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.

The average Social Security benefit for retired workers was $2,005 in June 2025. That figure would increase to $2,059 in the event of a 2.7% COLA, meaning the average retired worker would collect an additional $54 per month next year. However, benefits vary widely across age groups, which means COLAs (as measured in dollars) will vary widely.

Workers say that only five of the Atlanta Social Security office's employees came to work since they aren't being paid.

The failure to reach a budget agreement will shut down much of the federal government on Wednesday, but that won’t stop the flow of several critical benefits, including Social Security retirement and disability payments, which are sent to more than 74 million people each month.

Social Security payments, including benefits for retirement and disability, will continue during the government shutdown.