Veteran cost-of-living-adjustment rates increased for 2026

The 2026 Veterans disability compensation rates are in! Starting Jan. 1, 2026, all compensation benefit rates have been increased by 2.8% to match adjustments made to Social Security benefits.

This increase impacts disability benefits, clothing allowance, dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC), as well as other assistance programs.

That means, for example, that a veteran with a 30% disability rating with no spouse or dependents will receive $552.47, up from last year when the amount was $537.42.

Likewise, a veteran with a spouse and two children with a 70% disability rating will receive $2.074.45. Last year, the amount was $2,018.19.

The VA is required by law to match the percentage of cost-of-living adjustments made to Social Security benefits. These adjustments help to make sure that the purchasing power of veterans’ benefits keeps up with inflation.

The VA has put together a series of pay compensation rates for veterans based on disability rating. On the Basic monthly rates table, veterans can find the amount for their disability rating and dependent status, which is the basic monthly rate.

There is an additional adjustment rate for each child at $76.00.

To find the new compensation rates, please visit www.va.gov/disability/compensation-rates/veteran-rates/