The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has officially confirmed a 2.8% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2026, increasing monthly VA disability compensation for millions of veterans.
The new rates take effect on December 1, 2025, with the first payment reflecting this increase arriving on January 1, 2026.
This marks another important adjustment ensuring veterans’ benefits keep pace with inflation and rising living costs.
Why VA Disability Pay Is Increasing
Each year, VA disability pay rates are adjusted to match the Social Security Administration’s COLA rate. The 2026 increase of 2.8% is intended to protect purchasing power for veterans and their families.
This adjustment ensures that those who rely on tax-free disability payments can manage rising expenses for essentials such as housing, food, and medical care.
By law, the VA automatically applies the COLA adjustment—no additional action or reapplication is needed. Veterans will simply see higher deposits starting in January 2026.
2026 VA Disability Pay Chart (Without Children)
| VA Rating | Veteran Alone | Veteran & Spouse | Veteran, Spouse & One Parent | Veteran, Spouse & Two Parents | Veteran & One Parent | Veteran & Two Parents | Add for A/A Spouse |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100% | $3,938.57 | $4,158.16 | $4,334.41 | $4,510.65 | $4,114.81 | $4,291.06 | $201.40 |
| 90% | $2,362.30 | $2,559.34 | $2,717.40 | $2,875.45 | $2,520.36 | $2,678.41 | $181.24 |
| 80% | $2,102.14 | $2,277.06 | $2,417.20 | $2,557.34 | $2,242.28 | $2,382.43 | $161.22 |
| 70% | $1,808.44 | $1,961.23 | $2,084.51 | $2,207.80 | $1,931.73 | $2,055.01 | $141.20 |
| 60% | $1,435.01 | $1,566.73 | $1,672.10 | $1,777.47 | $1,540.38 | $1,645.75 | $120.12 |
| 50% | $1,132.90 | $1,242.48 | $1,329.94 | $1,417.40 | $1,220.35 | $1,307.81 | $100.10 |
| 40% | $795.84 | $883.30 | $952.84 | $1,022.38 | $865.38 | $934.93 | $80.08 |
| 30% | $552.47 | $617.79 | $670.48 | $723.16 | $605.15 | $657.84 | $60.06 |
| 20% | $356.66 | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| 10% | $180.42 | – | – | – | – | – | – |
What the 2.8% COLA Increase Means for Veterans
The 2.8% increase means that every eligible veteran receiving disability benefits will see a boost in their monthly, tax-free payments. For example:
- A veteran rated at 100% disability with no dependents will now receive $3,938.57 per month, an increase of about $107 from 2025.
- Veterans with dependents, such as a spouse, children, or parents, will receive additional allowances reflected in the updated 2026 pay chart.
This COLA adjustment benefits all disability categories, including Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) for eligible survivors.
Key Dates to Remember
- COLA Effective Date: December 1, 2025
- First Increased Payment: January 1, 2026
- COLA Percentage Increase: 2.8%
- Adjustment Type: Automatic (no application required)
The 2026 VA Disability Pay Chart brings a much-needed 2.8% COLA increase, providing financial relief and stability for veterans and their families.
The automatic adjustment ensures that payments continue to reflect changes in the cost of living—helping veterans maintain purchasing power in an inflation-driven economy.
As the new year begins, veterans can look forward to slightly higher, tax-free monthly benefits starting January 2026.
FAQs
When will veterans receive their first 2026 COLA-adjusted payment?
Veterans will see their first increased deposit on January 1, 2026, covering the payment period beginning December 2025.
Do veterans need to apply for the 2026 VA pay increase?
No application is necessary. The VA automatically applies the 2.8% increase to all eligible disability compensation payments.
Does the COLA increase affect all VA benefits?
Yes. The 2.8% COLA adjustment applies to VA disability compensation, SMC, and DIC payments, ensuring all related benefits keep up with inflation.