October 24, 2025
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Shutdown delays Social Security COLA announcement

A government shutdown delayed the usual announcement of the Social Security cost-of-living adjustment, leaving recipients uncertain about next year’s benefit increase. Officials have now set the 2026 COLA at 2.8%, which will raise average monthly benefits by about $56 and ends the uncertainty caused by the earlier delay.

Business & Economy Government Government/Regulatory

📌 Key Facts

  • The 2026 Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) is set at 2.8%.
  • The 2.8% COLA will raise average Social Security monthly benefits by about $56 in 2026.
  • The increase applies to Social Security recipients beginning in 2026.
  • The COLA announcement was delayed earlier by a government shutdown.
  • TwinCities reported the update on Oct. 24, 2025, saying the announcement ends the uncertainty caused by that shutdown-related delay.

📰 Sources (2)

Social Security recipients get a 2.8% cost-of-living boost in 2026, average of $56 per month
Twincities by Associated Press October 24, 2025
New information:
  • The 2026 Social Security COLA is set at 2.8%.
  • Average monthly benefits will rise by about $56 in 2026.
  • The update ends uncertainty caused by the earlier shutdown-related delay.