The Social Security Administration (SSA) announced a 2.8% increase in Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for 2026.

This cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) is based on inflation data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ (BLS) September Consumer Price Index (CPI) report.

Driving the news: The CPI report was delayed due to the recent government shutdown but was completed after the Trump administration recalled sufficient BLS staff. • Annual inflation rose to 3% in September, slightly below Wall Street’s expected 3.1%, marking the highest annual price growth since January 2025. • Monthly inflation in September increased by 0.3%, also slightly below expectations. • Significant price increases were noted in food (up 3.1%), with beef prices soaring nearly 15%, e

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