Beginning January 2026, millions of veterans receiving VA disability compensation will see a 2.7% (estimated) increase in their monthly payments. The Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) helps veterans and their families maintain purchasing power amid rising costs for essentials like housing, healthcare, and groceries.
The VA’s annual COLA aligns with the Social Security Administration’s inflation-based calculation, ensuring benefits keep pace with the broader economy. This adjustment, though modest, will provide meaningful financial stability to those who have served.
“Even modest COLA increases protect household stability for those living on fixed incomes,” the VA’s Compensation Service said in a statement.
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The VA COLA is an automatic annual increase applied to veterans’ disability compensation, dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC), and certain other VA benefits. Veterans do not need to reapply or submit forms the adjustment is applied automatically.
Contents
100% VA Disability Benefits Increase – Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Program | 2026 VA Disability Compensation |
| Department | U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) |
| Effective Date | December 1, 2025 |
| COLA Increase | 2.7% (estimated) |
| Average Monthly Benefit (100%) | $3,927 (single veteran) |
| Tax Status | 100% tax-free |
| Eligible Veterans | Service-connected disabilities (10–100%) |
| First COLA Payment Date | February 1, 2026 |
| Announcement Date | October 2025 |
“Each COLA adjustment represents our continued commitment to veterans’ financial stability,” emphasized VA spokesperson Jennifer Lawson.
Benefits of the 2026 COLA
- Maintains Purchasing Power: Protects veterans from inflation’s impact on daily expenses.
- Automatic Adjustment: No application needed — increases appear in the next monthly deposit.
- Tax-Free Income: VA benefits remain fully exempt from federal income tax.
- Dependent Compensation: Additional amounts apply for spouses, children, and dependent parents.
- Aid and Attendance (A/A) Bonus: Veterans with qualifying spouses receive extra compensation.
“These benefits are the backbone of veterans’ financial health,” said Dr. Alan McPherson, Director of the Veterans Policy Institute. “Each COLA ensures dignity for those who served.”
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VA COLA 2026 Payment Schedule
| Month of Entitlement | Payment Date (2026) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| January 2026 | February 1, 2026 | First payment with updated COLA |
| February 2026 | March 1, 2026 | Regular monthly disbursement |
| March 2026 | April 1, 2026 | Standard schedule |
| April 2026 | May 1, 2026 | Ongoing payments |
Payments are usually processed at the start of each month for the previous month’s entitlement.
70%–100% Disability Ratings (Without Children)
| Dependent Status | 70% | 80% | 90% | 100% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Veteran Alone | $1,803.17 | $2,096.01 | $2,355.41 | $3,927.08 |
| Veteran + Spouse | $1,955.89 | $2,270.26 | $2,552.21 | $4,146.03 |
| Veteran + Spouse + 1 Parent | $2,078.89 | $2,410.69 | $2,710.06 | $4,321.76 |
| Veteran + Spouse + 2 Parents | $2,201.89 | $2,551.11 | $2,867.91 | $4,497.48 |
| Veteran + 1 Parent | $1,926.17 | $2,236.44 | $2,513.26 | $4,102.81 |
| Veteran + 2 Parents | $2,049.17 | $2,376.86 | $2,671.11 | $4,278.53 |
| Aid & Attendance (A/A) Spouse Add-On | +$140.43 | +$160.93 | +$180.40 | +$200.82 |
70%–100% Disability Ratings (With Children)
| Dependent Status | 70% | 80% | 90% | 100% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Veteran + 1 Child | $1,904.64 | $2,212.86 | $2,486.61 | $4,073.50 |
| Veteran + Spouse + Child | $2,068.64 | $2,399.41 | $2,696.73 | $4,306.38 |
| Veteran + Spouse + 1 Parent + Child | $2,191.64 | $2,539.84 | $2,854.58 | $4,482.11 |
| Veteran + Spouse + 2 Parents + Child | $2,314.64 | $2,680.26 | $3,012.43 | $4,657.84 |
| Each Additional Child Under 18 | +$75.85 | +$86.10 | +$97.38 | +$108.79 |
| Each Schoolchild Over 18 | +$244.98 | +$280.85 | +$315.70 | +$351.42 |
| Aid & Attendance (A/A) Spouse Add-On | +$140.43 | +$160.93 | +$180.40 | +$200.82 |
Comparison of 2025-2026 COLA
| Category | 2025 VA Rates (Before COLA) | 2026 VA Rates (After 2.5% COLA) | Average Monthly Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| 70% Disability | $1,758 | $1,803 | +$45 |
| 80% Disability | $2,045 | $2,096 | +$51 |
| 90% Disability | $2,297 | $2,355 | +$58 |
| 100% Disability | $3,831 | $3,927 | +$96 |
The modest increase still translates to hundreds of extra dollars annually, especially for households with dependents or multiple qualifying conditions.
How to Get Claim?
- Potential beneficiaries will have to browse VA.gov to complete the application procedure.
- Complete VA Form 21-526EZ which is the application for disability compensation.
- Include your DD-214, medical evidence, and supporting documents.
- Submit online, by mail, or with help from an accredited Veterans Service Officer.
If your medical condition worsens, you can request a re-evaluation to increase your disability percentage and corresponding payment.
Why the 2026 COLA Matters?
The estimated 2.7% COLA increase ensures that veterans’ compensation remains fair and responsive to the economy. While modest, it protects real income from being eroded by inflation.
“Every dollar matters for veterans relying on fixed income,” said Dr. Lila Henderson, economist at the National Veterans Council. “This adjustment sustains dignity, independence, and stability for households nationwide.”
The adjustment also influences survivor benefits, VA pension rates, and clothing allowances, reinforcing financial security across multiple veteran support programs.
FAQs
What is the VA COLA for 2026?
The estimated increase is 2.7%, reflecting inflation trends measured through September 2025.
When will new rates take effect?
The new rates become effective December 1, 2025, with the first payment on February 1, 2026.
Will the COLA Apply Automatically?
The VA automatically applies COLA to all active disability and survivor benefit payments.
How Much will 100% Disabled Veterans Receive in 2026?
A single veteran rated 100% disabled will receive about $3,927 per month, up from $3,831 in 2025.
Do veterans need to reapply for COLA?
The adjustment happens automatically, no additional action is required.
Why hasn’t Trump kept his promise to those on ss that are below the poverty line? My rent has gone up my SNAP benefits were cut to $23.00 who can eat a good healthy meal on that for a month. I can’t afford groceries. If they raise my rent again I will be on the streets. Why can’t he give us a raise tax breaks don’t help if you make too little to pay them.