The Social Security Administration (SSA) is about to announce the annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2026. This is news that millions of Americans are waiting for, as in this case, an increase could benefit millions of retirees in the United States. In any case, that announcement will be delayed this year due to the partial shutdown of the federal government. The announcement is usually made shortly after the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) releases the Consumer Price Index, but with the temporary suspension of many BLS employees, the delay could not be avoided and will not be released on the scheduled date.
The most consistent projection for the COLA in 2026 will be 2.7%, slightly higher than the 2.5% granted in 2025
Citizens will have to wait to find out what the COLA will be like for 2026. Although an increase in monthly payments is expected, experts warn that it may not be enough to offset the rise in seniors’ expenses. The announcement, therefore, initially scheduled for mid-October after the September CPI report, has been delayed, with no date yet set for its possible announcement.
According to estimates by The Senior Citizens League (SCL), one of the most influential retiree advocacy groups, the most consistent projection for the Social Security Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) in 2026 will be 2.7%, slightly higher than the 2.5% granted in 2025. In any case, the relevant authorities have confirmed that Social Security payments will not be affected and will continue to be delivered on time. This is a relief for those eagerly awaiting this type of assistance, since, as we have mentioned on previous occasions, the rising price of products and the cost of living leave people with fewer resources in a more difficult situation.
A constant change: In 2024, the COLA was 3.2%, while in 2025 it fell to 2.5%
Beneficiaries will receive an official notification with the exact amount of their adjustment in December, either through their SSA online account or by mail. It’s important for those interested to stay informed about all SSA and COLA news. There have been considerable variations in recent years with the COLA projection, so it’s a figure that is constantly changing. In 2024, the COLA was 3.2%, while in 2025 it fell to 2.5%. For example, speaking of adjustments, the projected increase in Medicare Part B premiums would go from $185 to $206.50 per month, an increase of $21.50.
It will not be released unless the budget dispute is resolved and government operations resume
it will not be released unless the budget dispute is resolved and government operations resume.It’s important to understand that these types of adjustments would absorb nearly 40% of the estimated COLA increase, leaving many retirees with less ability to cover their basic needs. Hence, it’s tremendously important to be well informed and keep your accounts straight. The COLA is an annual adjustment made by the Social Security Administration to maintain beneficiaries’ purchasing power in the face of inflation. Hence the relevance of the announcement. With the project halted, although the September CPI report is scheduled for October 15, it will not be released unless the budget dispute is resolved and government operations resume.
It’s important to remain calm and wait for government measures to be implemented so that everyone who needs them can receive their benefits. Therefore, having a good budget and knowing exactly how household accounts work is essential to keep accounts clear and make the most of the benefits. Remember that the families that notice these types of delays the most are those with the most limited resources. Monthly budgets, including the salary of a head of household, have to be divided into many expenses. That’s the key: knowing how to manage the money that comes into a household and waiting for the bureaucracy at state agencies to be resolved so that you can receive the aid in the best possible way.
