FILE-In this photo illustration, a Social Security card sits alongside checks from the U.S. Treasury on October 14, 2021 in Washington, D.C. (Photo illustration by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
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The annual Social Security cost-of-living adjustment announcement is being delayed as the government shutdown enters its third week.
Every year, the Social Security Administration adjusts its benefits based on inflation. Beneficiaries depend on COLA to assist in planning their finances.
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When will the Social Security 2026 COLA announcement happen?
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Why you should care:
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The Social Security COLA announcement is now scheduled for Oct. 24. The Associated Press reported that it’s timed to the September Consumer Price Index, which is expected to be released soon.
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RELATED: Social Security COLA announcement for 2026 may be delayed due to government shutdown
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According to the AP, several lawmakers have introduced legislation that would require the Social Security Administration to utilize a different index, called the Consumer Price Index for the Elderly (CPI-E), to calculate the cost-of-living increase that measures price changes based on the spending patterns of older people on things such as health care, food and medicine.
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Meanwhile, some Democrats have proposed legislation to change the CPI calculation for COLA benefits to the CPI-E.
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What does the COLA announcement mean for Social Security recipients’ payments?
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Dig deeper:
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Even if the COLA announcement is delayed because of the government shutdown, Social Security recipients will still get their payments. Social Security benefits have a permanent funding source and aren’t linked to Congress’ annual budget.
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What is COLA projected to be in 2026?
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By the numbers:
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The Associated Press reported that the projections by the Senior Citizens League and the AARP anticipate a COLA increase of about 2.7%. Roughly 70.6 million individuals, including retirees, disabled people and children, receive Social Security benefits.
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RELATED: Social Security Fairness Act: Where the expanded benefits stand
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Social Security’s COLA is used to revise the amounts paid to claimants to account for inflation, boosting higher prices. In 2025, COLA was 2.5% and began at the start of the year.
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The Social Security Administration will start notifying recipients about their new benefit amount starting in early December.
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A spokesperson for Social Security who spoke to the Associated Press on the condition of anonymity to preview the COLA shared that retirement and Supplemental Security Income benefits would be adjusted beginning Jan. 1, 2026, without any delays.
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The Source: Information for this story was provided by previous LIVENOW from FOX reporting, FOX Business, and the Associated Press. This story was reported from Washington, D.C.
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