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Veterans and survivors will see a boost to their benefits in 2026 as cost-of-living adjustments take effect across several VA programs. The increase is tied to the Social Security Administration’s annual Cost of Living Adjustment, which was set at 2.8 percent for 2026. The adjustment is intended to help beneficiaries keep pace with rising everyday expenses.

VA benefit increases tied to COLA take effect Dec. 1 each year, meaning the higher payments are already reflected in 2026 benefit checks. The 2.8 percent adjustment follows a 2.5 percent increase in 2025 and a 3.2 percent increase in 2024.

One of the most widely received benefits impacted by the increase is VA disability compensation. These monthly payments are available to Veterans with service-connected physical or mental health conditions rated at 10 percent or higher. In 2026, monthly compensation ranges from $180.42 for a Veteran with a 10 percent rating to $4,671.47 for a Veteran rated at 100 percent with a spouse, child, and two dependent parents. Additional amounts are available for dependents and for spouses who require aid and attendance.

Veterans with severe service-connected injuries may also qualify for Special Monthly Compensation. This benefit applies to Veterans who have lost the use of limbs or certain organs as a result of their service. In 2026, Special Monthly Compensation payments range from $4,584.77 to $11,843.74 per month, depending on the level of loss and care needs.

Low-income wartime Veterans may qualify for the VA Veterans Pension, even without a service-connected disability. To be eligible in 2026, a Veteran must be age 65 or older or permanently and totally disabled, have served during a wartime period, and meet income and asset limits. The asset threshold is set at $163,699. For a single Veteran with no dependents, the annual income limit is $17,441. Veterans who require aid and attendance and have one dependent may qualify for a higher income limit of $34,488.

Survivors of wartime Veterans may also qualify for pension benefits. The Survivors’ Pension helps bridge the gap between a survivor’s income and a set annual limit. In 2026, the VA will pay the difference between income and $11,699 for an unremarried surviving spouse or unmarried child. Survivors who require aid and attendance and have a dependent may qualify for up to $22,304 annually.

Another key benefit for survivors is Dependency and Indemnity Compensation. DIC is paid to eligible survivors of Veterans whose deaths were connected to service-related conditions. In 2026, the base monthly rate for a surviving spouse is $1,699.36, with additional amounts available for children, aid and attendance, and certain transitional provisions.

Together, these adjustments provide modest but meaningful financial relief for Veterans and their families as they navigate rising costs in 2026.

Author: Rikki Almanza

Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted family connection to the military, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.