As of May 2025, veterans receiving disability benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) are set to see an increase in their monthly compensation, thanks to a 2.5% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) applied to VA disability payments. This adjustment, effective from December 2024, will result in an extra $100 or more in benefits for many veterans, depending on their disability rating and the number of dependents they have.
In this article, we’ll break down how the increase works, who is eligible, the payment schedule, and how to check your updated compensation.
What Is the VA Disability Benefits Increase?
Each year, the VA applies a COLA adjustment to disability payments for veterans, aiming to help offset the effects of inflation. In May 2025, veterans will see an increase in their compensation payments, with a 2.5% rise in monthly benefits.
The amount added to each veteran’s payment will vary depending on their disability rating and their family situation. For example, a veteran with a 100% disability rating who has no dependents will see an increase of about $93 per month. On the other hand, a veteran with a 60% disability rating who has a spouse and one child will receive an additional $43 per month.
This adjustment reflects the growing cost of living and is designed to ensure that veterans’ benefits maintain their purchasing power over time.
How Much More Will You Get?
While the exact amount depends on your disability rating, here’s a breakdown of the expected increase for some of the most common VA disability ratings:
- 100% Disability Rating (No Dependents): Monthly compensation will increase from $3,737.85 in 2024 to $3,831.30 in 2025. That’s an additional $93.45 each month.
- 100% Disability Rating (With Spouse and One Child): Monthly compensation will increase from $4,064.60 in 2024 to $4,170.60 in 2025. Veterans with dependents will see an increase of around $106 per month.
- 60% Disability Rating (With Spouse and One Child): Monthly compensation will increase from $1,480.93 in 2024 to $1,523.93 in 2025, an increase of $43.00 per month.
- 50% Disability Rating (No Dependents): Monthly compensation will increase from $1,016.62 in 2024 to $1,041.79 in 2025, adding $25.17 per month.
For a more detailed view of the new compensation rates, you can visit the official VA website here: VA Disability Compensation Rates.
Payment Schedule and Dates for 2025
VA disability benefits are typically issued on the first business day of each month. However, if the first day of the month falls on a weekend or federal holiday, payments are made on the last business day of the previous month.
For example, the payment date for May 2025 is set to be Friday, May 30. If you’re expecting your benefits, you can plan for the payment to arrive on or before this date. It’s always important to keep track of these dates to avoid any confusion.
Who Is Eligible for the VA Disability Benefits Increase?
All veterans receiving VA disability compensation are eligible for the COLA increase. This includes those with any level of disability rating, from 10% to 100%. The increase applies automatically, so no application is required.
However, the exact amount of the increase depends on two main factors:
- Disability Rating: The higher your disability rating, the higher your compensation will be. Veterans with higher disability ratings typically receive larger increases.
- Dependents: If you have a spouse or children, your compensation will be higher than a veteran with no dependents. The COLA increase applies to the full compensation amount, including payments for dependents.
If you’re unsure of your disability rating or dependent status, you can contact the VA or visit their website to check your current status.
How to Check Your Updated Compensation
Veterans can easily check their updated compensation rates by logging into their VA.gov account. The website provides a secure portal where you can access your payment details and see the exact amount of your new monthly benefits.
Alternatively, you can review your monthly deposit statements. The VA sends these out monthly, and they will show your updated compensation amount. If you don’t receive your payment on the expected date, the statement will indicate the reason for any delay or issue.
Conclusion
The May 2025 VA disability benefits increase is a welcome relief for many veterans, providing additional financial support in the face of rising living costs. With the 2.5% COLA increase, veterans can expect a boost in their monthly payments, ranging from $43 to $100 or more, depending on their disability rating and dependents.
