The VA Disability Pay Rates Chart 2026, with an increase of 2.8%, will take effect on December 1, 2025, and payments will begin on January 1, 2026. Since rates range from $180.42 for a 10% VA rating to $3,938.58 for a 100% rating, veterans should anticipate larger monthly payments as a result. Additionally, veterans who have dependents will receive higher compensation, which will vary depending on the number of their dependents and disability rating.
VA Clothing Allowance, Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), Special Monthly Compensation (SMC), and VA Disability Compensation are also subject to the increase. Social Security benefits will increase by 2.8% in 2026, according to the Social Security Administration (SSA). This is a bit more than the 2025 increase of 2.5 per cent. 75 million disabled and retired workers will receive higher wages starting in January 2026. On the date of arrival, those who meet the requirements for VA Disability Eligibility 2026 can anticipate receiving their payout.
VA Disability Pay Rates Chart 2026
The eagerly anticipated COLA announcement determines the amount of increase for veterans and military retirees as well as Social Security recipients. With a 2.8% rise, the VA 2026 COLA New Amount will go into effect on December 1, 2025, and payments will start on January 1, 2026. Veterans should expect higher monthly payments as a result, with rates ranging from $180.42 for a 10% VA rating to $3,938.58 for a 100% rating.
Veterans with dependents will also receive increased compensation, which will vary based on their disability rating and the number of dependents they have. Those who qualify for the VA Disability Pay Rates Chart 2026 might expect to settle their claim on the day of arrival.
Veteran Disability Rating & Benefits In 2026
| About | Veteran Disability Rating & Benefits In 2026 |
| Government | US Government |
| Managed By | SSA |
| Country | USA |
| Payment Amount | Calculations based on Disability Rating |
| VA COLA Eligibility 2026 | Veterans with Disability |
| Category | US Finance |
| Payment | Monthly |
| Official Website | https://www.va.gov/disability/ |
Eligibility Criteria For VA COLA Benefits
People must fulfil the VA COLA Eligibility 2026 to qualify for VA benefits and to take advantage of the 2026 COLA adjustment:
- Veteran status requires active military, naval, or air service; discharge type requires “other than dishonourable” discharge.
- Service Those who are hurt or ill while serving on active duty are considered to have a connected disability.
- Pension eligibility requires a limited income criterion that changes every year. Residency requirements include being a U.S. resident, though foreign nationals may still be eligible.
With effect from December 1, 2025, and beginning on January 1, 2026, the 2026 VA COLA increase is 2.8%.
What is the Cost of Living Adjustment For Veterans News?
Effective December 1, 2025, the 2026 Veterans Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) is 2.8%, with benefits beginning January 1, 2026. VA Clothing Allowance, Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), Special Monthly Compensation (SMC), and VA Disability Compensation are also subject to this adjustment.
New Monthly Payment Rates:
- 10% VA Rating: $180.42
- 20% VA Rating: $356.66
- 100% VA Rating: $3,938.58
Veterans with dependents will also see increased compensation, varying by disability rating and number of dependents. The COLA increase is automatic, and veterans don’t need to apply or take any action to receive it
VA Disability Rates and Pay Chart With Children 2026
| VA Rating | Veteran & Child | Veteran, Spouse, & Child | Veteran, Spouse, Child, & One Parent | Veteran, Spouse, Child, & Two Parents | Veteran, Child, & One Parent | Veteran, Child, & Two Parents | Each Additional Child Under Age 18 | Each Additional School Child Over Age 18 |
| 100% | $4,085.43 | $4,318.98 | $4,495.22 | $4,671.46 | $4,261.67 | $4,437.91 | $109.11 | $352.45 |
| 90% | $2,494.01 | $2,703.70 | $2,861.75 | $3,019.81 | $2,652.07 | $2,810.12 | $97.99 | $317.16 |
| 80% | $2,219.10 | $2,405.61 | $2,405.61 | $2,685.89 | $2,359.24 | $2,499.39 | $86.40 | $281.34 |
| 70% | $1,910.65 | $2,073.98 | $2,197.26 | $2,320.54 | $2,033.94 | $2,157.22 | $75.87 | $246.57 |
| 60% | $1,522.47 | $1,662.61 | $1,767.98 | $1,873.35 | $1,627.84 | $1,733.21 | $65.33 | $120.12 |
| 50% | $1,205.60 | $1,322.56 | $1,410.02 | $1,497.48 | $1,293.06 | $1,380.52 | $53.74 | $100.10 |
| 40% | $853.79 | $947.57 | $1,017.12 | $1,086.66 | $923.34 | $992.88 | $43.20 | $80.08 |
| 30% | $595.67 | $666.27 | $718.95 | $771.64 | $648.35 | $701.04 | $32.66 | $60.06 |
VA Payment Schedule 2026
It’s critical for veterans who depend on VA benefits to understand when they can expect to receive their payments. Comprehending the 2026 VA Payment Schedule facilitates efficient financial planning.
- VA disability benefits are paid every month. Every month, you get paid for the previous month. For instance, the April payment was for the previous month, March.
- Scheduled Dates: The first working day of every month is when VA normally deposits payments. The payment is paid on the final working day prior to the first of the month if it falls on a weekend or holiday.
- Direct Deposit: The most effective way to get your payments is to sign up for direct deposit. Compared to traditional mail, money is typically available sooner, and it is secure.
- Getting Ready: With the help of the given table, you can monitor your spending and create a budget by knowing exactly when money will be available in your account.
- COLA Adjustments: To ensure that your benefits are up to date with inflation, keep in mind that any cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) will be reflected in these payments.
VA Benefit Payout Dates 2026
The anticipated dates of payment for VA payments in 2026 are listed below:
| Month | VA Benefit Payout Dates 2026 |
| January | 30 January 2025 |
| February | 27 February 2025 |
| March | 1 April 2025 |
| April | 1 May 2025 |
| May | 1 June 2025 |
| June | 1 July 2026 |
| July | 31 July 2026 |
| August | 1 September 2026 |
| September | 1 October 2026 |
| October | 30 October 2026 |
| November | 1 December 2026 |
| December | 31 December 2026 |
FAQS On VA Disability Pay Rates Chart 2026
What is the VA COLA increase in 2026?
The 2026 VA COLA increase is 2.8%, effective December 1, 2025, with payments starting January 1, 2026.
Who is eligible for the VA COLA increase in 2026?
All veterans with a VA disability rating of 10% or higher automatically receive the 2026 COLA increase.
How much will veterans receive?
Monthly payments range from $180.42 for a 10% VA rating to $3,938.58 for a 100% rating.
