlets will also share the update quickly, those wanting the information directly from the source should head there.

The announcement not only confirms the adjustment but also directs retirees to resources for estimating their new monthly benefits.

That is, once the government resumes normal operations and the data becomes available for release.


Also read: Social Security bump in 2026 may not help as much as you think

The Senior Citizens League currently projects a 2.7% COLA for 2026, which is slightly higher than this year’s 2.5% increase.

That figure is also just above the long-term average of 2.6% for the 21st century, though it falls well short of the unusually high adjustments of recent years.

Still, the increase represents a modest but meaningful bump for millions of households depending on Social Security. However, what actually shows up in bank accounts will tell a more complicated story.

Medicare Part B premiums are expected to rise 11.6% in 2026, eating away a significant portion of the COLA for most retirees.


Also read: Big Social Security changes are coming in 2026—here’s what to know now

For those receiving the average benefit, roughly 40% of the projected adjustment could be offset by the premium hike alone.

That makes the Oct. 15 announcement not just a matter of curiosity but a critical moment for financial planning.

Retirees will need to weigh how the balance between benefits and deductions will affect their budgets once all updates are confirmed.

Read next: A 2.8% Social Security COLA is on the horizon for 2026—but will it keep up with Medicare’s rising costs?
When it arrives, will you be checking the SSA’s announcement yourself or waiting for the headlines to spread through the news? Share your thoughts in the comments and let us know how much weight you place on the yearly COLA updates.