The Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) is always announced in October. However, the federal government shutdown may lead to a delay in the announcement depending on how long the shutdown lasts.
The Social Security COLA is based on data from the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers for the 3rd quarter of the year. The Bureau of Labor Statistics is scheduled to release the final month of data for the 3rd quarter on October 15th. However, because of the government shutdown, the release of that data could be delayed. If the CPI data is delayed, Social Security’s COLA announcement would also be delayed.
The latest projections predict the COLA for 2026 to be around 2.7% to 2.8%. If that is true, the average Social Security beneficiary would receive an additional $54 per month.
The attorneys at Gardberg and Kemmerly vigilantly monitor developments with Social Security in order to offer the most current and beneficial information. For more information on Social Security benefits, contact an experienced Social Security disability attorney at Gardberg & Kemmerly, P.C. today at 251-343-1111 for a free case evaluation. Gardberg & Kemmerly, P.C. represents Social Security disability claimants in Alabama, Mississippi, Florida, and Louisiana at all levels of the disability process from initial application to appeals to Federal Court.