The VA cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2026 will follow the official COLA announced by the Social Security Administration. This article explains how the process works, how to find the new rates, who is eligible, and when payments change.
How VA COLA Increase 2026 Works
The Social Security Administration (SSA) typically announces the annual COLA in October, based on changes in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W).
The Department of Veterans Affairs applies the same COLA percentage to most VA benefits, including disability compensation, pension, and dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC).
Key points about the process
- SSA announces the COLA in October each year.
- VA uses the SSA percentage to increase most monthly benefit rates for the next calendar year.
- The increase normally appears in payments issued in January of the following year.
Check New Rates for VA COLA Increase 2026
To confirm the official VA COLA for 2026, check primary government sources once SSA announces the number.
Follow these steps to find the new rates:
- Visit the Social Security Administration website for the official COLA announcement.
- Check VA.gov for a VA press release and updated benefit tables.
- Use your VA online account (VA.gov profile or eBenefits) to view your personal benefit amount.
Quick links to watch
- SSA COLA announcement page
- VA News Releases on VA.gov
- MyVA or eBenefits account pages
Eligibility for VA COLA Increase 2026
Most VA beneficiaries who receive monthly payments are eligible for the COLA. This includes recipients of disability compensation, pension, DIC, and clothing allowance when applicable.
Eligibility does not depend on applying for a COLA; it is automatic for qualifying benefits paid by the VA.
Who gets the increase
- Veterans receiving disability compensation
- Recipients of VA pensions
- Survivors receiving DIC
- Many ancillary payments tied to monthly benefits
VA Payment Schedule 2026
The VA generally issues monthly compensation and pension payments on the first day of each month. When the first falls on a weekend or federal holiday, the VA pays on the last business day before that date.
Knowing the schedule helps you plan bank deposits and budgeting after the COLA takes effect.
Common payment timing facts
- Most VA monthly payments are scheduled for the 1st of each month.
- If the 1st is a weekend or holiday, payment occurs earlier on the prior business day.
- VA posts an annual payment schedule on VA.gov you can reference for 2026 dates.
How to Estimate Your New Payment
Until the official COLA is announced, you can estimate your new payment using a simple formula once you know the percentage.
Calculation method:
- New payment = Current payment x (1 + COLA percentage)
- Round to the nearest cent according to your bank or payment statement.
Hypothetical example
To illustrate, assume a hypothetical COLA of 3% (this is an example only). If your current monthly disability compensation is $1,200, the estimated new payment would be $1,200 x 1.03 = $1,236.
The VA COLA matches the Social Security COLA. When SSA announces the percentage, the VA applies that same increase to most monthly VA benefits.
Where to Check Official Information
When the SSA announces the official COLA, use these resources to confirm exact amounts and effective dates:
- Social Security Administration official announcement (ssa.gov)
- Department of Veterans Affairs press releases and benefit tables (va.gov)
- Your VA.gov profile, eBenefits account, or local VA regional office
- VA customer service: you can call the VA for benefit-specific questions
Small Real-World Case Study
Case: Mary is a 68-year-old veteran receiving a monthly pension of $900. Suppose the announced COLA is 4% (example only). Mary would estimate her new monthly amount as $900 x 1.04 = $936. The VA would post the specific updated pension rate on VA.gov and Mary would see the adjusted deposit in her January payment following the official announcement.
Practical Steps After the COLA Announcement
After SSA releases the COLA, follow these steps to confirm your new payment:
- Check the official SSA COLA announcement to get the exact percentage.
- Review VA.gov benefit tables and your VA online account for personalized amounts.
- Verify your direct deposit account and expected payment date for January.
- Contact VA support if your payment does not reflect the announced increase.
Staying informed through official channels ensures you receive the correct increase and understand how the VA applies COLA to your benefits in 2026.
