SKIP TO
CONTENT
Each year, VA disability compensation rates are adjusted to reflect changes in the cost of living. For 2026, veterans will see a 2.8% increase in their monthly benefits due to the annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA).
On October 24, 2025, the Social Security Administration announced a 2.8% COLA for 2026. Because VA compensation rates are tied to Social Security COLA increases, this adjustment directly impacts VA disability compensation, TDIU benefits, Survivor Benefits (DIC), Special Monthly Compensation (SMC), and most other VA benefits.
2026 VA COLA Increase
- Percentage increase: 2.8%
- Effective date: December 1, 2025
- First payment reflecting increase: December 31, 2025
- Applies to: VA disability compensation, TDIU, SMC, DIC, and most VA benefits
- Action required: None — the increase is applied automatically for existing beneficiaries
What Is the 2026 VA COLA Increase?
The cost-of-living adjustment is designed to help benefits keep pace with inflation. While a COLA does not increase a veteran’s disability rating, it does increase the monthly dollar amount paid at each rating level.
For 2026, the COLA increase is 2.8%, meaning most veterans will see a modest but automatic increase in their monthly compensation.
2026 VA Disability Compensation Rates
Below are the updated monthly compensation rates for single veterans with no dependents, showing the change from 2025 to 2026 after the 2.8% COLA increase.
| 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 |
Note: Veterans with dependents (such as spouses, children, or dependent parents) receive higher monthly compensation amounts.
When Will Veterans Receive the 2026 COLA Increase?
Although the COLA becomes effective December 1, 2025, VA disability payments are paid in arrears. This means veterans receive payment for December at the end of the month. If the scheduled payment date falls on a weekend or federal holiday, VA issues payments on the last business day of the prior month.
| Month of Benefit | Payment Date | Day of the Week |
|---|---|---|
| November 2025 | December 1, 2025 | Monday |
| December 2025 | December 31, 2025 | Wednesday |
| January 2026 | January 30, 2026 | Friday |
| February 2026 | February 27, 2026 | Friday |
| March 2026 | April 1, 2026 | Wednesday |
| April 2026 | May 1, 2026 | Friday |
| May 2026 | June 1, 2026 | Monday |
| June 2026 | July 1, 2026 | Wednesday |
| July 2026 | July 31, 2026 | Friday |
| August 2026 | September 1, 2026 | Tuesday |
| September 2026 | October 1, 2026 | Thursday |
| October 2026 | October 30, 2026 | Friday |
| November 2026 | December 1, 2026 | Tuesday |
| December 2026 | December 31, 2026 | Thursday |