The 2026 VA Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) brings a 2.8% increase in monthly VA disability compensation, effective December 1, 2025. This boost affects all veterans receiving disability benefits, including those rated at 70%, and extends to TDIU, SMC, and DIC payments.
The Social Security Administration confirmed the 2.8% increase on October 24, 2025, ensuring that VA compensation keeps pace with inflation and helps protect the purchasing power of America’s veterans.
Overview: 2026 VA COLA Increase
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| COLA Percentage | 2.8% |
| Effective Date | December 1, 2025 |
| First Payment Date | December 31, 2025 |
| Applies To | VA Disability Compensation, TDIU, SMC, DIC |
| Automatic Adjustment | Yes, no application required |
| Announced By | Social Security Administration (SSA) |
| Calculation Based On | Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners (CPI-W) |
| Official Website | www.va.gov |
“Even modest COLA adjustments can make a real difference for veterans living on fixed incomes,” said Karen Holcomb, a financial planner specializing in VA benefits. “A 2.8% raise helps offset rising costs of essentials like housing, groceries, and prescriptions.”
Also Read
VA COLA Increase 2026: What Veterans Need to Know About the New Cost-of-Living Adjustment
2026 VA Disability Compensation Rates (After 2.8% COLA)
For veterans with a 70% disability rating, the base monthly payment increases from $1,759.19 in 2025 to $1,808.45 in 2026 — an increase of $49.26 per month, or about $591 per year for single veterans.
Below are the full rate changes across all rating levels for veterans without dependents.
| Disability Rating | 2025 Monthly Payment | 2026 Monthly Payment | Monthly Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10% | $175.51 | $180.42 | $4.91 |
| 20% | $346.95 | $356.66 | $9.71 |
| 30% | $537.42 | $552.47 | $15.05 |
| 40% | $774.16 | $795.84 | $21.68 |
| 50% | $1,102.04 | $1,132.90 | $30.86 |
| 60% | $1,395.93 | $1,435.02 | $39.09 |
| 70% | $1,759.19 | $1,808.45 | $49.26 |
| 80% | $2,044.89 | $2,102.15 | $57.26 |
| 90% | $2,297.96 | $2,362.30 | $64.34 |
| 100% | $3,831.30 | $3,938.58 | $107.28 |
Veterans With Dependents
For veterans with spouses or children, monthly payments are higher. A 70% disabled veteran with a spouse and one child will receive about $2,074.70 per month in 2026.
“Dependents play a big role in determining a veteran’s final monthly compensation,” noted James Whitaker, VA policy analyst. “Those with families should verify their dependent information on file with VA before December to ensure accurate payments.”
When Will Veterans Receive the 2026 COLA Increase?
The first increased payment will be deposited on December 31, 2025, covering benefits for December 2025. Future payments follow the regular VA schedule, with monthly deposits on or before the first business day of each month.
2026 VA Payment Schedule
| Month Covered | Payment Date (2026) |
|---|---|
| December 2025 | December 31, 2025 |
| January 2026 | January 30, 2026 |
| February 2026 | February 27, 2026 |
| March 2026 | April 1, 2026 |
| April 2026 | May 1, 2026 |
| May 2026 | June 1, 2026 |
| June 2026 | July 1, 2026 |
| July 2026 | July 31, 2026 |
| August 2026 | September 1, 2026 |
| September 2026 | October 1, 2026 |
| October 2026 | October 30, 2026 |
| November 2026 | December 1, 2026 |
| December 2026 | December 31, 2026 |
Additional Benefits Affected by COLA
| Benefit Type | Impact of COLA |
|---|---|
| TDIU (Total Disability Individual Unemployability) | Increases in line with 100% disability rates |
| SMC (Special Monthly Compensation) | All categories increase by 2.8% |
| DIC (Dependency and Indemnity Compensation) | Surviving spouses and dependents see same increase |
| CRSC/CRDP | Combat-related and concurrent retirement payments rise proportionally |
“COLA doesn’t just raise base disability pay — it touches every corner of the VA compensation system,” said Dr. Robert Hensley, public policy economist. “It helps ensure veterans and surviving families don’t fall behind financially.”
VA COLA and Inflation
| Year | COLA % | Inflation Rate | Real Purchasing Power |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 0.3% | 1.3% | -1.0% |
| 2017 | 2.0% | 2.1% | -0.1% |
| 2018 | 2.8% | 2.4% | +0.4% |
| 2019 | 1.6% | 1.8% | -0.2% |
| 2020 | 1.3% | 1.2% | +0.1% |
| 2021 | 5.9% | 4.7% | +1.2% |
| 2022 | 8.7% | 8.0% | +0.7% |
| 2023 | 3.2% | 4.1% | -0.9% |
| 2024 | 2.5% | 2.9% | -0.4% |
| 2026 | 2.8% | (est.) 2.5–2.8% | ≈ balanced |
Final Thought
The 2.8% VA COLA increase for 2026 delivers a necessary cost-of-living boost for veterans and their families, ensuring benefits remain stable amid inflation.
For a 70% disabled veteran, this increase means an additional $49.26 per month a modest but meaningful improvement that reflects the federal government’s ongoing commitment to veterans’ welfare.
“COLA is more than a formula it’s a promise that veterans’ service will continue to be honored with real, inflation-protected support,” said Lt. Gen. Raymond Keane (Ret.), veterans’ advocate.
For more information or to verify your benefit amount, visit VA.gov or call the VA Benefits Hotline at 1-800-827-1000.
FAQs
When does the 2026 VA COLA take effect?
The 2026 COLA takes effect December 1, 2025, with the first increased payment on December 31, 2025.
Do veterans need to apply for the COLA increase?
No. The increase applies automatically to all eligible VA benefits.
How much will a 70% disabled veteran receive in 2026?
A single veteran with a 70% rating will receive $1,808.45 per month. Veterans with dependents will receive higher amounts.
Does COLA apply to TDIU and DIC payments?
Yes. Both TDIU and DIC payments are adjusted annually by the same COLA percentage.
What if my payment amount doesn’t change?
Check your bank account and verify your VA payment details. Contact VA Support at 1-800-827-1000 if issues persist after 2–3 business days.
