Government shutdown delays Social Security's cost-of-living announcement. Here's what to know. [View all]

Last edited Wed Oct 15, 2025, 04:49 AM - Edit history (1)

Source: CBS News

October 14, 2025 / 3:59 PM EDT


The Social Security Administration's annual announcement setting next year's cost-of-living adjustment, or COLA, will be delayed because of the government shutdown, the agency said. Each year, the Social Security Administration adjusts benefits for its 75 million recipients based on recent inflation data, which ensures that seniors, disabled Americans and other beneficiaries don't lose purchasing power as prices rise.

Social Security had planned to announce the new COLA on Oct. 15, the same day the Labor Department was scheduled to release September Consumer Price Index data, a key measure of inflation. The COLA is determined by inflation figures for the third quarter, which covers July through September.

With much of the government's economic data on hold until Congress approves federal funding, the Bureau of Labor Statistics now plans to release its latest CPI figures on Oct. 24, about nine days later than planned. The Social Security Administration told CBS News it plans to issue its COLA announcement that same day.

"The Bureau of Labor Statistics has announced they will issue the September 2025 Consumer Price Index on October 24," the Social Security Administration said in an Oct. 14 email. "The Social Security Administration will use this release to generate and announce the 2026 cost-of-living adjustment on October 24 as well." The new COLA will take effect starting Jan. 1, 2026, without any delays due to the ongoing shutdown, the agency added.

Read more: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/social-security-cola-government-shutdown-october-2025/