The Brief

Millions of older Americans may have to wait longer to find out how much their Social Security checks will increase in 2026.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) expected to announce the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) on Oct. 15, which is the same day the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) was scheduled to release its inflation report for September.

RELATED: Social Security October payment schedule: Here’s when recipients get their checks

But with most of the BLS employees furloughed because of the government shutdown, the inflation report and other economic reports could be delayed.

FOX Business noted that the only time the annual COLA was delayed happened in October 2013 which was also during a government shutdown.

If the inflation report isn’t released, the Soc

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