{
  "data_version": "1",
  "schema": "https://whatledto.com/data",
  "id": "social-security-administration",
  "name": "Social Security Administration",
  "kind": "regulator",
  "url": "https://whatledto.com/who/social-security-administration",
  "description": "Announces the annual cost-of-living adjustment each October.",
  "same_as": [
    "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_Security_Administration",
    "https://www.ssa.gov/"
  ],
  "timelines": [
    {
      "slug": "trump-accounts-rollout",
      "title": "Trump Accounts: From the 2025 Tax Law to the July 2026 Launch and the Employer Matches",
      "url": "https://whatledto.com/events/trump-accounts-rollout",
      "json": "https://whatledto.com/events/trump-accounts-rollout.json",
      "role": "Was named in the Trump Accounts enrollment-report entry.",
      "entries": 3,
      "updated_at": "2026-10-14T15:05:02.561257+00:00"
    },
    {
      "slug": "social-security-2027-cola",
      "title": "Social Security's Next Raise: From the 2.5% COLA to the 2027 Announcement",
      "url": "https://whatledto.com/events/social-security-2027-cola",
      "json": "https://whatledto.com/events/social-security-2027-cola.json",
      "role": "Administers benefits, announces annual COLAs, and has pursued staffing, service, payment, and disability-processing changes.",
      "entries": 27,
      "updated_at": "2026-10-14T14:48:41.575777+00:00"
    },
    {
      "slug": "social-security-cola-mechanism",
      "title": "How the Social Security COLA Is Set: From the 1973 Law to the Third-Quarter CPI-W Formula",
      "url": "https://whatledto.com/events/social-security-cola-mechanism",
      "json": "https://whatledto.com/events/social-security-cola-mechanism.json",
      "role": "Administers Social Security benefits and publishes the statutory COLA formula and historical adjustment series.",
      "entries": 3,
      "updated_at": "2026-10-14T14:48:23.010571+00:00"
    }
  ],
  "entries": [
    {
      "timeline": "social-security-2027-cola",
      "id": 2155,
      "url": "https://whatledto.com/events/social-security-2027-cola#n2155",
      "date": "2026-10-14",
      "date_precision": "day",
      "title": "SSA says 2027 COLA notices will use a one-page format",
      "summary": "The Social Security Administration said Social Security beneficiaries will receive a simplified one-page COLA notice. SSA said the notice will provide individualized benefit amounts, deductions, and dates.",
      "type": "announcement",
      "entities": [
        "Social Security Administration"
      ],
      "parties": [
        "social-security-administration"
      ],
      "sources": [
        {
          "url": "https://www.ssa.gov/news/en/press/releases/2026-10-14.html",
          "outlet": "Social Security Administration",
          "published": "2026-10-14",
          "quote": "Social Security beneficiaries will receive a simplified, one-page COLA notice, which uses plain and personalized language, and provides exact dates and dollar amounts of an individual’s new benefit amount and any deductions."
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "timeline": "social-security-2027-cola",
      "id": 2146,
      "url": "https://whatledto.com/events/social-security-2027-cola#n2146",
      "date": "2026-10-14",
      "date_precision": "day",
      "title": "The 2027 COLA is 3.6 percent, worth $75 a month to the average retiree",
      "summary": "Social Security announced a 3.6 percent cost-of-living adjustment for 2027, which it said would raise the average retirement benefit by $75 a month. Nearly 72 million beneficiaries see it from January 2027 and about 7.3 million SSI recipients from 31 December 2026, 76 million people in all. The taxable maximum rises to $192,300 and the earnings limit for workers under full retirement age to $25,560. The figure follows the September CPI-W, released the same morning.",
      "type": "announcement",
      "entities": [
        "Social Security Administration",
        "Frank Bisignano"
      ],
      "parties": [
        "social-security-administration",
        "frank-bisignano"
      ],
      "sources": [
        {
          "url": "https://www.ssa.gov/news/en/press/releases/2026-10-14.html",
          "outlet": "Social Security Administration",
          "published": "2026-10-14",
          "quote": "The Social Security Administration (SSA) today announced a 3.6 percent benefit increase for 2027."
        },
        {
          "url": "https://www.crfb.org/blogs/high-inflation-drives-36-social-security-cola",
          "outlet": "Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget",
          "published": "2026-10-14",
          "quote": "A 3.6% COLA will boost average benefits by about $900 per retiree but would provide an over $2,200 increase for the very richest beneficiaries."
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "timeline": "social-security-2027-cola",
      "id": 2127,
      "url": "https://whatledto.com/events/social-security-2027-cola#n2127",
      "date": "2026-10-12",
      "date_precision": "day",
      "title": "Frank Bisignano says Social Security will last another 90 years",
      "summary": "Frank Bisignano said Social Security would be around for another 90 years. The statement was reported on October 12.",
      "type": "response",
      "entities": [
        "Frank Bisignano",
        "Social Security Administration",
        "Social Security"
      ],
      "parties": [
        "frank-bisignano",
        "social-security-administration",
        "social-security"
      ],
      "sources": [
        {
          "url": "https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/6142951-bisignano-social-security-longevity/",
          "outlet": "The Hill",
          "published": "2026-10-12",
          "quote": "This is a long journey. It’s 90 years old. It’ll be around for another 90 years,"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "timeline": "social-security-2027-cola",
      "id": 1498,
      "url": "https://whatledto.com/events/social-security-2027-cola#n1498",
      "date": "2026-09-23",
      "date_precision": "day",
      "title": "SSA OIG estimates $1 billion in improper SSI payments",
      "summary": "The SSA Office of the Inspector General estimated that SSA improperly paid about $1 billion to 333,800 recipients whose earnings were not properly reviewed or recorded. The payments concerned Supplemental Security Income recipients.",
      "type": "report",
      "entities": [
        "Social Security Administration",
        "SSA Office of the Inspector General",
        "Supplemental Security Income"
      ],
      "parties": [
        "social-security-administration",
        "ssa-office-of-the-inspector-general",
        "supplemental-security-income"
      ],
      "sources": [
        {
          "url": "https://oig.ssa.gov/news-releases/2026-09-23-oig-report-identifies-1-billion-in-improper-ssi-payments-due-to-unresolved-earnings-alerts/",
          "outlet": "SSA Office of the Inspector General",
          "published": "2026-09-23",
          "quote": "“Based on the sample, OIG estimated SSA improperly paid approximately $1 billion to 333,800 recipients whose earnings were not properly reviewed or recorded.”"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "timeline": "social-security-2027-cola",
      "id": 1364,
      "url": "https://whatledto.com/events/social-security-2027-cola#n1364",
      "date": "2026-09-15",
      "date_precision": "day",
      "title": "SSA actuary says Pelosi SSI proposal would not directly affect OASDI funds",
      "summary": "The Social Security Administration Office of the Chief Actuary said the Pelosi-requested proposal would not directly affect the financial status of the OASDI Trust Funds. The actuarial estimate was dated September 15, 2026.",
      "type": "financial",
      "entities": [
        "Social Security Administration",
        "Nancy Pelosi",
        "Supplemental Security Income",
        "OASDI Trust Funds"
      ],
      "parties": [
        "social-security-administration",
        "nancy-pelosi",
        "supplemental-security-income",
        "oasdi-trust-funds"
      ],
      "sources": [
        {
          "url": "https://www.ssa.gov/OACT/solvency/NPelosi_20260915.pdf",
          "outlet": "Social Security Administration, Office of the Chief Actuary",
          "published": "2026-09-15",
          "quote": "This proposal would not have any direct effects on the financial status of the Social Security (OASDI) trust funds."
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "timeline": "social-security-2027-cola",
      "id": 976,
      "url": "https://whatledto.com/events/social-security-2027-cola#n976",
      "date": "2026-09-11",
      "date_precision": "day",
      "title": "AARP forecasts a 3.6% 2027 Social Security COLA",
      "summary": "CBS News reported that AARP projected a 3.6% Social Security cost-of-living adjustment for 2027. The projection was based on the August Consumer Price Index figures.",
      "type": "report",
      "entities": [
        "AARP",
        "Social Security Administration"
      ],
      "parties": [
        "aarp",
        "social-security-administration"
      ],
      "sources": [
        {
          "url": "https://www.cbsnews.com/news/2027-social-security-cola-cpi-report/?intcid=CNR-02-0623",
          "outlet": "CBS News",
          "published": "2026-09-11",
          "quote": "The 2027 COLA is now projected at 3.6%, based on the August Consumer Price Index figures released on Wednesday, according to the advocacy group."
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "timeline": "social-security-2027-cola",
      "id": 975,
      "url": "https://whatledto.com/events/social-security-2027-cola#n975",
      "date": "2026-09-11",
      "date_precision": "day",
      "title": "The Senior Citizens League forecasts a 3.5% 2027 COLA",
      "summary": "The Senior Citizens League predicted a 3.5 percent Social Security cost-of-living adjustment for 2027. ThinkAdvisor, reporting the figure on September 11, said the TSCL estimate and analyst Mary Johnson's were the last before Social Security's expected October 14 announcement.",
      "type": "report",
      "entities": [
        "Senior Citizens League",
        "Social Security Administration"
      ],
      "parties": [
        "senior-citizens-league",
        "social-security-administration"
      ],
      "sources": [
        {
          "url": "https://seniorsleague.org/cola-watch/",
          "outlet": "The Senior Citizens League",
          "published": null,
          "quote": "TSCL predicts that the COLA for 2027 will be 3.5 percent, as shown in the figure below."
        },
        {
          "url": "https://www.thinkadvisor.com/2026/09/11/social-security-cola-estimated-at-35-for-2027/",
          "outlet": "ThinkAdvisor",
          "published": "2026-09-11",
          "quote": "The estimates from independent Social Security and Medicare policy analyst Mary Johnson and from The Senior Citizens League are their last before Social Security's expected COLA announcement on Oct. 14."
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "timeline": "social-security-2027-cola",
      "id": 385,
      "url": "https://whatledto.com/events/social-security-2027-cola#n385",
      "date": "2026-09-02",
      "date_precision": "day",
      "title": "Two data points to go: August CPI-W due September 11, the official 2027 COLA on October 14",
      "summary": "With July's 3.4 percent CPI-W the only third-quarter reading in hand, forecasts ranged from 3.4 to 3.6 percent. The August index was scheduled for September 11 and the September index, which completes the average, for October 14, the day the agency planned to announce the 2027 adjustment, a return to the normal mid-October timing after the 2025 shutdown delay. The new COLA takes effect with January 2027 payments.",
      "type": "announcement",
      "entities": [
        "Social Security Administration",
        "Bureau of Labor Statistics"
      ],
      "parties": [
        "social-security-administration",
        "bureau-of-labor-statistics"
      ],
      "sources": [
        {
          "url": "https://www.fool.com/retirement/2026/09/02/social-securitys-2027-cola-what-we-know-so-far-and/",
          "outlet": "The Motley Fool",
          "published": "2026-09-02",
          "quote": "Since August and September CPI-W readings are needed to calculate next year's COLA, most of the puzzle is still missing. Even though the month of August is now behind us, it takes time for the Bureau of Labor Statistics to compile inflation data. August's CPI-W is expected to come out on Sept. 11."
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "timeline": "social-security-2027-cola",
      "id": 1875,
      "url": "https://whatledto.com/events/social-security-2027-cola#n1875",
      "date": "2026-08-11",
      "date_precision": "day",
      "title": "SSA adds 14 conditions to Compassionate Allowances list",
      "summary": "The Social Security Administration added 14 conditions to its Compassionate Allowances list for accelerated disability-claim processing. SSA said the list then included 314 conditions and that more than 1.2 million people had received approvals through the process since it began.",
      "type": "announcement",
      "entities": [
        "Social Security Administration",
        "Compassionate Allowances"
      ],
      "parties": [
        "social-security-administration",
        "compassionate-allowances"
      ],
      "sources": [
        {
          "url": "https://www.ssa.gov/news/en/press/releases/2026-08-11.html",
          "outlet": "Social Security Administration",
          "published": "2026-08-11",
          "quote": "“With the inclusion of these 14 conditions, the CAL list now includes 314 conditions in total.”"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "timeline": "trump-accounts-rollout",
      "id": 758,
      "url": "https://whatledto.com/events/trump-accounts-rollout#n758",
      "date": "2026-08-05",
      "date_precision": "day",
      "title": "Capito and Justice introduce bill for automatic Trump Account establishment",
      "summary": "Senators Shelley Moore Capito and Jim Justice introduced S. 5243 to automatically establish Trump Accounts using Social Security Enumeration at Birth information. The bill was read twice and referred to the Senate Finance Committee on its introduction date.",
      "type": "legal",
      "entities": [
        "Shelley Moore Capito",
        "Jim Justice",
        "Social Security Administration"
      ],
      "parties": [
        "shelley-moore-capito",
        "jim-justice",
        "social-security-administration"
      ],
      "sources": [
        {
          "url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/BILLS-119s5243is",
          "outlet": "U.S. Government Publishing Office",
          "published": "2026-08-05",
          "quote": "Mrs. Capito (for herself and Mr. Justice) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance."
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "timeline": "social-security-2027-cola",
      "id": 1873,
      "url": "https://whatledto.com/events/social-security-2027-cola#n1873",
      "date": "2026-07-21",
      "date_precision": "day",
      "title": "SSA launches online disability forms and claim-status tools",
      "summary": "The Social Security Administration launched expanded my Social Security tools and notices for disability claims and appeals. Claimants could submit three disability-adjudication forms online and use a Claim Status Tracker at the hearings and Appeals Council levels.",
      "type": "launch",
      "entities": [
        "Social Security Administration",
        "my Social Security",
        "Jay Ortis"
      ],
      "parties": [
        "social-security-administration",
        "my-social-security",
        "jay-ortis"
      ],
      "sources": [
        {
          "url": "https://www.ssa.gov/news/en/press/releases/2026-07-21.html",
          "outlet": "Social Security Administration",
          "published": "2026-07-21",
          "quote": "“Individuals can now complete and submit disability adjudication forms directly through their personal my Social Security account.”"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "timeline": "trump-accounts-rollout",
      "id": 749,
      "url": "https://whatledto.com/events/trump-accounts-rollout#n749",
      "date": "2026-07-15",
      "date_precision": "day",
      "title": "Treasury reports 6.5 million Trump Accounts signups",
      "summary": "Treasury reported that over 6.5 million families had signed up for Trump Accounts. It said more than 1.5 million children were eligible for Treasury's $1,000 pilot contribution.",
      "type": "report",
      "entities": [
        "U.S. Department of the Treasury",
        "Frank Bisignano",
        "Internal Revenue Service",
        "Social Security Administration"
      ],
      "parties": [
        "us-department-of-the-treasury",
        "frank-bisignano",
        "internal-revenue-service",
        "social-security-administration"
      ],
      "sources": [
        {
          "url": "https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sb0563",
          "outlet": "U.S. Department of the Treasury",
          "published": "2026-07-15",
          "quote": "Over 6.5 million families have signed up for Trump Accounts, including more than 1.5 million children eligible for the $1,000 pilot contribution from Treasury."
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "timeline": "trump-accounts-rollout",
      "id": 735,
      "url": "https://whatledto.com/events/trump-accounts-rollout#n735",
      "date": "2026-07-15",
      "date_precision": "day",
      "title": "Frank Bisignano, running both the IRS and Social Security, takes over the next phase",
      "summary": "Treasury put Bisignano, the former Fiserv chief who serves as IRS CEO and Social Security commissioner, in charge of the program's expansion, tying account enrollment to the agencies that hold children's Social Security numbers and tax records.",
      "type": "announcement",
      "entities": [
        "Frank Bisignano",
        "U.S. Department of the Treasury",
        "Internal Revenue Service",
        "Social Security Administration"
      ],
      "parties": [
        "frank-bisignano",
        "us-department-of-the-treasury",
        "internal-revenue-service",
        "social-security-administration"
      ],
      "sources": [
        {
          "url": "https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sb0563",
          "outlet": "U.S. Department of the Treasury",
          "published": "2026-07-15",
          "quote": "WASHINGTON— Following the historic joint bell-ringing in the Oval Office on July 6, 2026, marking the launch of Trump Accounts, the U.S. Department of the Treasury announces that Frank Bisignano will lead the implementation of the program’s next phase."
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "timeline": "social-security-2027-cola",
      "id": 1872,
      "url": "https://whatledto.com/events/social-security-2027-cola#n1872",
      "date": "2026-06-29",
      "date_precision": "day",
      "title": "SSA reports 8-minute 800-number answer speed and 853,000 backlog",
      "summary": "The Social Security Administration reported an 8-minute national average 800-number answer speed and an initial-disability backlog of 853,000. It also reported 385 million online transactions in FY 2026 to date and a 30% reduction in field-office wait times.",
      "type": "report",
      "entities": [
        "Social Security Administration",
        "Disability Case Review"
      ],
      "parties": [
        "social-security-administration",
        "disability-case-review"
      ],
      "sources": [
        {
          "url": "https://www.ssa.gov/news/en/press/releases/2026-06-29.html",
          "outlet": "Social Security Administration",
          "published": "2026-06-29",
          "quote": "“All client-facing service metrics have seen double-digit improvements.”"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "timeline": "social-security-2027-cola",
      "id": 403,
      "url": "https://whatledto.com/events/social-security-2027-cola#n403",
      "date": "2026-06-10",
      "date_precision": "day",
      "title": "House subcommittees hold a Social Security hearing with Bisignano",
      "summary": "The House Ways and Means Social Security and Work & Welfare Subcommittees held a hearing with Commissioner Frank Bisignano. The hearing was scheduled at the Longworth House Office Building.",
      "type": "regulatory",
      "entities": [
        "House Ways and Means Committee",
        "Frank J. Bisignano",
        "Social Security Administration"
      ],
      "parties": [
        "house-ways-and-means-committee",
        "frank-j-bisignano",
        "social-security-administration"
      ],
      "sources": [
        {
          "url": "https://waysandmeans.house.gov/event/joint-subcommittee-hearing-with-the-commissioner-of-social-security-frank-j-bisignano/",
          "outlet": "House Ways and Means Committee",
          "published": "2026-06-10",
          "quote": "Social Security Hearing Date: June 10, 2026 Time: 10:00AM ET Location: 1100 Longworth House Office Building"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "timeline": "social-security-2027-cola",
      "id": 379,
      "url": "https://whatledto.com/events/social-security-2027-cola#n379",
      "date": "2026-05-07",
      "date_precision": "day",
      "title": "One year of Bisignano: SSA claims record service gains, 800-number waits down to 6.6 minutes",
      "summary": "On the anniversary of his swearing-in the agency listed an 84 percent cut in average phone wait time to 6.6 minutes, 20 percent more online transactions, 30 percent shorter field-office waits, a disability claims backlog down a third to 853,000 and hearing waits down 40 percent, alongside fraud-prevention and payment-integrity claims. Critics and the inspector general had questioned the phone metrics and the effect of staffing cuts.",
      "type": "report",
      "entities": [
        "Frank Bisignano",
        "Social Security Administration"
      ],
      "parties": [
        "frank-bisignano",
        "social-security-administration"
      ],
      "sources": [
        {
          "url": "https://www.ssa.gov/news/en/press/releases/2026-05-07.html",
          "outlet": "Social Security Administration",
          "published": "2026-05-07",
          "quote": "Reducing the average speed of answer on the National 800 Number to the lowest level in a decade to 6.6 minutes – an 84 percent reduction from 42 minutes in fiscal year (FY) 2024"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "timeline": "social-security-2027-cola",
      "id": 1871,
      "url": "https://whatledto.com/events/social-security-2027-cola#n1871",
      "date": "2026-03-12",
      "date_precision": "day",
      "title": "SSA moves medical disability reviews to Disability Case Review",
      "summary": "The Social Security Administration announced that Disability Case Review would handle medical continuing disability reviews nationwide. State Disability Determination Services offices would focus on initial disability claims and reconsiderations, while non-medical reviews would remain with SSA field offices and processing centers.",
      "type": "announcement",
      "entities": [
        "Social Security Administration",
        "Disability Case Review",
        "Disability Determination Services"
      ],
      "parties": [
        "social-security-administration",
        "disability-case-review",
        "disability-determination-services"
      ],
      "sources": [
        {
          "url": "https://www.ssa.gov/news/en/press/releases/2026-03-12.html",
          "outlet": "Social Security Administration",
          "published": "2026-03-12",
          "quote": "“Bringing in-house CDRs will improve service to our most vulnerable Americans.”"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "timeline": "social-security-2027-cola",
      "id": 395,
      "url": "https://whatledto.com/events/social-security-2027-cola#n395",
      "date": "2026-02-25",
      "date_precision": "day",
      "title": "Collins and Hassan introduce the We Can't Wait Act of 2026",
      "summary": "Senators Susan Collins and Maggie Hassan introduced the We Can't Wait Act of 2026. SSA Actuarial Services prepared estimates of the bill's financial effects on the Social Security trust funds.",
      "type": "announcement",
      "entities": [
        "Susan Collins",
        "Maggie Hassan",
        "Social Security Administration",
        "Disability Insurance"
      ],
      "parties": [
        "susan-collins",
        "maggie-hassan",
        "social-security-administration",
        "disability-insurance"
      ],
      "sources": [
        {
          "url": "https://www.ssa.gov/OACT/solvency/CollinsHassan_20260225.pdf",
          "outlet": "Social Security Administration Actuarial Services",
          "published": "2026-02-25",
          "quote": "I am writing in response to your request for our estimates of the financial effects on the Social Security Trust Funds of the We Can’t Wait Act of 2026, which you introduced today."
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "timeline": "social-security-2027-cola",
      "id": 1869,
      "url": "https://whatledto.com/events/social-security-2027-cola#n1869",
      "date": "2026-01-05",
      "date_precision": "day",
      "title": "Arjun Mody is sworn in as Deputy Commissioner",
      "summary": "Arjun Mody was sworn in as Deputy Commissioner of Social Security. SSA said the Senate had confirmed him on December 18, 2025, for a term ending January 19, 2031.",
      "type": "other",
      "entities": [
        "Arjun Mody",
        "Social Security Administration",
        "United States Senate"
      ],
      "parties": [
        "arjun-mody",
        "social-security-administration",
        "united-states-senate"
      ],
      "sources": [
        {
          "url": "https://www.ssa.gov/news/en/press/releases/2026-01-06.html",
          "outlet": "Social Security Administration",
          "published": "2026-01-06",
          "quote": "“He was sworn in on January 5, 2026.”"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "timeline": "social-security-2027-cola",
      "id": 1868,
      "url": "https://whatledto.com/events/social-security-2027-cola#n1868",
      "date": "2025-12-22",
      "date_precision": "day",
      "title": "SSA says inspector general confirmed 800-number metrics",
      "summary": "The Social Security Administration said its Office of the Inspector General found its published national 800-number metrics accurate and its telephone performance improved in FY 2025. SSA said average telephone wait time declined from 30 minutes in January 2025 to 7 minutes in September 2025.",
      "type": "report",
      "entities": [
        "Social Security Administration",
        "SSA Office of the Inspector General"
      ],
      "parties": [
        "social-security-administration",
        "ssa-office-of-the-inspector-general"
      ],
      "sources": [
        {
          "url": "https://www.ssa.gov/news/en/press/releases/2025-12-22.html",
          "outlet": "Social Security Administration",
          "published": "2025-12-22",
          "quote": "“SSA’s publicly reported national 800-number telephone metrics were accurate and its overall telephone service performance improved in FY 2025.”"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "timeline": "social-security-2027-cola",
      "id": 1867,
      "url": "https://whatledto.com/events/social-security-2027-cola#n1867",
      "date": "2025-11-21",
      "date_precision": "day",
      "title": "SSA reports expanded online access and faster 800-number service",
      "summary": "The Social Security Administration sent Congress a fiscal-year-end update on online access and customer service. It reported moving its online portal from 29 scheduled weekly downtime hours to 24/7 availability and reducing average 800-number answer speed from 28 minutes to 15 minutes in FY 2025.",
      "type": "report",
      "entities": [
        "Social Security Administration",
        "Frank J. Bisignano",
        "U.S. Congress"
      ],
      "parties": [
        "social-security-administration",
        "frank-j-bisignano",
        "us-congress"
      ],
      "sources": [
        {
          "url": "https://www.ssa.gov/news/en/press/releases/2025-11-21.html",
          "outlet": "Social Security Administration",
          "published": "2025-11-21",
          "quote": "“Social Security Administration (SSA) Commissioner Frank J. Bisignano sent an end of year letter to Congress to provide an update on the tremendous progress being made at SSA.”"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "timeline": "social-security-2027-cola",
      "id": 377,
      "url": "https://whatledto.com/events/social-security-2027-cola#n377",
      "date": "2025-10-24",
      "date_precision": "day",
      "title": "2026 COLA is 2.8%, about $56 a month; taxable maximum rises to $184,500",
      "summary": "Benefits for 75 million people rose 2.8 percent from January 2026, the first COLA of the Bisignano era, with SSI increases from December 31. The agency noted the decade's average COLA had been about 3.1 percent, and asked people who wanted their COLA notice online only to opt out of paper by November 19. Much of the raise for Medicare enrollees would be absorbed by the Part B premium increase announced three weeks later.",
      "type": "announcement",
      "entities": [
        "Social Security Administration",
        "Frank Bisignano"
      ],
      "parties": [
        "social-security-administration",
        "frank-bisignano"
      ],
      "sources": [
        {
          "url": "https://www.ssa.gov/news/en/press/releases/2025-10-24.html",
          "outlet": "Social Security Administration",
          "published": "2025-10-24",
          "quote": "The Social Security Administration (SSA) announced today that Social Security benefits, including Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (OASDI), and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments for 75 million Americans will increase 2.8 percent in 2026."
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "timeline": "social-security-2027-cola",
      "id": 376,
      "url": "https://whatledto.com/events/social-security-2027-cola#n376",
      "date": "2025-10-14",
      "date_precision": "day",
      "title": "Government shutdown pushes the 2026 COLA announcement from October 15 to October 24",
      "summary": "Because the Bureau of Labor Statistics could not publish the September consumer price index during the shutdown, the agency confirmed that the COLA, which averages third-quarter CPI-W, would be announced on October 24 instead of October 15, and said January payments would not be delayed. Forecasters expected 2.7 to 2.8 percent.",
      "type": "delay",
      "entities": [
        "Social Security Administration",
        "Bureau of Labor Statistics"
      ],
      "parties": [
        "social-security-administration",
        "bureau-of-labor-statistics"
      ],
      "sources": [
        {
          "url": "https://www.cnbc.com/2025/10/14/social-security-cola-2026-expected-update.html",
          "outlet": "CNBC",
          "published": "2025-10-14",
          "quote": "The Social Security cost-of-living adjustment for next year will be revealed once September consumer price index data, which was slated for release on Oct. 15, is available. Due to the federal government shutdown, the CPI release has been pushed to Oct. 24."
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "timeline": "social-security-2027-cola",
      "id": 375,
      "url": "https://whatledto.com/events/social-security-2027-cola#n375",
      "date": "2025-09-10",
      "date_precision": "day",
      "title": "Paper checks end September 30 under Executive Order 14247; benefits go electronic",
      "summary": "Under the March 2025 order modernising federal payments, Social Security told advocates that from September 30 benefits would be paid by direct deposit or Direct Express card, that temporary checks would no longer be issued on new claims, and that anyone wanting an exemption had to file a waiver with the Treasury. Roughly half a million people were still receiving paper checks.",
      "type": "regulatory",
      "entities": [
        "Social Security Administration",
        "U.S. Department of the Treasury"
      ],
      "parties": [
        "social-security-administration",
        "us-department-of-the-treasury"
      ],
      "sources": [
        {
          "url": "https://www.ssa.gov/news/en/advocates/2025-09-10.html",
          "outlet": "Social Security Administration",
          "published": "2025-09-10",
          "quote": "Effective September 30, in accordance with Executive Order 14247, Modernizing Payments To and From America’s Bank Account, federal benefit payments will primarily be issued electronically, with paper checks being phased out in most cases."
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "timeline": "social-security-2027-cola",
      "id": 374,
      "url": "https://whatledto.com/events/social-security-2027-cola#n374",
      "date": "2025-07-03",
      "date_precision": "day",
      "title": "SSA hails the One Big Beautiful Bill as ending taxes on benefits for nearly 90% of recipients, then corrects itself",
      "summary": "Hours after Congress passed the tax and spending law, the agency issued a press release and a mass email saying nearly 90 percent of beneficiaries would no longer pay federal income tax on their benefits. The law in fact adds a temporary $6,000 deduction for taxpayers 65 and over for 2025 through 2028 and leaves benefit taxation in place; the agency posted a correction on July 7 after tax experts objected. The lost benefit-tax revenue would later show up as a quarter of the deterioration in the 2026 trustees report.",
      "type": "announcement",
      "entities": [
        "Social Security Administration",
        "Frank Bisignano",
        "Donald Trump"
      ],
      "parties": [
        "social-security-administration",
        "frank-bisignano",
        "donald-trump"
      ],
      "sources": [
        {
          "url": "https://www.ssa.gov/news/en/press/releases/2025-07-03.html",
          "outlet": "Social Security Administration",
          "published": "2025-07-03",
          "quote": "The bill ensures that nearly 90% of Social Security beneficiaries will no longer pay federal income taxes on their benefits, providing meaningful and immediate relief to seniors who have spent a lifetime contributing to our nation's economy."
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "timeline": "social-security-2027-cola",
      "id": 372,
      "url": "https://whatledto.com/events/social-security-2027-cola#n372",
      "date": "2025-05-07",
      "date_precision": "day",
      "title": "Frank Bisignano sworn in as the 18th Commissioner of Social Security",
      "summary": "Former Fiserv chairman and CEO Frank Bisignano took over an agency that had spent early 2025 under an acting commissioner, DOGE-driven staff cuts and a plan to trim its workforce to about 50,000, promising that the administration would protect Social Security and make the agency a premier organization. Every COLA, trustees report and service change on this timeline after May 2025 is his.",
      "type": "announcement",
      "entities": [
        "Frank Bisignano",
        "Social Security Administration"
      ],
      "parties": [
        "frank-bisignano",
        "social-security-administration"
      ],
      "sources": [
        {
          "url": "https://www.ssa.gov/news/en/press/releases/2025-05-07.html",
          "outlet": "Social Security Administration",
          "published": "2025-05-07",
          "quote": "Financial Services Industry Leader Frank Bisignano was sworn in today as the 18th Commissioner of Social Security."
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "timeline": "social-security-2027-cola",
      "id": 387,
      "url": "https://whatledto.com/events/social-security-2027-cola#n387",
      "date": "2025-03-26",
      "date_precision": "day",
      "title": "SSA preserves telephone claims for SSDI, Medicare, and SSI applicants",
      "summary": "SSA said that, beginning April 14, 2025, certain SSDI, Medicare, and SSI applicants could complete claims entirely by telephone. The policy applied to people unable to use a personal my Social Security account.",
      "type": "announcement",
      "entities": [
        "Social Security Administration",
        "Lee Dudek",
        "Disability Insurance",
        "Medicare",
        "Supplemental Security Income",
        "my Social Security"
      ],
      "parties": [
        "social-security-administration",
        "lee-dudek",
        "disability-insurance",
        "medicare",
        "supplemental-security-income",
        "my-social-security"
      ],
      "sources": [
        {
          "url": "https://www.ssa.gov/news/en/press/releases/2025-03-26.html",
          "outlet": "Social Security Administration",
          "published": "2025-03-26",
          "quote": "Under the updated policy beginning April 14, 2025, individuals applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Medicare, or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) who cannot use a personal my Social Security account can complete their claim entirely over the telephone without the need to come into an office."
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "timeline": "social-security-2027-cola",
      "id": 386,
      "url": "https://whatledto.com/events/social-security-2027-cola#n386",
      "date": "2025-02-28",
      "date_precision": "day",
      "title": "SSA sets a staffing target of 50,000 employees",
      "summary": "The Social Security Administration said it had set a staffing target of 50,000 employees. It said its current workforce was approximately 57,000 employees.",
      "type": "announcement",
      "entities": [
        "Social Security Administration",
        "Office of Personnel Management"
      ],
      "parties": [
        "social-security-administration",
        "office-of-personnel-management"
      ],
      "sources": [
        {
          "url": "https://www.ssa.gov/news/en/press/releases/2025-02-28.html",
          "outlet": "Social Security Administration",
          "published": "2025-02-28",
          "quote": "Social Security recently set a staffing target of 50,000, down from the current level of approximately 57,000 employees."
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "timeline": "social-security-2027-cola",
      "id": 371,
      "url": "https://whatledto.com/events/social-security-2027-cola#n371",
      "date": "2025-02-25",
      "date_precision": "day",
      "title": "Social Security Fairness Act payments begin: WEP and GPO repeal brings retroactive checks to millions",
      "summary": "Seven weeks after President Biden signed the Social Security Fairness Act on January 5, 2025, repealing the Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset, the agency said it was immediately starting retroactive payments back to January 2024, most to arrive by the end of March, and would raise monthly benefits from April for more than 3 million public-sector retirees, teachers, firefighters and their spouses. The law added an estimated $196 billion to Social Security's costs over ten years.",
      "type": "announcement",
      "entities": [
        "Social Security Administration",
        "Lee Dudek"
      ],
      "parties": [
        "social-security-administration",
        "lee-dudek"
      ],
      "sources": [
        {
          "url": "https://www.ssa.gov/news/en/press/releases/2025-02-25-a.html",
          "outlet": "Social Security Administration",
          "published": "2025-02-25",
          "quote": "Today, the Social Security Administration announced it is immediately beginning to pay retroactive benefits and will increase monthly benefit payments to people whose benefits have been affected by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO)."
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "timeline": "social-security-2027-cola",
      "id": 370,
      "url": "https://whatledto.com/events/social-security-2027-cola#n370",
      "date": "2024-10-10",
      "date_precision": "day",
      "title": "2025 COLA set at 2.5%, about $50 a month for the average retiree",
      "summary": "The Social Security Administration announced a 2.5 percent cost-of-living adjustment for 2025 for more than 72.5 million beneficiaries, the smallest since 2021 after 3.2 percent in 2024 and 8.7 percent in 2023, and raised the taxable maximum to $176,100. Commissioner Martin O'Malley said the increase would help people keep up even as inflation cooled. It was the last COLA announced by the Biden administration.",
      "type": "announcement",
      "entities": [
        "Social Security Administration",
        "Martin O'Malley"
      ],
      "parties": [
        "social-security-administration",
        "martin-omalley"
      ],
      "sources": [
        {
          "url": "https://www.ssa.gov/news/en/press/releases/2024-10-10.html",
          "outlet": "Social Security Administration",
          "published": "2024-10-10",
          "quote": "Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments for more than 72.5 million Americans will increase 2.5 percent in 2025, the Social Security Administration announced today. On average, Social Security retirement benefits will increase by about $50 per month starting in January."
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "timeline": "social-security-cola-mechanism",
      "id": 1232,
      "url": "https://whatledto.com/events/social-security-cola-mechanism#n1232",
      "date": "1983",
      "date_precision": "year",
      "title": "COLAs move to December: the third-quarter CPI-W becomes the yardstick, announced each October",
      "summary": "From 1983 the adjustment has applied to benefits payable for December, paid in January. Under the formula a COLA equals the percentage increase in the average CPI-W for the third quarter of the current year over the average for the third quarter of the last year in which a COLA took effect, rounded to the nearest tenth of a percent, with no COLA if the index did not rise. That is why the September CPI-W release each October settles the number.",
      "type": "regulatory",
      "entities": [
        "Social Security Administration",
        "Bureau of Labor Statistics"
      ],
      "parties": [
        "social-security-administration",
        "bureau-of-labor-statistics"
      ],
      "sources": [
        {
          "url": "https://www.ssa.gov/oact/cola/latestCOLA.html",
          "outlet": "Social Security Administration, Office of the Chief Actuary",
          "published": null,
          "quote": "A COLA effective for December of the current year is equal to the percentage increase (if any) in the CPI-W from the average for the third quarter of the current year to the average for the third quarter of the last year in which a COLA became effective. If there is an increase, it must be rounded to the nearest tenth of one percent."
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "timeline": "social-security-cola-mechanism",
      "id": 1231,
      "url": "https://whatledto.com/events/social-security-cola-mechanism#n1231",
      "date": "1975-06",
      "date_precision": "month",
      "title": "The first automatic COLA: 8.0 percent, payable for June 1975",
      "summary": "The first adjustment under the new law was 8.0 percent, reflecting the inflation of 1974. From 1975 to 1982 COLAs took effect with benefits payable for June; before 1975 every increase had been set by legislation.",
      "type": "announcement",
      "entities": [
        "Social Security Administration"
      ],
      "parties": [
        "social-security-administration"
      ],
      "sources": [
        {
          "url": "https://www.ssa.gov/oact/cola/colaseries.html",
          "outlet": "Social Security Administration, Office of the Chief Actuary",
          "published": null,
          "quote": "Since 1975, Social Security general benefit increases have been cost-of-living adjustments or COLAs. The 1975-82 COLAs were effective with Social Security benefits payable for June in each of those years; thereafter COLAs have been effective with benefits payable for December. Prior to 1975, Social Security benefit increases were set by legislation."
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "timeline": "social-security-cola-mechanism",
      "id": 1230,
      "url": "https://whatledto.com/events/social-security-cola-mechanism#n1230",
      "date": "1973",
      "date_precision": "year",
      "title": "Legislation enacted in 1973 makes Social Security increases automatic cost-of-living adjustments",
      "summary": "Until then every benefit increase was a separate act of Congress. The 1972 and 1973 Social Security amendments tied benefits to the Consumer Price Index instead, so that from 1975 the raise would follow measured inflation rather than a vote. The Social Security Act's section 215(i) still carries the formula.",
      "type": "regulatory",
      "entities": [
        "Social Security Administration",
        "U.S. Congress"
      ],
      "parties": [
        "social-security-administration",
        "us-congress"
      ],
      "sources": [
        {
          "url": "https://www.ssa.gov/oact/cola/latestCOLA.html",
          "outlet": "Social Security Administration, Office of the Chief Actuary",
          "published": null,
          "quote": "Legislation enacted in 1973 provides for cost-of-living adjustments, or COLAs. With COLAs, Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits keep pace with inflation."
        }
      ]
    }
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