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2026 VA disability rates rise 2.8% with the new cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). By law, VA compensation mirrors the 2026 Social Security COLA, so the new rates take effect December 1, 2025, with the first increased payment on January 1, 2026. Use the 2026 VA Disability Pay Chart below—with and without children—to see your exact tax-free monthly amount by combined rating and dependents, then check the 2026 VA disability payment schedule to know when deposits hit. We’ll update this page to the penny on December 1, 2025 when the VA publishes the official figures.
Jump to: Without Children • With Children • 2026 VA Pay Dates • FAQs • 2026 VA Disability Calculator
Reviewed by: Brian Reese — VA disability benefits expert; #1 bestselling author of VA Claim Secrets and You Deserve It.
2026 VA Disability Pay Rates Explained (60-Second Video)
2026 VA Pay Increase (At a Glance)
- Official COLA: 2.8%
- Effective Date: December 1, 2025
- First Higher Payment: January 1, 2026 (2026 VA pay dates schedule)
- Programs Affected: VA Disability Compensation, SMC, DIC, VA Pension, VA Clothing Allowance
- Example (100% Veteran Alone): $3,938.58 / month
- Who Gets It: Veterans rated 10% to 100% (TDIU pays at 100%); dependent add-ons start at 30%
2025 Versus 2026 VA Disability Pay Rates (Veteran Alone)
| Rating | 2025 VA Pay Rates | 2026 VA Pay Rates | Change ($) | Change (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100% | $3,831.30 | $3,938.58 | $107.28 | +2.8% |
| 90% | $2,297.96 | $2,362.30 | $64.34 | +2.8% |
| 80% | $2,044.89 | $2,102.15 | $57.26 | +2.8% |
| 70% | $1,759.19 | $1,808.45 | $49.26 | +2.8% |
| 60% | $1,395.93 | $1,435.02 | $39.09 | +2.8% |
| 50% | $1,102.04 | $1,132.90 | $30.86 | +2.8% |
| 40% | $774.16 | $795.84 | $21.68 | +2.8% |
| 30% | $537.42 | $552.47 | $15.05 | +2.8% |
| 20% | $346.95 | $356.66 | $9.71 | +2.8% |
| 10% | $175.51 | $180.42 | $4.91 | +2.8% |
2026 VA Disability Rates (Without Children)
| Rating | Veteran Alone | Veteran & Spouse | Veteran, Spouse, & One Parent | Veteran, Spouse, & Two Parents | Veteran & One Parent | Veteran & Two Parents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100% | $3,938.58 | $4,158.17 | $4,334.41 | $4,510.65 | $4,114.82 | $4,291.06 |
| 90% | $2,362.30 | $2,559.34 | $2,717.39 | $2,875.45 | $2,520.36 | $2,678.41 |
| 80% | $2,102.15 | $2,276.91 | $2,417.74 | $2,558.58 | $2,242.98 | $2,383.82 |
| 70% | $1,808.45 | $1,961.62 | $2,084.98 | $2,208.34 | $1,931.81 | $2,055.17 |
| 60% | $1,435.02 | $1,566.60 | $1,671.46 | $1,776.31 | $1,539.87 | $1,644.73 |
| 50% | $1,132.90 | $1,241.87 | $1,329.25 | $1,416.63 | $1,220.28 | $1,307.66 |
| 40% | $795.84 | $883.22 | $953.12 | $1,023.02 | $865.74 | $935.64 |
| 30% | $552.47 | $618.26 | $670.69 | $723.12 | $604.90 | $657.32 |
| Rating | 100% | 90% | 80% | 70% | 60% | 50% | 40% | 30% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Additional For A/A Spouses | $201.41 | $180.93 | $161.40 | $140.84 | $120.28 | $100.74 | $80.18 | $59.62 |
Note: Veterans with VA ratings of 10% or 20% do not receive additional compensation for dependents.
- 10% Disability Rating = $180.42
- 20% Disability Rating = $356.66
2026 VA Disability Rates (With Children)
| Rating | Veteran & Child | Veteran, Spouse, & Child | Veteran, Spouse, Child, & One Parent | Veteran, Spouse, Child, & Two Parents | Veteran, Child, & One Parent | Veteran, Child, & Two Parents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100% | $4,085.43 | $4,318.99 | $4,495.23 | $4,671.47 | $4,261.67 | $4,437.91 |
| 90% | $2,493.89 | $2,704.63 | $2,862.94 | $3,021.25 | $2,652.20 | $2,810.51 |
| 80% | $2,219.34 | $2,406.43 | $2,547.27 | $2,688.11 | $2,360.17 | $2,501.01 |
| 70% | $1,910.22 | $2,074.70 | $2,198.06 | $2,321.42 | $2,033.58 | $2,156.94 |
| 60% | $1,522.40 | $1,663.23 | $1,768.09 | $1,872.94 | $1,627.25 | $1,732.11 |
| 50% | $1,205.89 | $1,323.08 | $1,410.46 | $1,497.84 | $1,293.27 | $1,380.65 |
| 40% | $854.43 | $947.98 | $1,017.88 | $1,087.79 | $924.34 | $994.24 |
| 30% | $595.64 | $666.58 | $719.00 | $771.43 | $648.07 | $700.50 |
| Rating | 100% | 90% | 80% | 70% | 60% | 50% | 40% | 30% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Each Additional Child Under 18 | $109.11 | $97.66 | $86.35 | $76.07 | $64.76 | $54.48 | $43.18 | $31.87 |
| Each Additional Schoolchild Over 18 | $352.45 | $316.62 | $281.67 | $245.69 | $210.74 | $175.79 | $140.84 | $104.86 |
How to Use the 2026 VA Disability Pay Chart (Step-by-Step)
- Confirm your combined VA disability rating. Check your latest VA decision letter or log into VA.gov. If you have multiple conditions, VA uses “VA math” and the Combined Ratings Table to get your final percentage.
- Pick the correct chart: “with” or “without” children. No dependent children? Use the “Without Children” tables. At least one qualifying child? Use the “With Children” tables.
- Find the row that matches your rating. For example, if your combined rating is 70%, use the 70% row in the correct table.
- Choose the column that matches your dependents. Look for the column that best describes your family situation (spouse and/or dependent parents).
- Add any extra amounts for additional children or a spouse on A&A. Use the “Each Additional Child” and “Additional for A/A Spouses” tables to add those amounts on top of your base rate.
- Compare with your bank deposit. Your January 2026 payment (for December 2025) should match the 2026 rate once you factor in all dependents and extras.
2026 VA Disability Pay Dates Calendar
| Month | Official Pay Date | Day of the Week |
|---|---|---|
| January 2026 | January 30, 2026 | Friday |
| February 2026 | February 27, 2026 | Friday |
| March 2026 | April 1, 2026 | Wednesday |
| April 2026 | May 1, 2026 | Friday |
| May 2026 | June 1, 2026 | Monday |
| June 2026 | July 1, 2026 | Wednesday |
| July 2026 | July 31, 2026 | Friday |
| August 2026 | September 1, 2026 | Tuesday |
| September 2026 | October 1, 2026 | Thursday |
| October 2026 | October 30, 2026 | Friday |
| November 2026 | December 1, 2026 | Tuesday |
| December 2026 | December 31, 2026 | Thursday |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the official 2026 VA disability pay increase?
The official 2026 VA disability pay increase is 2.8%, based on the Social Security Administration’s annual Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) tied to the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W). This adjustment ensures your tax-free monthly VA compensation keeps pace with inflation. In plain English: the VA increases your pay each year to help offset the rising cost of food, fuel, housing, and everyday essentials.
When do the new rates take effect, and when will I see the higher payment?
The new 2026 VA rates take effect on December 1, 2025, and your first higher payment will hit your account on January 1, 2026. That deposit covers your December 2025 benefits at the new 2026 rate. If January 1 falls on a weekend or federal holiday, the payment posts on the closest prior business day. Check the 2026 VA Pay Dates Calendar for your exact deposit schedule.
Do I need to do anything to get the 2026 COLA increase?
No. The COLA increase is automatic. You don’t need to apply, call the VA, or submit a claim. The VA adjusts your benefit amount internally, and you’ll see the change reflected in your January 2026 deposit. If you’re receiving multiple VA benefits—like Special Monthly Compensation (SMC), Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), or VA Pension—they’ll all increase automatically as well.
Who gets the 2026 COLA increase?
All veterans with a VA disability rating of 10% or higher qualify for the 2026 COLA increase. That includes: Veterans rated from 10% to 100%, those receiving Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU), which pays at the 100% rate, and recipients of SMC, DIC, or VA Pension benefits. If you have a 0% rating, you won’t see a change because that level doesn’t include monthly compensation.
How much more money will I receive with the 2.8% COLA?
To find your new 2026 VA disability pay rate, simply multiply your current monthly amount by 1.028, which reflects the 2.8% COLA increase. For example, if you currently receive $1,000 per month, your new rate will be about $1,028—an increase of $28. A veteran receiving $2,000 per month will see about $2,056, an increase of $56; $3,000 becomes $3,084, an increase of $84; and $4,000 becomes $4,112, an increase of $112. Your exact increase will depend on your combined disability rating and whether you receive additional compensation for dependents. Be sure to check the VA’s official 2026 published pay rates for exact amounts to the penny.
When will the higher amount show up in my bank account?
You’ll see the higher amount in your January 1, 2026 deposit. That payment reflects your December 2025 entitlement at the new COLA-adjusted rate. If that date falls on a weekend or federal holiday, you’ll typically receive your payment the business day before.
Do I get extra dependent pay at 10% or 20%?
No. Additional compensation for dependents (spouse, children, or dependent parents) starts only at a combined rating of 30% or higher. Veterans rated at 10% or 20% receive a flat rate, regardless of dependents. See the tables above for exact 2026 rates with and without dependents.
Will Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) and DIC also increase by 2.8%?
Yes. All VA benefit programs tied to COLA—including 2026 pay rates for SMC, DIC, VA Pension, and the Clothing Allowance—increase by the same 2.8%. This ensures that every veteran, survivor, or dependent receiving VA compensation keeps up with inflation across the board.
Does the 2.8% COLA affect my retroactive or back pay?
No. Retroactive pay is always based on the rates that were in effect for each month of your retro period. The 2.8% increase applies only to payments made from December 2025 forward. So if your back pay covers earlier years, those months are calculated at their respective rates for those years.
Is VA disability pay taxable?
No. VA disability compensation is completely tax-free at both the federal and state levels. That includes payments for SMC, DIC, VA Pension, and Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC). If you receive both VA disability and military retired pay, make sure to review your DFAS Form 1099-R to understand which portions are taxable. See my full breakdown of Veterans’ Tax Rules and Exemptions.
How does the VA determine my disability rating?
The VA uses the Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) found in 38 CFR Part 4 to assign a percentage to each service-connected condition. Each condition gets a diagnostic code and rating level based on symptom severity, frequency, and impact on your work and life. If you have multiple service-connected conditions, VA applies the Combined Ratings Table—often called “VA math”—to determine your final combined rating. Try our free VA disability calculator to quickly find your combined VA rating and monthly payment amount.
Can I file for a VA disability rating increase?
Yes. If your service-connected conditions have worsened or you’ve obtained new medical evidence, you can request a VA rating increase at any time through VA.gov. A properly documented increase claim can often raise your monthly benefit more than a COLA adjustment alone. If you need help developing your evidence and strategy, see my guide: 8 Ways to Increase Your VA Disability Rating.
How do I find VA resources near me?
You can search for VA-accredited VSOs, attorneys, or claims agents using the VA’s official tool (VSO services on claims are free), and you can look up nearby VA facilities (medical centers, Vet Centers, regional benefits offices).
Methodology and Sources
We calculate 2026 VA disability pay by applying Social Security’s 2026 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) to the prior-year VA compensation tables, consistent with federal law that aligns VA compensation increases with Social Security’s COLA.
- COLA used: 2.8% for 2026. We multiply each 2025 base amount by 1.028 and round to the nearest cent to reflect VA’s published dollar amounts.
- Effective date: December 1, 2025. First higher payment: January 1, 2026 (this deposit reflects December 2025 entitlement under the new rates).
- Scope: The same COLA applies to Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) and Dependency & Indemnity Compensation (DIC) and VA Clothing Allowance. Dependent add-ons begin at a combined 30% rating and are included in our tables.
How we verify and keep this page updated
- We monitor the official SSA COLA announcement (released October 24, 2025).
- We cross-check against VA’s published compensation tables and notices and adjust any final rounding differences if VA posts updated figures.
- If VA issues a correction or clarification, we revise the tables and note the change in the updates log below.
- We will update this page to the penny on December 1, 2025 when the VA publishes their official figures.
Primary sources
- Social Security Administration — Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA)
- eCFR — VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD)
- VA.gov — Disability Compensation Rates (base reference; we update when VA posts the new year’s table)
- VA.gov — Policies, resources & notices
Recent Updates
- Nov 26, 2025: Added 2026 VA disability pay dates calendar.
- Nov 22, 2025: Added VA pay increase at a glance section, 2025 vs. 2026 comparison table; expanded FAQs section; improved table UX and accessibility.
- Nov 11, 2025: Updated with the official 2.8% COLA (to the penny) and effective/payment dates following SSA’s announcement.
We’ll continue to monitor VA publications and will update this page promptly if VA posts revised or clarified 2026 dollar amounts.
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About the Author
Brian Reese
Brian Reese is a world-renowned VA disability benefits expert and the #1 bestselling author of VA Claim Secrets and You Deserve It. Motivated by his own frustration with the VA claim process, Brian founded VA Claims Insider to help disabled veterans secure their VA disability compensation faster, regardless of their past struggles with the VA. Since 2013, he has positively impacted the lives of over 10 million military, veterans, and their families.
A former active-duty Air Force officer, Brian has extensive experience leading diverse teams in challenging international environments, including a combat tour in Afghanistan in 2011 supporting Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.
Brian is a Distinguished Graduate of Management from the United States Air Force Academy and earned his MBA from Oklahoma State University’s Spears School of Business, where he was a National Honor Scholar, ranking in the top 1% of his class.
