Hailey
As inflation data settles for the year, the 2026 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) has been set at 2.8%.
Because VA compensation is tied by law to Social Security’s COLA, this translates into a raise for VA disability compensation and related benefits.
The increase is finalized in the fall, and while many headlines say “coming in November,” the key timing is: the COLA applies December 1, 2025, with the first higher VA payment landing December 31, 2025 (covering January 2026).
What changed—and when you’ll see it
- COLA for 2026: +2.8% based on the CPI-W average for Q3 2025 vs. Q3 2024.
- Effective date for VA rates: December 1, 2025;
First deposit with the increase: December 31, 2025 (because the Jan 2026 payment is paid on the last business day of December). - Why November is mentioned: Veterans typically hear the finalized COLA and VA alignment in late October/November; the actual money shows up with the Dec 31, 2025 payment.
How much more will you get?
The 2.8% bump applies to your current 2025 VA rate (which itself reflected a 2.5% COLA).
Below are example increases for a single veteran with no dependents, using official 2025 baselines and applying +2.8% to show the new 2026 amounts.
| VA Rating | 2025 Monthly | 2026 Monthly (≈ +2.8%) | 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 |
Notes: Dependency additions (spouse, children, parents), SMC, and other factors will raise totals above these numbers.
Final “to-the-cent” tables are published in early December; the percent (+2.8%) is already set.
Who gets the boost automatically?
- All veterans receiving VA disability compensation, TDIU, and related dependency or SMC add-ons.
- No application is required; adjustments are automatic once VA implements the COLA alignment each year.
Key dates to remember (India time zone users: dates below are U.S. calendar dates)
- Late October 2025: SSA confirms 2.8% COLA (VA mirrors this).
- December 1, 2025: New VA rates take effect.
- December 31, 2025: First higher VA payment (January 2026 entitlement) hits bank accounts.
What to do now
- Verify your current rating and dependent status on VA.gov and compare using the percentage above to estimate your new 2026 amount.
- If you’ve had a change in dependents or believe your rating should be increased, file updates/claims to ensure you’re paid at the correct level when the COLA lands.
The VA benefits boost for 2026 is 2.8%. Although people often say the raise is “coming in November,” that’s the communication window—the money arrives with the December 31, 2025 payment (covering January 2026).
For a 100% rating, that’s roughly +$107 per month; other ratings scale accordingly. Review your status now so your higher January 2026 check reflects the full COLA you’ve earned.
FAQs
Will my VA increase arrive in November 2025?
No. You’ll hear about the finalized COLA in late Oct/Nov, but VA’s higher rate applies December 1, 2025, with the first larger payment on December 31, 2025.
Do I need to apply to get the COLA raise?
No. COLA is automatic for eligible VA compensation recipients; amounts adjust in sync with Social Security’s COLA.
How is the 2.8% COLA calculated?
It is calculated based on the year-over-year increase in the consumer price index (CPI-W) for Q3 2025 vs. Q3 2024; the VA mirrors this increase by law.