In 2026, the Veterans Affairs (VA) Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) has been validated at 2.8 per cent, which will take effect on December 1, 2025, where the first incremental payments will be paid in January 2026.
New Pay Chart Highlights for 2026
The 2.8% COLA will be used on VA disability compensation, pensions, and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), clothing allowances, and other payable benefits to veterans.
As an illustration, a 100 percent disabled veteran without dependents will receive an increase in monthly payment to the tune of about 107.28.
Less-persons with disability ratings are proportionately increased (e.g., a 10% rating increases by around 4.91 more each month).
Dependency allowances of spouses, children, and dependent parents are also raised by 2.8.
Date to Effect and Payout Schedule.
- Effective Date: December 1, 2025
- First Increased Payment: January 1, 2026.
There is automatic adjustment of payments; the beneficiaries do not need to do anything with it.
The COLA is indexed to inflation in the form of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) where the benefits can keep up with the increasing cost of living.
Additional Notes
- The 2.8% COLA also applies to the military retirees and survivors.
- The military retirees are getting a monthly pay increment of approximately 28 cents on every thousand dollars of the retirement income.
- Employees in Career Status Bonus (CSB/Redux) plan are slightly less in terms of increase in COLA.
- COLA benefits are coordinated by the Social Security Administration and VA to the trend in inflation.
Summary Table: VA Disability Monthly Payments 2026 (Post-COLA) Selected.
| Disability Rating | 2026 Monthly Rate (Veteran Alone) | Available Raise over 2025. |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $180.43 | $4.91 |
| 30% | $552.47 | $15.07 |
| 60% | $1,435.02 | $39.11 |
| 100% | $3,870+ (varies by dependence) | ~$107 |
FAQs
Q1 Is the VA COLA effective as of 2026?
The first adjusted payment will be made in January 2026, and the date is December 1, 2025.
Q2 What is the amount of COLA increment of 2026?
2.8 percent on diverse VA benefits and military pension schemes of retirees.
Q3 Should veterans apply to this increase?
No, it is automatic and it does not require any action.
This COLA guarantees that the benefits of the veterans will keep up with the purchasing power in regard to inflation and the 2026 increase will be a much-needed financial update to the millions of veterans and military retirees.
