Labor Department Resumes CPI Work Amid Federal Shutdown

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Labor is calling back staff to work on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) report despite the ongoing federal shutdown, CNBC has learned. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) will “promptly resume” work on the CPI data as of September 2025, a White House official confirmed.

The CPI report was originally scheduled for release at 8:30 a.m. ET on October 15 but has now been postponed to October 24 due to the government funding lapse. The delay was primarily because the Social Security Administration requires third-quarter CPI data to calculate annual cost-of-living adjustments, which must be published before November 1.

According to the White House, the BLS had halted all operations since October 1 when the government shutdown began, leaving only one employee working full-time at the bureau. This significantly disrupted data collection and analysis until the recent decision to bring back more staff, who will be called back as needed.

The need for the CPI data is urgent, as it directly affects the annual increase in Social Security benefits, which is set to take effect in January. The Trump administration official told CNN that the CPI data must be published before this deadline to ensure the adjustment remains intact.

Previously, the BLS did not release its monthly jobs report, which is usually available the first Friday of each month, due to the shutdown. The Consumer Price Index is closely monitored as an economic indicator and is crucial for helping people keep up with inflation.

More than 74 million people rely on monthly Social Security payments, and the annual cost-of-living adjustment is designed to support beneficiaries, including senior citizens and individuals with disabilities. A lower COLA was announced this year compared to previous years, following a decline in inflation during 2024.

The Social Security Administration has not yet responded to inquiries regarding the announcement of the 2026 COLA.