Every year, VA benefits rise with the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). The 2026 VA COLA is 2.8%, effective December 1, 2025. This guide explains what the 2026 COLA means for your VA disability pay and when you saw the increase.
What Is the 2026 VA COLA?
The COLA is a yearly raise that keeps benefits in line with inflation. It is based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI-W). VA disability compensation, VA pension, and DIC all rise by the same percentage as Social Security. For 2026, that increase is 2.8%.
How the COLA Affects Your Pay
The 2.8% raise applies to your base rate and your dependent pay. Here are a few examples of the 2026 increase:
- 100% single veteran: $3,831.30 → $3,938.58 (about $107 more per month).
- 70% single veteran: $1,759.19 → $1,808.45.
- 50% single veteran: $1,102.04 → $1,132.90.
See the full numbers in our 2026 VA disability pay chart.
When Did the 2026 COLA Start?
The increase took effect December 1, 2025. Because VA pays a month behind, the first payment with the higher amount arrived December 31, 2025. See all 2026 VA pay dates.
Who Gets the COLA?
The COLA is automatic. You do not need to apply. It covers veterans receiving disability compensation, survivors receiving DIC, and veterans receiving VA pension. Social Security recipients get the same 2.8% raise.