2026 v 2025 VA Disability Rates and Payment Schedule

As of December 1, 2025, new VA disability rates are in effect. 2026 VA disability compensation will be 2.8% higher than 2025 rates. What that means in terms of dollars depends on the veteran’s disability rating, eligible dependents, and other factors. Here’s what you can expect in 2026. 

How is the Increase in Monthly Benefits Determined? 

The annual cost of living adjustment (COLA) for VA disability benefits recipients is based on the increase calculated by the Social Security Administration (SSA). The SSA bases this annual increase in benefits on the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W), in an effort to raise benefits in tandem with the increasing cost of living.

Base Benefits by VA Disability Rating

The base rate for VA disability compensation for 2025 and 2026 are shown below, along with the increase in compensation for 2026. The actual payment a veteran receives may be higher if they have qualifying dependents or qualify for add-ons or increased base amounts, such as with Special Monthly Compensation. 

Since the increase is percentage based, veterans with eligible dependents and other add-ons will see a larger increase in terms of dollars. For example, a 100% disabled veteran with a spouse and one child will see their VA disability compensation increase from $4,201.35/month in 2025 to $4,318.99 in 2026–a bump of $117.64.

Increases in Special Monthly Compensation Rates

Special monthly compensation may be awarded in two different ways. At most levels, the veteran receives a different base rate of pay based on the SMC level assigned. However, a few levels receive an add-on to their regular base VA disability compensation. 

*The SMC-Q designation is a legacy level that is protected for current recipients but is no longer assigned and benefits do not increase.

Like regular base monthly benefit rates, SMC base rates can be increased if the veteran has eligible dependents. The add-ons for dependents are also increased by the annual COLA rate–2.8% in 2026.

2026 VA Disability Compensation Payment Schedule

VA disability benefits are paid on the first day of the month following the benefit month. For example, January benefits would typically be paid on February 1. However, when the first day of the month is a weekend or holiday, benefits are paid early–on the last business day of the prior month. That means in a few months, you’ll receive one payment at the beginning of the month and another at the very end–then no payment during the following calendar month. 

Though the payment date never fluctuates by more than a few days, knowing exactly when you’ll receive your benefits can be important when you’re budgeting for the month. That can be especially important for managing rent and other expenses that are typically due on the first of the month (even when it falls on a weekend or holiday). Here’s what the schedule looks like for 2026.

You can also opt in to get a text message whenever your recurring VA disability compensation is deposited.

As you can see, July, October and December are all “double up” months, while there are no payments issued in August or November. The December payment is always paid out at the end of December, because the first day of January is always a holiday when banks are closed.

Get the VA Disability Benefits You Deserve

VA disability benefits can be a lifeline for a veteran who is partially or totally disabled, and can help provide important support for the veteran’s dependents. But securing the VA disability benefits you deserve can be a challenge. 

An experienced disability benefits advocate can be your best resource, whether you’re assembling evidence to show a service connection, fighting for a higher VA disability rating, or appealing a denial of VA benefits. At Veterans Help Group, our advocates have deep experience with the VA claim and appeals processes, and can help you submit the most effective claim or appeal possible. To learn more, call us today at 855-855-8992 or fill out our contact form HERE.

FAQ’s: 2026 v 2025 VA Disability Rates and Payment Schedule

1. How much did my VA disability payment go up in 2026 compared to 2025?
Because of the 2026 cost‑of‑living adjustment (COLA), VA monthly disability payments increased about 2.8% across all rating levels.

2. When will I see the new 2026 payment amount in my bank account?
The 2026 rates go into effect December 1, 2025, and veterans should see the higher payment reflected in the December 2025 or first 2026 check.

3. Will the increase apply even if I have dependents or receive extra benefits (SMC, etc.)?
Yes, the COLA applies to base disability compensation and additional compensation tied to dependents, as well as other VA benefit types (e.g. SMC, DIC) that veterans may receive.

Read More About VA Disability:

• HOW TO INCREASE YOUR VA DISABILITY RATING FROM 80% TO 100%
• PTSD AND VETERANS: UNDERSTANDING THE 100% DISABILITY RATING REQUIREMENTS
• DIFFERENT TYPES OF 100% VA DISABILITY RATINGS
• THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN 100% FOR UNEMPLOYABILITY AND 100% DISABILITY RATING
• 50% VA DISABILITY RATING EXPLAINED
• WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO HAVE A 100% VA DISABILITY RATING?
• WHAT BENEFITS DOES A 60% VA DISABILITY RATING GET?