VA Disability Rates and Payment Schedule 2026 v 2025
Each year, the VA adjusts VA disability rates to keep up with inflation. This cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) is based on a percentage determined by the Social Security Administration (SSA), and is the same percent increase Social Security recipients get. It’s determined using the year-over-year increase in the cost of living based on the Consumer Price Index for Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) as of September 30.
The 2026 increase is 2.8%, which is slightly higher than the historical average and slightly higher than the 2025 increase. Of course, since the COLA is percentage-based, the dollar amount of the increase depends on the amount of benefits you receive. The higher your disability rating, the higher your monthly benefits are. And, the higher your monthly benefits are, the more your benefits will increase in dollars.
Here’s the increase in base VA disability benefits at each disability rating.
VA Disability Rates for 2025 and 2026
| VA Disability Rating | 2025 Base Monthly Benefits | 2026 Base Monthly Benefits | 2025 →2026 Increase |
| 10% | $175.51 | $180.42 | $4.91 |
| 20% | $346.95 | $356.66 | $9.71 |
| 30% | $537.42 | $553.47 | $16.05 |
| 40% | $774.16 | $795.84 | $21.68 |
| 50% | $1,102.04 | $1,132.90 | $30.86 |
| 60% | $1,395.93 | $1,435.02 | $39.09 |
| 70% | $1,759.19 | $1,808.45 | $49.26 |
| 80% | $2,044.89 | $2,102.15 | $57.26 |
| 90% | $2,297.96 | $2,362.30 | $64.34 |
| 100% | $3,831.30 | $3,938.58 | $107.28 |
The VA disability rates above are for a veteran alone, without add-on benefits. However, veterans with dependents who are rated 30% disabled or above receive an additional sum per qualifying dependent. The additional amount varies depending on the relationship. For example, here’s how the monthly benefit is changing for a veteran with a spouse but no children or dependent parents.
VA Disability Benefits for a Veteran and Spouse, 2025 v 2026
| VA Disability Rating | 2025 Monthly Benefits | 2026 Monthly Benefits | 2025 →2026 Increase |
| 30% | $601.42 | $617.47 | $16.05 |
| 40% | $859.16 | $882.84 | $23.68 |
| 50% | $1,208.04 | $1,241.90 | $33.86 |
| 60% | $1,523.93 | $1,566.02 | $42.09 |
| 70% | $1,908.19 | $1,961.45 | $53.26 |
| 80% | $2,214.89 | $2,275.15 | $60.26 |
| 90% | $2,489.96 | $2,559.30 | $69.34 |
| 100% | $4,044.91 | $4,158.17 | $113.26 |
To find the exact amount of benefits for your disability rate and combination of dependents, see the VA’s current VA disability rates table.
Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) Rates, 2025 v 2026
| SMC Level | 2025 Monthly Compensation | 2026 Monthly Compensation | Increase |
| SMC-K* | $136.00 | $139.87 | $3.87 |
| SMC-Q* | $67.00 | $67.00 | $0.00** |
| SMC-L | $4,767.34 | $4,900.83 | $133.49 |
| SMC-L 1/2 | $5,014.00 | $5,154.00 | $140.00 |
| SMC-M | $5,261.24 | $5,408.55 | $147.31 |
| SMC-M 1/2 | $5,623.00 | $5,780.00 | $157.00 |
| SMC-N | $5,985.06 | $6,152.64 | $167.58 |
| SMC-N 1/2 | $6,337.00 | $6,514.00 | $177.00 |
| SMC-O/P | $6,689.81 | $6,877.12 | $187.31 |
| SMC-R.1 | $9,559.22 | $9,826.88 | $267.66 |
| SMC-R.2/T | $10,964.66 | $11,271.67 | $307.01 |
| SMC-S | $4,288.45 | $4,408.53 | $120.08 |
*SMC-K and SMC-Q designations entitle the veteran to a monthly add-on to their base VA disability benefits. All other levels trigger a substitute base benefits rate, which may be increased based on eligible dependents.
**SMC-Q is a legacy designation. SMC-Q has not been assigned since 1968, and the rate is fixed.
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2026 VA Disability Payment Schedule
VA disability payments are delivered on the first day following the end of the benefit month. For example, benefits for March of 2026 would typically be paid on April 1, 2026. However, if the first day of the month falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday, then the payment is delivered early. That means there will be a few calendar months when you receive two payments: one on the first of the month and one at the end of the month.
Knowing exactly when you’re going to get paid can be important. In some cases, a day or two can make a big difference in your planning. Here’s what you can expect in 2026. December of 2025 is included because December benefits are paid at the 2026 rate, and you will receive your increased benefit amount on December 31, 2025.
| Benefit Month | Payment Date | Day of the Week |
| December 2025 | December 31, 2025 | Wednesday |
| January 2026 | January 30, 2026 | Friday |
| February 2026 | February 27, 2026 | Friday |
| March 2026 | April 1, 2026 | Wednesday |
| April 2026 | May 1, 2026 | Friday |
| May 2026 | June 1, 2026 | Monday |
| June 2026 | July 1, 2026 | Wednesday |
| July 2026 | July 31, 2026 | Friday |
| August 2026 | September 1, 2026 | Tuesday |
| September 2026 | October 1, 2026 | Thursday |
| October 2026 | October 30, 2026 | Friday |
| November 2026 | December 1, 2026 | Tuesday |
| December 2026 | December 31, 2026 | Thursday |
You can always refer to this table to see when your VA disability benefits will be deposited, or simply check the calendar. If the 1st of the month falls on a weekend or holiday, look back to the last regular business day before the 1st.
If you’d like a text update when your monthly benefit is deposited, you can sign up for alerts on the VA website.
Are You Receiving the Maximum VA Disability Benefits Available?
VA disability rates are adjusted annually, and veterans receive a small increase in monthly benefits. But the best way to make sure you’re getting all the benefits you’re entitled to is to make sure you have the maximum appropriate VA disability rating. That may mean requesting a re-evaluation of your disability rating or submitting a claim for an additional service-connected condition or secondary-connected condition.
If you believe you are entitled to benefits you aren’t receiving, you should speak with an experienced VA disability benefits advocate right away. And if you’re just starting your claim, we can help you build the strongest case possible. To learn more, call 888-373-4722 or fill out our contact form HERE!
Call 1-888-373-4722 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
FAQs
1. How much did my monthly VA disability payment increase in 2026?
Thanks to the 2026 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA), monthly payments for all disability ratings increased by approximately 2.8 percent.
2. When will I see the new 2026 rates in my bank account?
The new rates are effective December 1, 2025. Because VA pays in arrears, most veterans will see the updated payment on their December 2025 check, typically deposited at the end of December or early January.
3. Does my dependent status affect my rate increase?
Yes, veterans with dependents receive higher monthly amounts. The COLA applies to those tiers as well. If your dependent status has recently changed, it could impact your 2026 payment amount, so it is worth double-checking with the VA.
Call 1-888-373-4722 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
Read More Here:
- Types Of VA Disabilities
- VA Disability Compensation Rates
- What Is TDIU and How Can I Get It?
- Can My Spouse Receive My VA Disability After I Die?
- The Easiest Way to a 100% VA Disability Rating
- VA Benefits For Spouses of 100% Disabled Veterans
- SSDI For Veterans
Call 1-888-373-4722 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
