Overview
- The Bureau of Labor Statistics plans to publish September CPI at 7:30 a.m. Central on Friday, Oct. 24, and the Social Security Administration is expected to announce the 2026 COLA the same day.
- The shutdown delayed last week’s CPI release that SSA needs to calculate the adjustment, though the agency says benefit payments continue during the stoppage.
- Independent projections from The Senior Citizens League and a Kiplinger economist place the COLA near 2.7%, with 2.8% possible, which would add roughly $54 per month for an average retiree.
- CBS News reporting cited by the Houston Chronicle says the new rate is slated to take effect Jan. 1, 2026, with timing subject to shutdown-related contingencies.
- Coverage underscores that Social Security generally cannot sustain a full retirement lifestyle on its own, with the average 2025 benefit at $2,008.31 per month.