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The ongoing government shutdown is causing a delay in an important announcement that will impact millions of Social Security recipients: the anticipated increase in their benefits for 2026.
The details about next year’s cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) will be disclosed once the consumer price index (CPI) data is released, which is set for October 15. Due to the shutdown, this release is now postponed until October 24.
A spokesperson from the Social Security Administration (SSA) indicated that the data from this release will be used to calculate and announce the 2026 COLA on that date.
The 2026 COLA will affect around 75 million Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients, ensuring that payments scheduled for January won’t be delayed even with the government’s funding issues, as stated by an SSA spokesperson.
Experts project that the forthcoming benefit increase might be between 2.7% and 2.8%, based on the latest inflation figures, potentially adding approximately $54 to the average monthly retirement benefit.
The prior adjustment of 2.5% for 2025, according to The Senior Citizens League, resonates with past trends, which average about 2.6% over the last two decades.
However, the upcoming increase in 2026 is expected to be far less than the adjustments seen after the inflation surge during the pandemic, which saw a peak COLA adjustment of 8.7% in 2023, following a 5.9% increase the previous year—both of which were record highs.
Retirees’ Social Security increases are also influenced by their Medicare Part B premiums, which are usually deducted directly from their benefits.
Projections suggest that standard monthly Part B premiums could increase by about 11.6%, or $21.50, rising from $185 to $206.50. Those with higher incomes might see additional monthly charges known as the Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA).
Details regarding the Medicare Part B premiums for 2026 have not yet been made public.
