If not for the government shutdown, Social Security beneficiaries would have discovered the extent of the COLA hike for 2026 when new inflation data was released Oct. 15.

In 2025, Social Security and Supplemental Security Income benefits for more than 72.5 million people went up by 2.5%.

The COLA hike in 2026 could be slightly bigger than the one in 2025.

Seniors who are eager to figure out the new cost-of-living adjustment for Social Security benefits are going to need to wait a bit longer than expected.

Under normal circumstances, Social Security beneficiaries would have discovered the extent of the COLA hike for 2026 after the new inflation data was released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics on Oct. 15.

Shortly afterward, the Social Security Administration press office would t

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