Surprise Boost! VA Disability Payments Just Increased—Here’s How Much More You’ll Get

If you’re a veteran receiving disability benefits, there’s some good news for your wallet this year. Starting in 2025, your monthly payments are getting a small but important boost, thanks to a 2.5% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA). This bump is meant to help keep up with rising prices—because let’s face it, everything from groceries to gas seems to cost more these days.

But what does this mean for you, exactly? Who gets the increase, when will it show up in your account, and how much more can you expect? Let’s break it all down in plain English.

What’s Changing With VA Benefits in 2025?

Each year, the government adjusts VA benefits to keep up with inflation. This is called the COLA, and it’s meant to help ensure your benefits still go as far as they used to. For 2025, that increase is 2.5%.

So if you’re already receiving VA disability payments, you’ll likely notice your monthly amount has gone up a bit. It might not be a life-changing raise, but it’s designed to ease the pressure of rising living costs.

Who Gets This Increase?

Good news—you don’t need to fill out a single form. If you’re already getting VA disability payments, the 2.5% boost happens automatically.

This includes:

• Veterans with disability ratings between 10% and 100%

• Those receiving Special Monthly Compensation (SMC)

• Veterans with eligible dependents

• Survivors receiving Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)

In other words, if you’re already part of the system, you’re covered.

When Will You See the Extra Money?

The increase officially took effect on December 1, 2024, and the first payment with the new rate was sent out on December 31, 2024.

For April 2025, the payment date is Wednesday, April 30. (The VA typically sends payments on the first business day of the following month.)

So if you’re expecting your April payment, keep an eye on your account at the end of the month.

How Much More Are We Talking About?

Your exact increase depends on your disability rating and whether you have dependents. Here’s a quick idea:

• 10% rating: From $171.23 to $175.51

• 50% rating: From $1,075.16 to $1,101.04

• 100% rating (no dependents): From $3,737.85 to $3,831.30

• 100% with spouse & child: From $4,183.85 to $4,288.45

Every dollar counts, especially when prices keep climbing. To see your specific rate, you can check the VA’s 2025 rate chart here.

What You Need to Do

Honestly? Nothing at all. If you qualify, the increase should already be built into your monthly payment. No paperwork, no hassle.

But if you believe your rating should be higher—say, your condition has worsened—you can always request a re-evaluation.

Quick Facts to Keep in Mind

• The increase is tax-free—federally and in most states.

• Dependents mean more compensation, and that’s adjusted too.

• DIC recipients (surviving spouses and children) are also included.