2026 VA Disability Rates: As we step into the second half of the year, many veterans in the U.S. who get monthly disability payments from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) are starting to wonder about the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2026. Experts believe that the update about the new COLA rate will arrive in October 2025. But people should not expect a huge jump like in the past couple years. Inflation is slowly cooling down, and that means the raise could be modest this time.
Every year, the VA changes the amount of money it gives out for disability based on the Social Security’s COLA. The COLA is decided by looking at data from the third quarter of the year from something called the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers, or CPI-W.
VA Disability Pay August 2025: How much extra will veterans receive this month due to COLA raise?
This shows how much prices go up for everyday stuff like food, gas, and bills. Once the official announcement happens in October, the new rates are supposed to start on December 1, 2025. Veterans should then receive the higher amount in their January 1, 2026 payments, according to what groups like VA Claims Insider and VA Disability Group have shared.
2026 VA Disability Rates: How much Increase can you Expect?
We still don’t know the exact raise yet, but experts are guessing it will be about 2.5%. That’s not a lot compared to past years, but it still helps.
- With 10%: From about $175 to around $180
- With 50%: From about $1,102 to around $1,130
- With 100%: From about $3,738 to around $3,831
VA Disability Payment Schedule 2025: When Will Veterans Be Paid in August?
COLA is important because it helps veterans keep up with the rising cost of living. For veterans who live on fixed incomes, even a small increase can make a big difference. In 2023, the COLA was 8.7%, and in 2024, it dropped to 3.2%. So a 2.5% increase in 2026 would mean things are going back to how they were before the past few years of wild inflation.
The next COLA might not be very high, but every little bit helps. That’s why many are keeping a close eye on the updates that will come in October. Veterans and their families should make sure to check VA.gov or the Social Security Administration site so they don’t miss out on any changes. Some experts even say talking to certified veterans’ advocates can help you stay informed about what’s coming next.
