2026 VA Disability Pay Increase
New COLA Rates & What Veterans Need to Know
Cynthia Gomez
2026 VA Disability Pay Increase: New COLA Rates & What Veterans Need to Know
By Cynthia Gomez — Veteran Advocate & Professional Writer
The Social Security Administration has officially announced the 2026 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA), and this update brings important changes that will directly impact disabled veterans, surviving spouses, dependents, and those receiving VA special monthly compensation.
Whether you’re a veteran navigating the system or a family member supporting one, this guide breaks down everything you need to know — clearly, accurately, and without confusion.
When the New 2026 COLA Takes Effect
The COLA increase becomes active on:
December 1, 2025 (effective date)
December 31, 2025 — first VA payment with the updated rate
Because January 1st is a federal holiday, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) issues the January payment one business day early, landing directly in your account before the new year begins. CCK Law+2VA Claims Insider+2
How Much Is the 2026 COLA?
The 2026 COLA increase is 2.8%, slightly higher than the previous year’s 2.5%. CCK Law+1
Here’s what that means in real-world dollars:
50% disability, no dependents: About $30.86 more per month (from approx. $1,102.04 in 2025 to $1,132.90 in 2026) CCK Law
100% disability, veteran alone: The rate rises from approx. $3,831.30 in 2025 to $3,938.58 in 2026 — an increase of about $107.28. CCK Law+1
2026 VA Disability Compensation Rates (After 2.8% COLA Increase)
Below is a selection of the official monthly rates for 2026, effective December 1, 2025. All amounts are tax-free.
Veterans Without Dependents
Rating | 2025 Rate* | 2026 Rate | 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 |
*2025 rates are included for reference only.
Selected Rates with Dependents (30%–60% Rating Tiers)
Rating | Veteran alone | Veteran + Spouse | Veteran + Spouse & 1 Child |
|---|---|---|---|
30% | $552.47 | $618.26 | $666.58 |
40% | $795.84 | $883.22 | $947.98 |
50% | $1,132.90 | $1,241.87 | $1,323.08 |
60% | $1,435.02 | $1,566.60 | $1,663.23 |
Selected Rates with Dependents (70%–100% Rating Tiers)
Rating | Veteran alone | Veteran + Spouse | Veteran + Spouse & 1 Child |
|---|---|---|---|
70% | $1,808.45 | $1,961.62 | $2,074.70 |
80% | $2,102.15 | $2,276.91 | $2,406.43 |
90% | $2,362.30 | $2,559.68 | $2,704.63 |
100% | $3,938.58 | $4,158.17 | $4,318.99 |
Note: Rates vary with further dependent configurations (parents, multiple children, aid & attendance, etc.).
Which Benefits Increase with the 2026 COLA?
The 2.8% COLA adjustment applies to multiple veteran and survivor benefits:
VA Disability Compensation – All rating levels (10%–100%) receive the increase
TDIU (Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability) – Tied to the 100% rate
Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) – All SMC tiers increase
Dependency & Indemnity Compensation (DIC) – Surviving spouses, children, and parents receive the adjusted amount
Clothing Allowance – Annual allowance for service-connected conditions (e.g., prosthetics, skin conditions) also rises with COLA CCK Law
If you’re already receiving one of these benefits, you don’t need to apply — it’s automatic.
How COLA Is Calculated (And Why It Matters)
COLA is calculated using the CPI-W (Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers). The process:
Compare the average CPI-W for Q3 (July–September) of the current year with the same period in the previous year
The percentage increase becomes the new COLA
Because it’s tied to this formula, some years COLA keeps pace with inflation; other years it falls short.
Example:
2021: 5.9% COLA slightly outpaced inflation
2023: Inflation rose faster than the COLA increase Veterans Affairs+1
Do Veterans Need to Apply for the COLA Increase?
No. If you already receive VA disability compensation (or other affected benefits), the increase is automatic.
You do not need to submit forms, call the VA, or take any action.
When Will Veterans Receive Their New Payment?
VA disability compensation is normally paid on the first business day of each month.
If the first falls on a weekend or holiday, VA pays on the last business day of the previous month.
Therefore:
➡ Your first 2026 COLA-adjusted payment arrives December 31, 2025. VA Disability Group, PLLC+1
Does COLA Apply to Back Pay?
No. Back pay is always calculated based on the rates that were effective during the periods owed.
For example:
Back pay for 2024 → paid at the 2024 rate
Back pay for 2025 → paid at the 2025 rate
2026 rates only apply going forward.
If COLA Isn’t Enough, You Have Options
Many veterans still struggle despite the increase — especially given inflation, medical costs, and everyday expenses.
If your benefits aren’t keeping up, you may consider:
Filing for a higher disability rating, if your condition worsened
Filing a secondary service-connection claim, for conditions like migraines, sleep apnea, radiculopathy, GERD
Applying for Special Monthly Compensation (SMC), Aid & Attendance, or Housebound benefits
Exploring vocational rehabilitation (VR&E) or state-level veteran programs
Don’t assume you’ve “maxed out” your benefits — talk to a certified VSO or accredited agent.
VA Compensation vs. Social Security COLA: Timing Differences
If you receive both VA disability compensation and Social Security benefits:
VA payment increase: December 2025
Social Security increase: January 2026
This means you’ll see raised income from both sources in close succession.
Final Thoughts from Cynthia Gomez
The 2026 COLA adjustment provides meaningful support — but it may not fully offset rising costs.
That’s why it’s vital to:
Understand your rating and dependent status
Be aware of the benefits available to you
Take action if you believe your rating doesn’t reflect your condition
You earned these benefits.
Your service matters.
Your financial security matters.
If this article helped you, please share it with another veteran, spouse, or caregiver.
The more informed our community, the stronger we become.
— Cynthia Gomez.org