VA COLA 2026: What Veterans Can Expect in Disability Benefit Hike?

VA COLA Hike 2026: Veterans across the country are waiting to see how the 2026 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) will change their monthly disability checks. The official number will be announced sometime in 2025 but two veteran groups already made guesses. The VA Disability Group thinks the raise will be about 2.5% while VA Claims Insider estimates it slightly higher at 2.7%.

Even though it may seem small the raise can make a big difference for veterans with a 100% disability rating. It could mean almost $100 more every month. Many veterans rely on this money for rent, medicine, and daily life.

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“The COLA is a lifeline,” said a retired Army staff sergeant. “Without it, every year would feel like we’re losing ground.” The VA calculates this raise every year to keep up with inflation using the same method Social Security uses. The increase is based on inflation data collected through September 2025. The official rate will come in mid-October and the new payments will start in January 2026.

How much will it Increase?

If the 2.5% estimate is correct a veteran receiving $3,831.30 for 100% disability will get about $3,927.08 each month. If the 2.7% estimate comes true that veteran will get $3,934.74. The hike also applies to allowances for family members like spouses, children, and parents. An extra benefit is that VA disability payments are tax-free.

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Veterans do not need to apply for this increase. The VA automatically updates payments for anyone with a 10% or higher disability rating. Experts suggest keeping VA records updated especially for dependents to make sure the full boost is received. “It’s not just about the veteran; it’s about the entire family,” said a VA Claims Insider spokesperson. “A few extra dollars each month can make a difference with rising bills and medicine costs.”

The exact COLA number is still not clear because inflation changes every year. Whether it is 2.5% or 2.7% the raise will not solve all money problems but gives fixed-income veterans some security.