What's Happening?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) announced it will publish the September Consumer Price Index (CPI) report on October 24, despite the ongoing government shutdown. This decision is crucial for the Social Security Administration, which relies on the CPI data to determine the annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for Social Security and Supplemental Security Income benefits for 2026. The government shutdown, which began on October 1 due to a lapse in funding, has delayed other economic data releases, including the employment report. The CPI report was initially scheduled for release on October 15. The COLA announcement is a significant event for the 72.5 million beneficiaries who received a 2.5% increase in 2025.
Why It's Important?
The release of the CPI report is vital for calculating the COLA, which directly impacts the financial well-being of millions of Americans, including retirees, disabled individuals, and certain widows, widowers, and children. The COLA adjustment helps beneficiaries keep pace with inflation, ensuring their benefits maintain purchasing power. The delay in other economic data due to the shutdown could affect policy decisions and economic forecasts, as accurate and timely data is essential for informed decision-making by policymakers and economists.
What's Next?
The BLS plans to resume operations to ensure the timely release of the CPI report, but other data releases remain suspended until the government resumes regular operations. The Senate has failed to pass funding bills to end the shutdown, which could prolong the delay in other economic reports. The Social Security Administration is required by law to publish the COLA adjustment by November 1, making the CPI report's release crucial for meeting this deadline.
