Legislators Jon Tester, D-Mont., (pictured) and Jerry Moran, R-Kan., proposed plans to ensure Veterans benefits will increase in line with cost of living next year. (Photo: Jon Tester)

In an effort to help Veterans’ payouts keep up with inflation, Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Jon Tester (D-Mont.), and ranking member Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), introduced plans yesterday to ensure a cost-of-living boost in benefits for Veterans next year that equals what Social Security beneficiaries will receive.

The legislation would raise the rates of compensation in 2025 for survivors of former Service Members and Veterans with disabilities related to their military service.

The VA issues benefit checks to about 5 million Veterans and 2 million Military Retirees each month. Payments for clothing allowances, dependence and indemnity benefits, disability compensation, and some other VA assistance programs would also be subject to the COLA-increase legislation.

This action is necessary, according to Tester’s statement, “to ensure that the men and women who served this country have benefits that meet their needs each year.”

Every year, similar legislation is presented in the House and Senate and is usually not contested. Veterans’ benefits do not have to include an annual cost-of-living increase like Social Security benefits do, so advocates’ main priority is to implement a matching increase every year.

The Social Security increase for 2023 was 8.7%, which was the largest in forty years. However, this year’s increase was only 3.2%. The Senior Citizens League predicted last month that the increase in 2025 will probably be in the range of 2.4% to 2.5%, although federal officials won’t make the announcement until this fall.

Regardless of the size of the cost-of-living increase, Veterans should receive the same adjustment, according to a statement from Moran. He stated that with continuous cost increases and inflation, a large number of Veterans depend on the VA for financial support.

Moran also said giving Disabled Veterans, surviving spouses, and their children peace of mind and ongoing support will be made possible by ensuring that certain benefits for Veterans keep up with growing costs.

The bill has already received the signatures of at least 12 senators, including both Democrats and Republicans. In the upcoming weeks, it is anticipated that companion legislation will be introduced in the House.

The expected date of the legislation’s consideration has not been disclosed by House and Senate leaders. Prior to the November presidential and congressional elections, both chambers are set to recess in early summer.

Author: Rikki Almanza

Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted connection to the military, a spouse who is a Navy veteran, a father who served in the Air Force for 25 years, and a grandfather who proudly served, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.