The VA Disability Pay Chart for 2026 introduces a 2.8% increase in monthly, tax-free compensation for eligible veterans and their dependents. The new rates take effect December 1, 2025, and will be reflected in January 2026 payments.
This annual adjustment, known as the Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA), ensures that veterans’ benefits keep up with inflation and rising living expenses, including food, housing, and healthcare.
Overview: 2026 VA Disability Pay Chart
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Effective Date | December 1, 2025 |
| First Payment at New Rate | December 31, 2025 (for January 2026 cycle) |
| COLA Percentage | 2.8% |
| Authority | U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs |
| Eligibility | Veterans with service-connected disabilities |
| Payment Type | Tax-free monthly compensation |
| Applies To | Disability ratings from 10% to 100% |
| Dependent Benefits | Included for ratings 30% and above |
| Official Site | www.va.gov |
“This increase ensures that veterans’ benefits maintain real-world value,” said James Whitaker, a VA benefits policy analyst. “A consistent COLA keeps these payments aligned with inflation and cost-of-living trends.”
2026 VA Disability Monthly Payment Chart
The 2.8% COLA increase applies automatically to all veterans currently receiving disability compensation. Veterans do not need to apply or submit additional paperwork to receive the updated amounts.
Below are the estimated 2026 VA disability rates based on rating and dependent status.
| Disability Rating | Veteran Alone | Veteran + Spouse | Veteran + Spouse + 1 Child | Each Additional Child (<18) | Each Schoolchild (>18) | Spouse Aid & Attendance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10% | $180.42 | — | — | — | — | — |
| 20% | $356.66 | — | — | — | — | — |
| 30% | $552.47 | $618.26 | $666.58 | $31.87 | $104.86 | $59.62 |
| 40% | $795.84 | $883.22 | $947.98 | $43.18 | $140.84 | $80.18 |
| 50% | $1,132.90 | $1,241.87 | $1,323.08 | $54.48 | $175.79 | $100.74 |
| 60% | $1,435.02 | $1,566.60 | $1,663.23 | $64.76 | $210.74 | $120.28 |
| 70% | $1,808.45 | $1,961.62 | $2,074.70 | $76.07 | $245.69 | $140.84 |
| 80% | $2,102.15 | $2,276.91 | $2,406.43 | $86.35 | $281.67 | $161.40 |
| 90% | $2,362.30 | $2,559.68 | $2,704.63 | $97.66 | $316.62 | $180.93 |
| 100% | $3,938.58 | $4,158.17 | $4,318.99 | $109.11 | $352.45 | $201.41 |
“Veterans with higher disability ratings will see the largest dollar-value increases, though all beneficiaries gain from the COLA update,” noted Karen Holcomb, a certified financial planner specializing in veterans’ benefits.
Eligibility for VA Disability Compensation
Basic Eligibility
To qualify for VA disability benefits, veterans must:
- Have a service-connected disability (injury, illness, or condition linked to military service).
- Have been discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.
- Submit supporting medical and service records verifying the claim.
After evaluation, the VA assigns a disability rating between 0% and 100%, which determines the monthly compensation amount.
Dependent-Based Eligibility
Veterans with a 30% disability rating or higher may receive additional payments for eligible dependents, including:
- A spouse
- Children under 18 or school-aged children (18–23)
- Dependent parents
Dependent adjustments increase the total monthly amount and must be updated when family status changes (marriage, birth, or death).
VA Disability Payment Dates for 2026
Payments are typically made on the first business day of each month, covering benefits for the previous month. If the first day falls on a weekend or holiday, payment is issued on the preceding business day.
| Month Paid For | Payment Date (2026) |
|---|---|
| December 2025 | December 31, 2025 |
| January 2026 | January 30, 2026 |
| February 2026 | March 1, 2026 |
| April 2026 | May 1, 2026 |
| June 2026 | July 1, 2026 |
| August 2026 | September 1, 2026 |
| October 2026 | October 31, 2026 |
| November 2026 | December 1, 2026 |
All VA disability payments are direct deposited. Veterans should ensure their banking details on file with VA are accurate to prevent delays.
Impact of the 2026 VA COLA Increase
The 2.8% raise offers modest but meaningful support to veterans coping with higher costs of living.
Benefits of the 2026 Increase
- Maintains purchasing power amid inflation
- Improves financial stability for disabled veterans
- Automatically applies to Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) recipients
- Helps veterans plan more accurately for annual budgets and essential expenses
“This adjustment may seem small, but for many veterans, it’s the difference between catching up on bills or falling behind,” said Amy Douglas of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV). “Every increase helps preserve dignity and independence.”
How the COLA Is Calculated?
The Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) is based on the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W), published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
The Social Security Administration measures the average CPI-W for July, August, and September 2025, comparing it with the same period in 2024. The percentage difference becomes the COLA rate for both Social Security and VA benefits.
For 2026, the official calculation confirmed a 2.8% increase, reflecting moderate inflation and stable consumer pricing.
Final Thought
The VA Disability Pay Chart for 2026 delivers a modest but valuable 2.8% boost to support the financial well-being of millions of U.S. veterans.
While not a large increase, it represents a continued federal commitment to ensuring veterans’ benefits stay in step with inflation and evolving living costs.
“COLA isn’t just a number it’s a promise to veterans that their service won’t lose value over time,” said Dr. Robert Hensley, public policy economist.
To check your current or upcoming payment, visit the VA official website or your MyVA account for real-time updates.
FAQs
What is the VA disability pay increase for 2026?
The confirmed COLA increase for 2026 is 2.8%, effective December 1, 2025.
When will I receive my first increased payment?
The first increased payment will arrive on December 31, 2025, covering the December 2025 benefit month.
Do I need to apply for the new rates?
No. The 2026 COLA increase applies automatically to all eligible veterans receiving compensation.
Are VA disability payments taxable?
No. VA disability compensation is tax-free at both the federal and state levels.
Who qualifies for dependent benefits?
Veterans with a 30% or higher rating who have a spouse, children, or dependent parents are eligible for additional monthly compensation.