The VA Disability Pay Chart for 2026 reflects a confirmed 2.8% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA). This adjustment increases the monthly, tax-free payments that eligible veterans receive. The updated rates take effect on December 1, 2025, and will appear in payments issued in early 2026.
The new amount is based on inflation data measured by the federal government. Higher rates ensure that veterans’ compensation keeps pace with changes in the cost of food, housing, medical needs, and other essentials. These rates apply to all approved disability ratings ranging from 10% to 100%.
Veterans who receive compensation based on their rating and dependent status will notice a difference in their monthly income. Understanding the 2026 pay chart, eligibility rules, and payment calendar helps veterans prepare financially and plan ahead with accurate information.
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Updated 2026 VA Disability Pay Amounts
The new disability rates are effective December 1, 2025, and reflected in payment deposits issued in January 2026. Payments issued each month cover the previous month’s entitlement. This means the first 2026-rate payment corresponds to the benefit month of December 2025.
The 2.8% increase applies automatically for all veterans already receiving VA disability compensation. No additional application or form is required to receive the new rates. The updated amount applies to both veterans without dependents and those with spouses, children, or dependent parents.
The VA calculates disability pay based on rating percentages assigned for service-connected conditions. Veterans with combined ratings at 10% and 20% do not receive extra benefits for dependents, but ratings at 30% and above qualify for higher rates if dependents are claimed.
What’s Included in the 2026 Pay Chart
The pay chart includes three main groups of disability ratings: 10%–20%, 30%–60%, and 70%–100%. For each group, the monthly base amount is provided, followed by amounts for various dependent statuses like spouse, child, parents, and combinations. Additional amounts are listed for extra children, school-age children, and Aid & Attendance for a spouse.
For veterans rated at 10% or 20%, no extra dependents’ compensation applies.
For ratings 30% and above, dependent compensation applies, and additional rows list: each child under 18, each schoolchild over 18 in school, and spouse receiving Aid & Attendance.
2026 Monthly Rates
| Disability Rating Group | Veteran Alone | Veteran + Spouse | Veteran + Spouse + 1 Child | Each Additional Child (<18) | Each Schoolchild (>18) | Spouse on Aid & Attendance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10% | $180.42 | — | — | — | — | — |
| 20% | $356.66 | — | — | — | — | — |
| 30% | $552.47 | $618.26 | $666.58 | $31.87 | $104.86 | $59.62 |
| 40% | $795.84 | $883.22 | $947.98 | $43.18 | $140.84 | $80.18 |
| 50% | $1,132.90 | $1,241.87 | $1,323.08 | $54.48 | $175.79 | $100.74 |
| 60% | $1,435.02 | $1,566.60 | $1,663.23 | $64.76 | $210.74 | $120.28 |
| 70% | $1,808.45 | $1,961.62 | $2,074.70 | $76.07 | $245.69 | $140.84 |
| 80% | $2,102.15 | $2,276.91 | $2,406.43 | $86.35 | $281.67 | $161.40 |
| 90% | $2,362.30 | $2,559.68 | $2,704.63 | $97.66 | $316.62 | $180.93 |
| 100% | $3,938.58 | $4,158.17 | $4,318.99 | $109.11 | $352.45 | $201.41 |
Eligibility Requirements for VA Disability Compensation
Basic Service Requirements
To qualify for VA disability compensation, a veteran must have a service-connected disability. This means the condition developed during active duty or was made worse by military service. The VA verifies this connection through medical records and service history.
The veteran must also have been discharged under conditions that are not dishonorable. This requirement ensures eligibility based on federal guidelines. Each application undergoes evaluation to confirm that service records align with the claim.
A disability rating is assigned after review of medical evidence. Ratings range from 0% to 100% and determine the monthly compensation amount. Higher ratings reflect more severe impairments and result in higher payments.
Dependent-Based Eligibility
Veterans rated 30% or higher may receive additional compensation if they have eligible dependents. Dependents include a spouse, children under 18, children aged 18–23 in school, and dependent parents. The VA requires supporting documentation to add dependents.
Dependent compensation increases the total monthly amount and helps address household expenses. Veterans must notify the VA of any changes in family status to keep their payment accurate.
2026 VA Disability Payment Dates
VA disability compensation is issued on the first business day of each month. If the first day falls on a weekend or federal holiday, payment is moved to the previous business day. Each payment covers the benefit for the prior month.
The first 2026 payment reflecting the new rates is scheduled for January 2026, covering December 2025. This establishes the payment pattern for the rest of the year.
Direct deposit is the standard method used by the VA to deliver monthly payments. Veterans must ensure their banking details are updated to avoid delays.
2026 Payment Calendar
Below is the listing section (1 of 1 allowed) of the confirmed business-day deposit dates for key months in 2026:
- January 2026: Friday, January 30
- March 2026: Wednesday, April 1
- May 2026: Monday, June 1
- July 2026: Friday, July 31
- November 2026: Tuesday, December 1
These dates follow the federal payment schedule rules and may help veterans plan bills and monthly expenses more effectively.
How 2026 Rates Affect Veterans
A 2.8% increase provides slightly higher monthly income for all eligible veterans. Even a small rise contributes to better cost coverage for housing, groceries, medical supplies, and transportation. The increase applies consistently across all disability levels.
Veterans with higher ratings will see the largest dollar-value increases because the adjustment is percentage-based. Those with dependents also receive additional increases tied to the same COLA calculation.
Veterans receiving Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) will see proportional increases as well. This category covers severe disabilities, loss of use of limbs, or mobility limitations.
Knowing the exact monthly amount helps veterans estimate their annual disability income. Payment dates also help plan rent, utility bills, insurance, and medical appointments. Veterans can compare their 2025 and 2026 payments to track changes accurately.