Major Social Security announcement tomorrow that will impact 2026 payments – Personal Finance – Finance
The Social Security Administration is set to make a significant announcement tomorrow, satisfying recipients anxiously awaiting the news of their check amounts for next year.
The organization recently postponed the announcement of the 2026 cost-of-living adjustments, or COLA. This annual announcement, typically made in October, outlines the increase in monthly benefits reflecting inflation changes.
The delay left the 75 million Americans who collect Social Security in anticipation since they were expecting the news on Oct. 15. However, the government shutdown caused the postponement.
The adjustments are calculated based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) inflation report, but all of the bureau’s 2,055 employees were furloughed except one.
With the shutdown now in its 23rd day and no apparent end in sight, the official COLA announcement will be made tomorrow,
When will the 2026 COLA be announced?
The 2026 COLA will be announced tomorrow, Oct. 24.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics has stated that its September 2025 Consumer Price Index will be released tomorrow, with the COLA following shortly after.
A spokesperson for Social Security told Newsweek: “Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for 75 million Americans will be adjusted per the 2026 COLA, beginning January 1, 2026, without any delay due to the current government lapse in appropriation.”
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How much will 2026 Social Security checks increase?
Analysts are forecasting estimates for the potential increase in checks, with many predicting a rise in the 2.7% to 2.8% range.
This could translate to an additional $54 per paycheck. However, some Social Security recipients have expressed that the extra funds won’t stretch far.
Bailey, a retired oncology researcher, shared with CNBC that the last time she truly felt the impact of a COLA was back in 2023, when the adjustment was a substantial 8.7%.
This resulted in an extra $135 per payment, which “helped, but I used it all,” she admitted.
Consequently, Bailey is of the opinion that a $54 increase in 2026 “won’t do anything,” considering the soaring costs of food, rent and healthcare.
