VA disability and related benefits rise 3.6% in 2026 due to COLA.

The increase is automatic—no new claim or form needed.

Military retirement and DIC payments also get the COLA boost.

Check your January 2026 payment to confirm the higher amount.

2026 VA Disability COLA: 3.6% Increase for Veterans’ Checks

What Is the 2026 VA Disability COLA?

Each year, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) adjusts disability compensation and related benefits based on the Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA). For 2026, the official COLA is 3.6%. This increase is set by law (see 38 U.S.C. § 5302) and is designed to help veterans and their families keep up with inflation. The COLA applies to VA disability compensation, Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), and many other federal benefits.

Starting with the January 2026 payment, veterans will see their monthly checks increase by 3.6%. This adjustment is automatic—no action is required to receive the higher payment if you already have an active claim or award.

How Much Will Your VA Disability Payment Increase?

The 3.6% COLA applies to all VA disability ratings. For example, a veteran with a 100% disability rating receiving $3,737.85 per month in 2025 will see their payment rise to about $3,872.41 in 2026. If you have a lower rating, use the VA Disability Rating Calculator to estimate your new monthly amount.

10% rating (single veteran): $171.23 (2025) → $177.39 (2026)
50% rating (single veteran): $1,075.16 (2025) → $1,113.88 (2026)
100% rating (single veteran): $3,737.85 (2025) → $3,872.41 (2026)

These figures are for veterans without dependents. If you receive additional amounts for a spouse, children, or parents, those portions will also increase by 3.6%.

Who Else Receives the COLA Increase?

The COLA doesn’t just affect VA disability compensation. It also applies to:

VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
Special Monthly Compensation (SMC)
Military retirement pay
Social Security benefits

If you receive military retired pay, your monthly amount will also rise by 3.6%. Use our military retirement hub for more details. The same adjustment helps survivors and family members who receive DIC or other related benefits.

What Should Veterans and Families Do Next?

You do not need to file a new claim or submit a VA form to receive the COLA increase. The VA and Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) will automatically apply the new rates to January 2026 payments. However, you should:

Review your January 2026 payment to confirm the increase appears.
Update your direct deposit information if you’ve changed banks (use VA Form 20-572).
Check your combined rating with our disability calculator if you have multiple service-connected conditions.
If you’re planning to file a new claim, visit our VA claims hub for step-by-step guides.

If you notice any errors or do not receive the correct amount, contact the VA at 1-800-827-1000 or visit your local VA office.

Where to Learn More

For more on how COLA is calculated and how it affects your benefits, see our explainers index. You can also find detailed information on disability ratings at our disability ratings hub. Staying informed helps you make the most of your earned benefits.