VA benefits are set to rise by 2.8% for 2026, with the increase becoming effective December 1, 2025 and first reflected in payments at the end of December. This cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) will apply to VA disability compensation, most related benefits, and will mirror the 2.8% Social Security COLA for 2026.​

How much will VA benefits increase?

By law, the VA ties its annual COLA to the same percentage used for Social Security, which for 2026 has been confirmed at 2.8%. That means whatever a veteran is currently receiving in 2025 will generally increase by 2.8% starting with the December 2025 payment cycle for 2026 rates.​

For example, a veteran whose monthly VA disability payment is 2,000 dollars in 2025 would see it rise to about 2,056 dollars in 2026, an increase of roughly 56 dollars per month. Actual amounts will vary depending on disability rating and whether the veteran has qualifying dependents such as a spouse, children, or parents on the award.​

When does the increase take effect?

The 2.8% COLA for VA benefits becomes legally effective on December 1, 2025, even though it is often discussed as the 2026 increase. Because VA pays on the first business day for the previous month, the first check with the higher amount is scheduled for December 31, 2025, covering the December entitlement at the new 2026 rate.​

This timing is slightly different from Social Security, where the same 2.8% COLA begins with benefits payable in January 2026. Veterans who receive both VA disability and Social Security will therefore see the VA increase hit their bank account a bit earlier than the Social Security bump.​

What types of VA benefits are affected?

The 2.8% COLA applies to standard VA disability compensation, including ratings from 10% to 100%, and to payments for veterans receiving Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU). Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) for eligible survivors will also receive the same percentage increase.​

In practice, that means most recurring tax-free monthly payments administered by VA for service-connected disability or survivor benefits will rise by 2.8%. One-time payments and certain needs-based programs may follow different rules, so veterans should check specific program guidance if unsure.​

Example changes by rating level

The exact 2026 pay charts list new amounts by rating and dependency status, but the 2.8% adjustment provides a useful estimate across the board. Below is a simplified illustration for a single veteran with no dependents, using rounded 2025 baseline amounts to show how the COLA works.​

Why the COLA is 2.8%

The 2.8% COLA is based on changes in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI‑W) between the third quarter of 2024 and the third quarter of 2025. As inflation over that period was moderate but still positive, the resulting adjustment is smaller than the very large post‑pandemic increases but slightly higher than the previous year’s 2.5% COLA.​

Because VA COLA is required by law to match Social Security’s percentage, Congress typically passes a brief Veterans’ Compensation COLA Act each year to authorize VA to apply the same rate. Once that legislation is signed, VA updates its payment systems automatically, with no action required from veterans.​

What veterans need to do now

Current beneficiaries do not need to file a new claim, submit a form, or call VA to receive the 2.8% increase; it is applied automatically to eligible payments. Veterans should, however, make sure their direct deposit information and mailing address are up to date in VA systems to avoid any delays or misdirected notices.​​

Many veterans and families choose to review their household budget ahead of the new year, factoring in the higher VA payment along with any Social Security, military retirement, or other income changes tied to the same COLA. Financial counselors often suggest using part of the increase to catch up on debts, bolster emergency savings, or offset rising costs for housing, food, and medical care.​

 

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FAQs

Q1: How much will VA disability benefits increase in 2026?
VA disability and related benefits will rise by 2.8% for 2026, matching the Social Security COLA.​

Q2: When will the higher VA payment show up?
The first payment with the 2.8% increase is scheduled for December 31, 2025, covering December at the new 2026 rate.​

Q3: Do veterans need to apply for the COLA?
No; the increase is automatic for eligible veterans and survivors already receiving VA benefits.​