In 2026, veterans are getting a 2.8% increase in their monthly VA benefits compared to 2025.
The updated disability rates will come in effect in December. Until then, the 2025 VA disability rates still apply – or, if you don’t want to worry about VA’s complicated (and lengthy) tables, we’ve got a simple tool that will save you time and effort, too!
2026 VA Disability Rates (Without Children)
| Percentage | 2026 Rate |
|---|---|
| 10% | $180.42 |
| 20% (No Dependents) | $356.67 |
30%-60% Disability Rates for Veterans Without Children
| Dependent Status | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Veteran Alone | $552.47 | $795.82 | $1,132.89 | $1,434.00 |
| Veteran with Spouse Only | $618.25 | $883.23 | $1,241.48 | $1,566.60 |
| Veteran with Spouse & One Parent | $670.69 | $953.12 | $1,329.26 | $1,671.44 |
| Veteran with Spouse and Two Parents | $723.11 | $1,023.04 | $1,417.00 | $1,776.29 |
| Veteran with One Parent | $604.90 | $865.75 | $1,220.28 | $1,539.87 |
| Veteran with Two Parents | $657.30 | $935.64 | $1,308.11 | $1,644.73 |
| Additional for A/A spouse | $59.62 | $80.18 | $100.74 | $120.28 |
- Veterans at a 30% disability rate without dependents will see an increase of 15 dollars, with their monthly compensation going from $537.42 in 2025 to $552.47 in 2026.
- At the higher end, veterans at a 60% disability rate with a spouse and two parents will see their compensation increase by roughly 49 dollars, with the monthly amount moving from $1,727.93 in 2025 to $1,776.29 in 2026.
70%-100% Disability Rates for Veterans Without Children
| Dependent Status | 70% | 80% | 90% | 100% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Veteran Alone | $1,808.44 | $2,102.15 | $2,362.32 | $3,938.61 |
| Veteran with Spouse Only | $1,961.62 | $2,276.91 | $2,559.66 | $4,158.16 |
| Veteran with Spouse and One Parent | $2,084.97 | $2,417.73 | $2,717.00 | $4,334.40 |
| Veteran with Spouse and Two Parents | $2,208.34 | $2,558.58 | $2,876.31 | $4,510.65 |
| Veteran with One Parent | $1,931.83 | $2,242.98 | $2,520.62 | $4,115.77 |
| Veteran with Two Parents | $2,054.18 | $2,383.81 | $2,678.94 | $4,291.02 |
| Additional for A/A spouse | $140.84 | $161.40 | $180.93 | $201.41 |
- A veteran alone at a 70% disability rate will see their compensation increase by approximately $49, moving from $1,759.19 in 2025 to $1,808.44 in 2026.
- For a 100% disabled veteran with a spouse and two parents, the increase is significant: approximately 123 dollars, growing from $4,387.79 in 2025 to $4,510.65 in 2026.
2026 Disability Rates for Veterans With Children
There is no extra compensation for dependents at the 10% and 20% level. Veterans rated 10% and 20% receive the same standard compensation as those without children:
| Percentage | 2026 Rate |
|---|---|
| 10% | $180.42 |
| 20% (No Dependents) | $356.67 |
30%-60% Disability Rates for Veterans With Children
| Dependent Status | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Veteran with Child Only | $595.64 | $854.45 | $1,205.88 | $1,522.47 |
| Veteran with Spouse and Child | $666.55 | $947.00 | $1,323.06 | $1,663.22 |
| Veteran with Spouse, One Parent and Child | $718.02 | $1,017.88 | $1,410.46 | $1,767.09 |
| Veteran with Spouse, Two Parents and Child | $769.47 | $1,088.78 | $1,497.84 | $1,870.92 |
| Veteran with One Parent and Child | $648.06 | $924.37 | $1,293.28 | $1,627.24 |
| Veteran with Two Parents and Child | $698.49 | $994.26 | $1,380.65 | $1,731.07 |
| Add for Each Additional Child Under Age 18 | $31.87 | $43.18 | $54.48 | $64.76 |
| Each Additional Schoolchild Over Age 18 | $104.86 | $140.84 | $175.79 | $210.74 |
| Additional for A/A spouse | $59.62 | $80.18 | $100.74 | $120.28 |
- A veteran with only one child and a 30% disability rate will see an increase of about 16 dollars, with their monthly payout moving from $579.42 in 2025 to $595.64 in 2026.
70%-100% Disability Rates for Veterans With Children
| Dependent Status | 70% | 80% | 90% | 100% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Veteran with one Child (no spouse and no parents) | $1,910.22 | $2,219.34 | $2,493.89 | $4,085.43 |
| Veteran with Spouse and Child (no parents) | $2,074.70 | $2,406.43 | $2,704.63 | $4,318.99 |
| Veteran with Spouse, One Parent and One Child | $2,198.06 | $2,547.27 | $2,862.94 | $4,495.23 |
| Veteran with Spouse, Two Parents and Child | $2,321.42 | $2,688.11 | $3,021.25 | $4,671.47 |
| Veteran with One Parent and Child | $2,033.58 | $2,360.17 | $2,652.20 | $4,261.67 |
| Veteran with Two Parents and Child | $2,156.94 | $2,501.01 | $2,810.51 | $4,437.91 |
| Add for Each Additional Child Under Age 18 | $76.07 | $86.35 | $97.66 | $109.11 |
| Each Additional Schoolchild Over Age 18 | $245.69 | $281.67 | $316.62 | $352.45 |
| Additional for A/A spouse | $140.84 | $161.40 | $180.93 | $201.41 |
VA Payment Schedule in 2026
As a veteran relying on VA benefits, it’s important to know when you can expect your payments. Understanding the 2026 VA Payment Schedule helps you plan your finances effectively.
- Monthly Payments: VA disability compensation is paid monthly. The payment you receive each month is for the previous month. For example, the payment received in April is for March.
- Scheduled Dates: VA typically deposits payments on the first business day of each month. If the first day of the month falls on a weekend or a holiday, the payment is made on the last business day before the first.
- Direct Deposit: Signing up for direct deposit is the most efficient way to receive your payments. It’s secure, and funds are usually available sooner compared to traditional mail.
- Planning Ahead: The provided table will help you know exactly when funds will be available in your account, allowing you to manage your expenses and budget accordingly.
- Adjustments for COLA: Keep in mind that any cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) will be reflected in these payments, ensuring that your benefits keep pace with inflation.
We’ve created a detailed table that outlines each month’s payment date and the corresponding day of the week for your convenience.
2026 VA Payment Dates
Below is our easy-to-use 2026 VA Payment Schedule table. It lists each month’s payment date along with the day of the week, giving you a clear overview of when to expect your benefits throughout the year. This information is invaluable for budgeting, scheduling bill payments, and planning for the year ahead.
| Month | Payment Date | Day of Week |
| 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 |
Current VA Disability Rates (2025)
| Percentage | 2025 Rate |
|---|---|
| 10% | $175.51 |
| 20% (No Dependents) | $346.95 |
| Dependent Status | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Veteran Alone | $537.42 | $774.16 | $1,102.04 | $1,395.93 |
| Veteran with Spouse Only | $601.42 | $859.16 | $1,208.04 | $1,523.93 |
| Veteran with Spouse & One Parent | $652.42 | $927.16 | $1,293.04 | $1,625.93 |
| Veteran with Spouse and Two Parents | $703.42 | $995.16 | $1,378.04 | $1,727.93 |
| Veteran with One Parent | $588.42 | $842.16 | $1,187.04 | $1,497.93 |
| Veteran with Two Parents | $639.42 | $910.16 | $1,272.04 | $1,599.93 |
| Additional for A/A spouse | $58.00 | $78.00 | $98.00 | $117.00 |
| Dependent Status | 70% | 80% | 90% | 100% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Veteran Alone | $1,759.19 | $2,044.89 | $2,297.96 | $3,831.30 |
| Veteran with Spouse Only | $1,908.19 | $2,214.89 | $2,489.96 | $4,044.91 |
| Veteran with Spouse and One Parent | $2,028.19 | $2,351.89 | $2,643.96 | $4,216.35 |
| Veteran with Spouse and Two Parents | $2,148.19 | $2,488.89 | $2,797.96 | $4,387.79 |
| Veteran with One Parent | $1,879.19 | $2,181.89 | $2,451.96 | $4,002.74 |
| Veteran with Two Parents | $1,999.19 | $2,318.89 | $2,605.96 | $4,174.18 |
| Additional for A/A spouse | $137.00 | $157.00 | $176.00 | $195.92 |
| Dependent Status | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Veteran with Child Only | $579.42 | $831.16 | $1,173.04 | $1,480.93 |
| Veteran with Spouse and Child | $648.42 | $922.16 | $1,287.04 | $1,617.93 |
| Veteran with Spouse, One Parent and Child | $699.42 | $990.16 | $1,372.04 | $1,719.93 |
| Veteran with Spouse, Two Parents and Child | $750.42 | $1,058.16 | $1,457.04 | $1,821.93 |
| Veteran with One Parent and Child | $630.42 | $899.16 | $1,258.04 | $1,582.93 |
| Veteran with Two Parents and Child | $681.42 | $967.16 | $1,343.04 | $1,684.93 |
| Add for Each Additional Child Under Age 18 | $31.00 | $42.00 | $53.00 | $63.00 |
| Each Additional Schoolchild Over Age 18 | $102.00 | $137.00 | $171.00 | $205.00 |
| Additional for A/A spouse | $58.00 | $78.00 | $98.00 | $117.00 |
| Dependent Status | 70% | 80% | 90% | 100% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Veteran with one Child (no spouse and no parents) | $1,858.19 | $2,158.89 | $2,425.96 | $3,974.15 |
| Veteran with Spouse and Child (no parents) | $2,018.19 | $2,340.89 | $2,630.96 | $4,201.35 |
| Veteran with Spouse, One Parent and One Child | $2,138.19 | $2,477.89 | $2,784.96 | $4,372.79 |
| Veteran with Spouse, Two Parents and Child | $2,258.19 | $2,614.89 | $2,938.96 | $4,544.23 |
| Veteran with One Parent and Child | $1,978.19 | $2,295.89 | $2,579.96 | $4,145.59 |
| Veteran with Two Parents and Child | $2,098.19 | $2,432.89 | $2,733.96 | $4,317.03 |
| Add for Each Additional Child Under Age 18 | $74.00 | $84.00 | $95.00 | $106.14 |
| Each Additional Schoolchild Over Age 18 | $239.00 | $274.00 | $308.00 | $342.85 |
| Additional for A/A spouse | $137.00 | $157.00 | $176.00 | $195.92 |
- A veteran with one child (with no spouse or parents) at a 70% disability rate will see an increase of roughly $44.90, with their monthly sum moving from $1,813.29 in 2024 to $1,858.19 in 2025.
- On the higher side, a 100% disabled veteran with a spouse, two parents, and a child will see their monthly compensation grow by approximately $110.84, increasing from $4,433.39 in 2024 to $4,544.23 in 2025.
The Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) Effects on Ratings
Each year, your VA benefits may increase slightly due to the Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA). This adjustment ensures your benefits keep up with inflation. For example, if prices go up, COLA increases your benefits, so your purchasing power remains the same. What will your VA disability pay increase look like? Find out by clicking here.
How are VA Ratings Calculated?
Figuring out how VA calculates your disability rating might seem tricky at first, but it’s important to grasp this process. It helps you understand the financial support you can expect based on your service-connected disability.
The Basics of VA Rating Percentages
Every disability that VA recognizes is assigned a percentage. This percentage, ranging from 0% to 100%, reflects how much your disability affects you. A higher percentage means a more severe impact on your daily life and work capabilities.
How Percentages Are Assigned
To assign these percentages, VA looks at specific criteria for each type of disability. These criteria are detailed in VA’s rating schedule, which describes various symptoms and conditions. For example, if you have a knee injury, VA will check how much your knee’s motion is limited and assign a percentage based on that.
Considering Severity and Impact
VA considers both the medical severity of your condition and how it affects your life. For instance, a condition that causes severe pain and limits your ability to work might receive a higher percentage than a condition with manageable symptoms.
Individual vs. Multiple Disabilities
If you have just one disability, VA gives you a single percentage rating. But if you have multiple disabilities, each gets its own percentage. Then, these are combined using VA’s special formula, not just by adding them up. This is important because the way VA combines percentages can affect your overall disability rating.
What’s your rating going to be with more that one disability? Click here to learn more!
Calculate Your Estimated Payments Now
Navigating VA’s complex disability rating tables can be overwhelming and confusing. That’s where our VA Disability Calculator comes in – a tool specifically designed to save you time and effort!
With just a few clicks, you can gain insights into:
-
Your Expected VA Disability Rating: No more guessing or trying to interpret complicated tables. Our calculator provides a clear estimation of the rating percentage for your specific condition or combined conditions.
Your Potential Compensation: Understand the financial support you might be eligible for. Our calculator breaks down the compensation tied to various disability ratings, giving you a clear picture of your potential benefits.
Ready to find out what your VA disability rating and compensation could look like? Try our VA Disability Calculator now by clicking here!
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