The ongoing government shutdown is causing significant delays in the announcement of the 2026 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for Social Security, creating uncertainty for millions of beneficiaries. Key announcements regarding the COLA are stalled, as the Bureau of Labor Statistics faces issues with essential data needed to determine the adjustment. While some reports suggest a potential increase of 2.7%, the actual announcement date remains unclear due to the shutdown. Moreover, affected workers at Social Security are struggling to provide assistance during this period of heightened demand, exacerbating the uncertainty surrounding payments and services. Seniors are urged to stay informed as they mark key dates related to future benefit adjustments while navigating reduced services during this unprecedented government crisis.