2026 VA Disability Payment Rates: 2.8% COLA Increase Explained (With Chart)
Posted by Gregory M. Rada | October 27, 2025 | Firm News
VA disability compensation goes up 2.8% for 2026, reflecting this year’s cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). In this quick guide, we explain what the 2.8% bump means in dollars, when you’ll actually see the increase, how to estimate your new rate (with and without dependents), and what to do if your payment doesn’t match what you expect.
What’s changing in 2026 (2.8% COLA)
The Social Security Administration announced a 2.8% COLA increase for 2026 payments. VA disability compensation is tied to the same COLA, so veterans’ monthly, tax-free payments rise by 2.8% across the board (including SMC, DIC, and dependent additions).
When your higher payment arrives
The new rates take effect December 1, 2025, but remember that VA pays in arrears which means that you’ll see the first payment reflecting 2026 rates hit your bank accounts on December 31, 2025 (because January 1 is a federal holiday).
2026 VA disability pay chart (single veteran)
Note: Veterans with qualifying dependents (spouse, children, parents) receive higher amounts than shown here. The 2.8% COLA applies to those tiers as well. For the full matrix—including dependent scenarios—use VA’s official rate tables once posted for 2026.
How to estimate your new monthly payment
A quick way to ballpark your 2026 rate is to multiply your current monthly payment by 1.028 (a 2.8% increase).
Example: If you were paid $3,831.30 at 100% in 2025, multiply by 1.028 ≈ $3,938.58 for 2026 (before any SMC or dependents). That’s an increase of about $107.28. These numbers match the chart above.
If your rate doesn’t look right
If your January payment (paid December 31, 2025) doesn’t reflect the 2.8% increase—or if your dependent status changed in 2025—double-check your award letter and VA’s current rate tables. If something’s off, we can help review your record and address underpayments, missed dependent additions, or rating errors.
Need help? At After Service, we represent veterans nationwide in appeals and VA disability benefits cases. Schedule a free consultation—let’s make sure you’re paid at the correct rate.
