Get ready for a Social Security update: When the 2026 COLA will be announced
- Replies 0
If Social Security plays a major role in your monthly budget—or you’re simply planning ahead for retirement—there’s a key update on the horizon that millions of Americans are watching closely.
Every fall, the Social Security Administration (SSA) calculates the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for the year ahead, and that number can shape how far your benefits go.
Whether you're managing rising grocery bills or bracing for another year of medical expenses, even a modest increase can make a difference.
This year, the process faced an unexpected hiccup, but officials have now confirmed that the delayed update is still on the way.
After some back and forth behind the scenes, the exact release date has been officially rescheduled.
Delayed release caused by temporary government shutdown
The 2026 COLA announcement was originally anticipated for October 15, but a partial government shutdown on October 1 led to delays.
As a result, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) temporarily furloughed most of its 2,055 employees, postponing the release of the September Consumer Price Index (CPI) report.
This report is a necessary component in the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) annual cost-of-living adjustment calculation.
To ensure the COLA could still be determined, the Office of Management and Budget authorized the BLS to resume limited operations to complete the CPI release.
Other economic data releases, including those related to retail sales and industrial output, are expected to remain delayed until full government operations resume.
Also read: What a shutdown could mean for the 2026 Social Security COLA—seniors may face delays
The official announcement is now set for October 24
Now that the BLS is back in action, the SSA has confirmed that the 2026 COLA will be announced on Friday, October 24, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time.
That morning, the final CPI data for September will be published, completing the three-month window used to calculate the adjustment.
Once the numbers are in, the SSA will release the new benefit amounts for the year ahead.
This timing gives retirees and others receiving benefits a chance to plan for the coming year with more clarity.
While the delay was brief, it served as a reminder of how intertwined government operations are with everyday finances.
Also read: A 2.8% Social Security COLA is on the horizon for 2026—but will it keep up with Medicare’s rising costs?
How Social Security COLA is calculated
Each year, the COLA is based on changes in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) from July through September.
This index measures inflation and helps determine how much more seniors and other beneficiaries might need to keep up with rising costs.
If prices for food, housing, or utilities go up, a higher COLA helps offset the difference.
On the other hand, if inflation slows, the COLA is smaller or, in rare cases, zero.
The goal is to ensure that benefits maintain their purchasing power from year to year.
Also read: Are rising tariffs putting Social Security COLA at risk? Seniors are growing concerned
Estimated 2026 increase could bring $52 more each month
While we won’t know the official 2026 COLA until October 24, early predictions based on August inflation figures suggest a 2.8% increase.
That’s slightly higher than the previous estimate of 2.7%.
For reference, the average monthly Social Security benefit in August 2025 was $1,864.87.
A 2.8% adjustment would add roughly $52 per month, depending on your current benefit amount.
While that might not sound like a windfall, it can provide meaningful relief for those balancing fixed incomes and rising expenses.
Also read: You could be missing out—3 Social Security COLA secrets everyone should know
COLA delays are rare—but not unheard of
This isn’t the first time a government shutdown has disrupted the COLA timeline.
Back in 2013, a similar situation delayed the release by more than two weeks.
That shutdown was tied to disagreements over Affordable Care Act funding and lasted 16 days.
Much like this year, the BLS had to resume limited operations to get the CPI data out in time for the SSA to act.
While these delays are uncommon, they highlight just how dependent key benefit updates are on larger government functions.
Also read: Social Security bump in 2026 may not help as much as you think
Who receives Social Security and benefits from COLA
As of August 2025, more than 74.5 million Americans were receiving Social Security benefits.
That includes retirees, disabled individuals, survivors of deceased workers, and those receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
For many older adults, these payments are a vital source of income.
A COLA increase helps cover everything from groceries and prescriptions to heating bills and transportation.
Every dollar counts, especially during periods of inflation or economic uncertainty.
Also read: Are Social Security increases really keeping up with your expenses?
What to expect after the announcement
Once the COLA is officially announced, new benefit amounts will take effect in January 2026.
Most recipients will see the increase reflected in their first payment of the new year.
If you have a my Social Security account, you’ll be able to see the updated amount there as well.
Paper notices are also mailed out, typically in December, confirming the new payment.
So while the announcement is in October, the financial impact begins just after the holidays.
Also read: Bigger benefits, smaller payoff? Medicare costs may cut into your next Social Security raise
Tips to make the most of your COLA increase
While you wait for the final number, here are a few smart ways to prepare:
Even with a modest increase, knowing what to expect from your Social Security benefits can help you plan ahead with more confidence.
Stay informed, stay prepared, and we’ll navigate the changes together.
Read next:
How do you feel about the expected 2.8% COLA? Will it help with your monthly expenses or ease any financial pressure? Have you been through a delayed COLA before? We’d love to hear how it affected you and what you're doing to prepare for 2026.
Every fall, the Social Security Administration (SSA) calculates the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for the year ahead, and that number can shape how far your benefits go.
Whether you're managing rising grocery bills or bracing for another year of medical expenses, even a modest increase can make a difference.
This year, the process faced an unexpected hiccup, but officials have now confirmed that the delayed update is still on the way.
After some back and forth behind the scenes, the exact release date has been officially rescheduled.
Millions of older Americans are awaiting the 2026 Social Security COLA update, which could bring a modest increase to monthly benefits. Image Source: YouTube / CBS Mornings.
Delayed release caused by temporary government shutdown
The 2026 COLA announcement was originally anticipated for October 15, but a partial government shutdown on October 1 led to delays.
As a result, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) temporarily furloughed most of its 2,055 employees, postponing the release of the September Consumer Price Index (CPI) report.
This report is a necessary component in the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) annual cost-of-living adjustment calculation.
To ensure the COLA could still be determined, the Office of Management and Budget authorized the BLS to resume limited operations to complete the CPI release.
Other economic data releases, including those related to retail sales and industrial output, are expected to remain delayed until full government operations resume.
Also read: What a shutdown could mean for the 2026 Social Security COLA—seniors may face delays
The official announcement is now set for October 24
Now that the BLS is back in action, the SSA has confirmed that the 2026 COLA will be announced on Friday, October 24, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time.
That morning, the final CPI data for September will be published, completing the three-month window used to calculate the adjustment.
Once the numbers are in, the SSA will release the new benefit amounts for the year ahead.
This timing gives retirees and others receiving benefits a chance to plan for the coming year with more clarity.
While the delay was brief, it served as a reminder of how intertwined government operations are with everyday finances.
Also read: A 2.8% Social Security COLA is on the horizon for 2026—but will it keep up with Medicare’s rising costs?
How Social Security COLA is calculated
Each year, the COLA is based on changes in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) from July through September.
This index measures inflation and helps determine how much more seniors and other beneficiaries might need to keep up with rising costs.
If prices for food, housing, or utilities go up, a higher COLA helps offset the difference.
On the other hand, if inflation slows, the COLA is smaller or, in rare cases, zero.
The goal is to ensure that benefits maintain their purchasing power from year to year.
Also read: Are rising tariffs putting Social Security COLA at risk? Seniors are growing concerned
Estimated 2026 increase could bring $52 more each month
While we won’t know the official 2026 COLA until October 24, early predictions based on August inflation figures suggest a 2.8% increase.
That’s slightly higher than the previous estimate of 2.7%.
For reference, the average monthly Social Security benefit in August 2025 was $1,864.87.
A 2.8% adjustment would add roughly $52 per month, depending on your current benefit amount.
While that might not sound like a windfall, it can provide meaningful relief for those balancing fixed incomes and rising expenses.
Also read: You could be missing out—3 Social Security COLA secrets everyone should know
COLA delays are rare—but not unheard of
This isn’t the first time a government shutdown has disrupted the COLA timeline.
Back in 2013, a similar situation delayed the release by more than two weeks.
That shutdown was tied to disagreements over Affordable Care Act funding and lasted 16 days.
Much like this year, the BLS had to resume limited operations to get the CPI data out in time for the SSA to act.
While these delays are uncommon, they highlight just how dependent key benefit updates are on larger government functions.
Also read: Social Security bump in 2026 may not help as much as you think
Who receives Social Security and benefits from COLA
As of August 2025, more than 74.5 million Americans were receiving Social Security benefits.
That includes retirees, disabled individuals, survivors of deceased workers, and those receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
For many older adults, these payments are a vital source of income.
A COLA increase helps cover everything from groceries and prescriptions to heating bills and transportation.
Every dollar counts, especially during periods of inflation or economic uncertainty.
Also read: Are Social Security increases really keeping up with your expenses?
What to expect after the announcement
Once the COLA is officially announced, new benefit amounts will take effect in January 2026.
Most recipients will see the increase reflected in their first payment of the new year.
If you have a my Social Security account, you’ll be able to see the updated amount there as well.
Paper notices are also mailed out, typically in December, confirming the new payment.
So while the announcement is in October, the financial impact begins just after the holidays.
Also read: Bigger benefits, smaller payoff? Medicare costs may cut into your next Social Security raise
Tips to make the most of your COLA increase
While you wait for the final number, here are a few smart ways to prepare:
- Take a fresh look at your budget. Even a modest bump can help cover rising prices in key areas.
- Watch out for scams. Criminals often take advantage of the COLA announcement to trick people into giving out personal information. The SSA will never call, email, or ask you to pay to receive your COLA.
- Stay up to date. Visit the SSA website and reputable news sources for official updates and clear guidance.
Even with a modest increase, knowing what to expect from your Social Security benefits can help you plan ahead with more confidence.
Stay informed, stay prepared, and we’ll navigate the changes together.
Read next:
- White House responds to Social Security change concerns
- What Social Security really looks like at 72 in 2025
- Retirees must see: This new Social Security update could affect your future
How do you feel about the expected 2.8% COLA? Will it help with your monthly expenses or ease any financial pressure? Have you been through a delayed COLA before? We’d love to hear how it affected you and what you're doing to prepare for 2026.
