Key Takeaways: 2026 VA Pay Updates
- 2026 COLA Increase: 2.8% (Confirmed).
- Effective Date: December 1, 2025.
- First Payment Date: January 1, 2026 (or Dec 31, 2025, depending on your bank).
- 100% Rate (Veteran Alone): Increases to approximately $3,938.58 per month.
The 2026 VA disability pay chart reflects a 2.8% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA), which increases monthly compensation for veterans with a service-connected disability rating of 10% or higher. This adjustment is designed to help veterans keep pace with inflation and rising living costs.
As we enter 2026, understanding your new compensation rate is critical for financial planning. Below, you will find the complete, official charts broken down by disability percentage and dependent status. If you are unsure how your combined rating affects your pay, use our VA Disability Calculator to get an exact estimate.
2026 VA Disability Pay Rates: 10% – 20% (No Dependents)
Veterans rated at 10% or 20% generally do not receive additional compensation for dependents. These base rates are fixed regardless of marital status or children.
| Disability Rating | 2025 Monthly Rate | 2026 Monthly Rate (2.8% Increase) |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $175.51 | $180.42 |
| 20% | $346.95 | $356.66 |
Note: If you have a rating of 20% or lower, you generally cannot add dependents to your award. However, if you have multiple ratings that combine to 30% or higher, you become eligible for dependent pay. Learn more in our guide on VA Disability Ratings 101.
2026 VA Disability Pay Rates: 30% – 60% (With Dependents)
Once you reach a combined rating of 30%, the VA allows you to add eligible dependents (spouse, children, and dependent parents) to your claim. This can significantly increase your monthly tax-free payment.
| Dependent Status | 30% Rate | 40% Rate | 50% Rate | 60% Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Veteran Alone | $552.47 | $795.84 | $1,132.90 | $1,435.02 |
| Veteran + Spouse | $634.72 | $905.47 | $1,269.90 | $1,599.42 |
| Veteran + Spouse + 1 Child | $681.99 | $968.49 | $1,348.68 | $1,693.95 |
| Veteran + 1 Child (No Spouse) | $595.63 | $853.37 | $1,204.83 | $1,521.33 |
| Add for Each Additional Child (Under 18) | +$32.90 | +$44.20 | +$55.51 | +$66.82 |
If your family situation has changed recently—such as a marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child—you must update the VA immediately. Failing to do so can result in underpayment or debt. See our guide on Adding Dependents to ensure you aren’t leaving money on the table.
2026 VA Disability Pay Rates: 70% – 100% (With Dependents)
The jump from 60% to 70%—and especially to 100%—represents a major financial shift. At the 100% level, you may also be eligible for additional 100% P&T benefits like property tax exemptions and Chapter 35 education benefits.
| Dependent Status | 70% Rate | 80% Rate | 90% Rate | 100% Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Veteran Alone | $1,808.45 | $2,102.15 | $2,362.30 | $3,938.58 |
| Veteran + Spouse | $2,000.25 | $2,321.36 | $2,608.91 | $4,175.05 |
| Veteran + Spouse + 1 Child | $2,110.53 | $2,447.39 | $2,750.70 | $4,342.66 |
| Veteran + 1 Child (No Spouse) | $1,909.13 | $2,217.21 | $2,491.73 | $4,091.56 |
| Add for Each Additional Child (Under 18) | +$78.13 | +$89.44 | +$100.74 | +$109.15 |
Note: Amounts are estimated based on the confirmed 2.8% COLA. Final official figures may vary by a few cents due to VA rounding rules.
Are You Being Underpaid?
Many veterans are rated lower than their condition warrants because they lack the proper medical evidence, such as a Nexus Letter or a clear DBQ. If you believe your rating is incorrect, you can file for an increase. Our guide on Fully Developed Claims explains how to submit a claim that moves faster through the system.
How is the 2026 COLA Calculated?
The 2026 Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) of 2.8% matches the adjustment made to Social Security benefits. This figure is determined by the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W), which tracks inflation on goods like gas, groceries, and housing.
- 2024 COLA: 3.2%
- 2025 COLA: 2.5%
- 2026 COLA: 2.8%
While 2.8% is lower than the historic highs of 2023, it still represents a permanent increase to your base pay. This compound effect ensures your benefits grow over time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When will the 2026 VA disability rates take effect?
The new rates officially took effect on December 1, 2025. However, because the VA pays in arrears (meaning you are paid for the previous month), your first check with the new amount will be the payment for December, which is deposited on January 1, 2026.
Why is my deposit date different?
If January 1st falls on a holiday or weekend, the VA typically releases funds on the last business day of the previous month. For 2026, you may see your deposit hit your account as early as December 31, 2025.
Do I need to apply for the 2026 increase?
No. The COLA increase is automatic. You do not need to file any paperwork or contact the VA. Your payment will automatically update to the 2026 rate.
Does this affect VA math for combined ratings?
The COLA increase affects the dollar amount you are paid, but it does not change the percentage of your disability. Your combined rating (e.g., 70%, 90%) remains the same unless you file a new claim for an increase. To understand how your percentage is calculated, read VA Math Explained.
Ready to verify your rating? Use the VA Payment Calculator to see exactly how the 2026 rates apply to your specific situation.