The government shutdown has halted the release of September’s jobs report and threatens delays to other key federal economic data, including inflation figures that determine next year’s Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA).
- The Bureau of Labor Statistics did not publish its monthly employment report Friday, a closely watched gauge of labor market health.
- Through August, revisions showed the economy shed jobs in June while unemployment rose to 4.3%.
- Private data signaled weakness: ADP reported a 32,000 job loss in September, while Challenger, Gray & Christmas said hiring plans hit their lowest since 2009.
- The shutdown could delay September inflation data set for Oct. 15, which is key for calculating the 2026 Social Security COLA.
- Over 70 million Americans rely on Social Security benefits, and this year’s COLA of 2.5% raised average monthly payments by about $50.
- Economists estimate the 2026 COLA at 2.7%, but delays could push the announcement into late October, as occurred during the 2013 shutdown.
- The Federal Reserve, which cut rates in September, may face additional uncertainty ahead of its late-October policy meeting without updated labor and inflation data.
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Editor’s Note: This is a developing story. This article may be updated as more details become available.
