Hailey
America’s VA disability compensation is getting a 2.8% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2026. This COLA—set by Social Security’s CPI-W formula—also applies to VA compensation by law.
The increase is effective December 1, 2025, with most veterans seeing the higher amount in the late-January 2026 deposit.
What changed for 2026?
- COLA: +2.8% for benefits paid beginning with the December 2025 entitlement.
- Effective date vs. payday: New rates take effect Dec 1, 2025; the first month most veterans receive the higher deposit is on the January 2026 pay date (which pays December’s entitlement).
2026 example monthly amounts (veteran alone)
These examples apply the 2.8% COLA to the 2025 base rates. Use them as ballpark figures; exact penny values will appear once official tables are posted.
| Rating | 2025 | 2026 (≈ +2.8%) |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $175.51 | $180.42 |
| 20% | $346.95 | $356.66 |
| 50% | $1,102.04 | $1,132.90 |
| 70% | $1,759.19 | $1,808.45 |
| 80% | $2,044.89 | $2,102.15 |
| 90% | $2,297.96 | $2,362.30 |
| 100% | $3,831.30 | $3,938.58 |
Notes:
• TDIU is paid at the 100% rate, so it also reflects the +2.8% increase.
• Veterans with dependents (spouse, children, parents) receive higher amounts; the same +2.8% applies to those dependent-adjusted tiers.
2026 VA disability payment schedule
VA pays the first business day of the month for the previous month’s entitlement. If that day is a weekend or federal holiday, payment shifts to the prior business day.
Below are commonly referenced 2026 pay dates:
| Month (Entitlement) | Official Pay Date |
|---|---|
| December 2025 | Friday, Jan 30, 2026 |
| January 2026 | Friday, Feb 27, 2026 |
| February 2026 | Wednesday, Apr 1, 2026 |
| March 2026 | Friday, May 1, 2026 |
| April 2026 | Monday, Jun 1, 2026 |
| May 2026 | Wednesday, Jul 1, 2026 |
| June 2026 | Friday, Jul 31, 2026 |
| July 2026 | Tuesday, Sep 1, 2026 |
| August 2026 | Thursday, Oct 1, 2026 |
| September 2026 | Friday, Oct 30, 2026 |
| October 2026 | Tuesday, Dec 1, 2026 |
| November 2026 | Thursday, Dec 31, 2026 |
These dates reflect the “first business day” rule and known federal holidays; if the first falls on a weekend/holiday, payment is made on the preceding business day.
How to confirm your new rate
- Check your benefits letter in your VA account and review the official 2026 rate tables once posted.
- Ensure your direct deposit details are current so you receive the higher amount without delay.
Key takeaways
- COLA: +2.8% for 2026 (effective Dec 1, 2025).
- 100% rating (single) moves from $3,831.30 → ≈$3,938.58; 10% from $175.51 → ≈$180.42.
- Pay schedule follows the “first business day” rule; see 2026 table above.
For 2026, VA disability pay rises by 2.8%, keeping pace with inflation and Social Security’s adjustment.
Your exact monthly amount depends on your VA rating and dependent status, but the math is straightforward: take your 2025 amount and add 2.8%.
Plan around the first-business-day payment schedule, confirm your direct deposit, and expect the new rate to show up with the January 2026 deposit for December’s entitlement.
If your household includes a spouse, children, or parents—or you receive TDIU—those amounts move up by the same percentage, helping protect your benefit’s purchasing power through 2026.
FAQs
Do I need to apply to get the 2026 increase?
No. The COLA is automatic for eligible VA disability recipients; you do not need to re-apply each year.
When will I see the higher payment?
The increase is effective Dec 1, 2025, and the first month most veterans receive it is the January 2026 pay date (which pays December’s benefit).
Does the 2.8% apply to TDIU and dependent add-ons?
Yes. TDIU is paid at the 100% rate, and dependent add-ons are increased by the same COLA.