For millions of veterans across the United States, VA disability compensation is a cornerstone of financial security. As we move through the final days of December 2025, the official updates for the 2026 calendar year are now fully confirmed. The Department of Veterans Affairs has finalized a 2.8% Cost of Living Adjustment to ensure that benefits keep pace with the rising costs of housing, food, and daily essentials. This guide provides the officially verified pay chart, the rules for claiming extra support for dependents, and the exact dates your money will arrive in the new year.
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Confirmed 2.8% COLA Increase for 2026
The primary driver for the change in your monthly check is the 2.8% increase, which was officially locked in this past October. This adjustment is based on the Social Security Administration’s data and applies automatically to all VA disability ratings. Unlike earlier in the year when estimates were still fluctuating, this 2.8% rate is now the legal standard. It takes effect starting with your December 2025 benefits. Because the VA pays in arrears, this means the very first check you receive in the 2026 calendar year will reflect this new, higher amount.
For a veteran with a 100% disability rating who lives alone, this update translates to an extra $107.28 every month. These payments remain completely tax free at both the federal and state levels, providing a genuine increase in purchasing power for households managing service connected injuries or illnesses.
Official 2026 VA Disability Pay Chart
The following table displays the officially verified monthly rates for veterans without any dependents. These figures reflect the 2.8% increase and are the base amounts you will see deposited into your account throughout 2026.
| Disability Rating | 2025 Monthly Payment | Official 2026 Monthly Payment |
| 10% | $175.51 | $180.42 |
| 20% | $347.10 | $356.66 |
| 30% | $537.42 | $552.47 |
| 40% | $774.16 | $795.84 |
| 50% | $1,102.04 | $1,132.90 |
| 60% | $1,395.93 | $1,435.02 |
| 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 |
How Dependents Boost Your Monthly Pay
If you have a disability rating of 30% or higher, you are eligible for additional monthly compensation for your qualifying dependents. This includes a spouse, children under age 18, adult children between 18 and 23 who are in school, and dependent parents. For example, a veteran with a 100% disability rating and a spouse will now receive $4,158.17 per month.
It is your responsibility to keep your dependent information updated with the VA. If you recently married, had a child, or if a child moved into a qualifying school program, you should report these changes immediately to ensure you receive the full amount you are owed. Conversely, if a child has aged out of eligibility, reporting it promptly prevents an overpayment debt that the VA would eventually collect from your future checks.
Official 2026 Payment Date Schedule
The VA typically issues disability payments on the first business day of the month for the benefits earned during the previous month. However, when the first falls on a weekend or a federal holiday, the payment is moved to the last business day of the preceding month. Because January 1, 2026, is a holiday, your first payment of the year actually arrives a day early.
Here is the confirmed schedule for the first half of 2026:
- December 31, 2025 (Payment for December 2025)
- January 30, 2026 (Payment for January 2026)
- February 27, 2026 (Payment for February 2026)
- April 1, 2026 (Payment for March 2026)
- May 1, 2026 (Payment for April 2026)
- June 1, 2026 (Payment for May 2026)
Key Tips for Your 2026 Benefits
- Use the official VA portal to check your disability rating and confirm that your direct deposit information is current.
- Review your medical records if your service connected condition has worsened, as you may be eligible for a higher rating and increased pay.
- Look into presumptive conditions if you were exposed to burn pits or Agent Orange, as the VA has simplified the process for these claims.
- Double check your December 31 deposit to ensure the 2.8% increase was applied correctly to your specific rating.
- Keep a copy of your 2026 award letter, which you can download from the VA website, for any housing or loan applications.
