Social Security beneficiaries eager to find out how much their payments could rise next year have to wait longer because of the shutdown.

That means the government shutdown is unlikely to have any impact on the 2026 COLA, even if the release of the information is delayed.

Several Social Security Administration (SSA) changes are arriving this month for beneficiaries. On October 15, the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) will be finalized for next year, determining the adjustment for benefit increases to take effect in January.

Taking Social Security at 62 cuts benefits ~30% vs age 70. Early claim buys active years; waiting secures higher lifetime income, COLA and survivor protection.