Veterans with a 60% disability rating are set to receive a well-deserved pay raise beginning December 1, 2025, as part of the 2026 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA). This annual adjustment helps veterans keep pace with inflation, ensuring that their compensation maintains purchasing power amid rising prices for essentials like food, housing, and healthcare.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) automatically adjusts all disability payments each year in line with the Social Security Administration’s COLA. For 2026, that figure has been confirmed at 2.8%, providing meaningful if modest relief to millions of disabled veterans and their families.
“The COLA increase ensures that veterans’ benefits don’t lose value over time,” said James Whitaker, a VA policy analyst. “Even a small percentage matters when you’re budgeting for rising healthcare and housing costs.”
2026 VA Disability COLA Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Name | VA Disability Compensation |
| Department | U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs |
| Eligible Rating | Veterans with a 60% disability rating |
| COLA Adjustment | 2.8% |
| Effective Date | December 1, 2025 |
| First Increased Payment | December 31, 2025 (for January 2026 cycle) |
| Base 2025 Monthly Pay | $1,395.93 |
| New 2026 Monthly Pay | $1,435.02 |
| Monthly Increase | $39.09 |
| Payment Method | Direct deposit or mailed check |
| Official Website | www.va.gov |
How Much Will Veterans Receive After the 2026 Increase?
Veterans with a 60% disability rating will see their base monthly compensation rise from $1,395.93 in 2025 to $1,435.02 in 2026. That’s an increase of about $39 per month, or $468 per year completely tax-free.
The VA also adjusts benefits for veterans with dependents. Below are the estimated 2026 monthly payments, factoring in the new 2.8% increase:
Estimated 2026 Monthly Payments (60% Disability Rating)
| Situation | 2026 Estimated Monthly Pay |
|---|---|
| Veteran Alone | $1,435 |
| Veteran + Spouse | $1,511 |
| Veteran + 1 Child | $1,570 |
| Veteran + 1 Parent | $1,512 |
| Veteran + 2 Parents | $1,568 |
| Each Child Under 18 | +$72 |
| Each School Child Over 18 | +$230 |
“For veterans on fixed incomes, even an extra $30 or $40 a month can help cover medication or utilities,” said Karen Holcomb, a financial advisor specializing in veterans’ benefits. “COLA ensures that their sacrifices continue to be recognized in real, practical ways.”
Why the 2026 COLA Increase Matters?
The 2.8% COLA adjustment might sound modest, but its purpose is critical. Inflation has steadily driven up prices for basic goods and services, and without these yearly adjustments, veterans’ benefits would gradually lose value.
In recent years, cost-of-living adjustments have fluctuated sharply:
- 2023: 8.7% (a record increase amid high inflation)
- 2024: 2.5%
- 2025: 2.5%
- 2026: 2.8%
Although inflation has cooled from pandemic-era peaks, costs for housing, healthcare, and groceries remain elevated. The 2026 raise helps restore some balance and ensures that veterans don’t fall behind.
“COLA increases are not bonuses they’re corrections,” explained Dr. Robert Hensley, an economist focused on public benefits. “They’re meant to preserve the real value of a veteran’s monthly check.”
Eligibility for the 60% VA Disability COLA Increase
The 2026 COLA applies automatically to all veterans currently receiving VA disability compensation. To qualify for the 60% rate, veterans must meet the following conditions:
- Have a service-connected disability rated at 60% by the VA.
- Maintain up-to-date personal and banking information with the VA.
- Continue to meet all residency and eligibility standards.
Veterans do not need to reapply or submit any special paperwork. The increase will appear automatically in their December 31, 2025 payment.
Those with dependents (spouse, children, or parents) will receive additional amounts, which are also adjusted with COLA each year.
Payment Schedule for 2026
VA disability payments are typically made on the first business day of each month, unless that day falls on a weekend or federal holiday. In those cases, payments are issued on the last business day of the previous month.
Key 2026 Payment Dates
| Month | Payment Date |
|---|---|
| January 2026 | December 31, 2025 |
| February 2026 | January 30, 2026 |
| March 2026 | February 28, 2026 |
| April 2026 | March 31, 2026 |
| May 2026 | May 1, 2026 |
| June 2026 | May 30, 2026 |
| July 2026 | June 30, 2026 |
| August 2026 | July 31, 2026 |
| September 2026 | August 29, 2026 |
| October 2026 | September 30, 2026 |
| November 2026 | October 31, 2026 |
| December 2026 | November 28, 2026 |
Payments are generally deposited directly into veterans’ bank accounts. Direct deposit remains the fastest and most secure way to receive VA benefits.
Additional Benefits for 60% Disabled Veterans
Veterans with a 60% disability rating may also qualify for additional federal and state benefits beyond monthly compensation. These include:
Federal VA Benefits
- VA Healthcare Coverage for service-connected disabilities
- Mental Health & Counseling Services
- Hearing Aids, Mobility Equipment, and Eyeglasses
- Life Insurance under VALife
- Housing Assistance such as VA Home Loans and Specially Adapted Housing Grants
- Education Benefits under the GI Bill
- Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (VR&E)
State-Level Benefits
Each state offers its own veteran benefits, including:
- Property tax exemptions
- Vehicle registration discounts
- Free hunting or fishing licenses
- State-funded emergency financial aid
“Many veterans overlook the state benefits they’re entitled to,” said Amy Douglas of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV). “Checking with your local VA office or Veterans Service Officer can unlock thousands in savings.”
How to Check Your Payment Status?
You can easily track or verify your VA disability payment through one of the following methods:
- VA.gov Account – Log in to your account at VA.gov to view your payment history and next deposit date.
- Direct Deposit Notifications – Check your bank account for the “VA Benefit Deposit” label near the end or start of each month.
- VA Disability Calculator – Use the online calculator to estimate updated compensation based on dependents and rating.
- VA Hotline – Call 1-800-827-1000 for direct support.
If your payment seems incorrect or missing, contact the VA immediately to resolve discrepancies.
Expert Advice: Making the Most of the Increase
Financial planners encourage veterans to use the COLA increase strategically—especially as everyday costs continue to rise.
Here are a few smart steps:
- Review your household budget to see where the extra income can help most.
- Set aside part of the increase for emergencies or medical expenses.
- Consider long-term planning, such as life insurance or estate planning.
- Verify your dependents’ eligibility for additional compensation.
“Veterans should think beyond this month’s bills,” said Holcomb. “These increases, while small, can compound into stability over time if managed wisely.”
Why the COLA Formula Matters?
The 2.8% COLA is based on the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W). This index tracks changes in prices for everyday goods and services like food, fuel, and healthcare.
The Social Security Administration calculates COLA each October, comparing the average CPI-W for July–September 2025 with the same period from 2024. The resulting percentage determines the adjustment for both Social Security and VA benefits.
Final Thought
The 2.8% VA COLA increase for 2026 offers important financial support to veterans with a 60% disability rating, helping them keep up with inflation and ongoing living expenses.
While not a dramatic raise, it’s a necessary safeguard that protects the value of their benefits year after year. Veterans should verify their information with the VA to ensure smooth payment processing and consider exploring additional benefits they may qualify for.
“COLA isn’t charity it’s a commitment,” said Whitaker. “It ensures our veterans’ service is honored not just in words, but in financial security.”
For more information or to verify your benefits, visit VA.gov or contact the Veterans Benefits Administration directly.
FAQs
What is the COLA increase for 2026?
The confirmed COLA increase for 2026 is 2.8%, effective December 1, 2025.
How much will I receive at 60% disability?
Your estimated monthly payment will be $1,435.02 (up from $1,395.93 in 2025). Additional compensation applies if you have dependents.
Do I need to apply for the COLA increase?
No. The increase is automatic for all veterans receiving VA disability compensation.
Are VA disability payments taxable?
No. VA disability benefits are tax-free at the federal level.
When will I see the first increased payment?
Your first increased payment will arrive December 31, 2025, covering the January 2026 benefit cycle.