Government shutdown may delay Social Security cost-of-living adjustment announcement for 2026: report

Tens of millions of seniors may have to wait longer to find out how much their Social Security checks will rise next year.The Social Security Administration (SSA) is expected to announce the 2026 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) on Oct. 15, the same day the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) planned to release September's inflation data. But with most BLS employees furloughed amid the government shutdown, economic reports — including the inflation update — could be delayed, USA Today reported.TRUMP ADMIN SIGNALS CONGRESS WILL NEED TO CONSIDER ALL OPTIONS AS INSOLVENCY LOOMS IN 2034The SSA cannot