The 2026 Social Security Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) will be officially announced by the Social Security Administration (SSA) on Thursday, October 24 at 8:30 a.m. ET. The announcement follows a short scheduling change that shifted the release date from its original slot on Wednesday, October 15.
According to the SSA, the delay was related to a temporary suspension of personnel at the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the agency responsible for generating the inflation data used in the COLA formula. This annual update is a standard procedure that impacts benefit amounts for tens of millions of Americans across multiple federal programs.
Why The Social Security COLA Was Delayed
On October 14, the SSA notified the public that the COLA announcement would not proceed as scheduled on the 15th. The reason: a temporary workforce suspension at the BLS, which disrupted the timeline for releasing the September 2025 Consumer Price Index (CPI). The SSA relies on this final CPI data to calculate the annual COLA. In a statement to Newsweek, an SSA spokesperson clarified:
“The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has announced that it will issue the September 2025 Consumer Price Index (CPI) on October 24.”
This index, specifically the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W), is the official benchmark used since 1975 for adjusting Social Security benefits. The CPI-W reflects the inflation patterns of younger, urban workers—a methodology that continues to draw criticism.
As Marca reported, many senior advocacy groups argue that it fails to represent the actual spending needs of retirees, particularly in categories like healthcare, prescription drugs, and housing.
The updated Social Security COLA will take effect on January 1, 2026, and SSA officials have confirmed that there will be no delay in payment processing, despite the current political tension surrounding federal budget issues.
COLA 2026 Estimate: 2.8% Projected, But Seniors Are Skeptical
According to The Senior Citizens League (TSCL), the projected COLA for 2026 is 2.8 percent. This estimate remains unofficial until the CPI data is finalized, but it has already sparked mixed reactions. Shannon Benton, Executive Director of TSCL, voiced the frustration felt by many:
“With the cost-of-living adjustment announcement just around the corner, seniors across the United States are holding their breath. While a higher cost-of-living adjustment would be welcome because their monthly benefits will increase, many will be disappointed.”
Indeed, TSCL’s research suggests a growing disconnect between the official COLA increases and real-life inflation as experienced by seniors. The yearly Social Security COLA aims to preserve purchasing power, but the CPI-W’s focus on a younger demographic means it may miss inflation spikes in areas critical to older Americans.
These include out-of-pocket medical costs, assisted living services, and non-covered prescription medication—all of which have risen sharply in recent years.
Still, if the 2.8% estimate holds, the average retiree could see their monthly benefit increase by approximately $48, though actual amounts will vary.
Who Will See Their Benefits Adjusted In 2026
The 2026 Social Security COLA will apply to all benefit categories administered by the SSA. That includes:
- Retirement benefits, including spousal benefits tied to a partner’s earnings
- Survivor benefits
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
These adjustments are not considered raises in the traditional sense. Instead, they are indexing tools meant to offset inflation, helping recipients keep up with basic living costs. Still, even small COLA increases can have broader effects—such as shifting a person’s income above eligibility thresholds for certain state or federal assistance programs.
